SL/R232: About to order AMG SL43.. anyone having car issues?
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2019 C300 cabriolet
About to order AMG SL43.. anyone having car issues?
Hi-
Like the title says- about to order the AMG SL43 and heard a few rumblings that people were having issues with the car and wanted to see if anyone on here owns one and their thoughts!
Appreciate any insight!
Like the title says- about to order the AMG SL43 and heard a few rumblings that people were having issues with the car and wanted to see if anyone on here owns one and their thoughts!
Appreciate any insight!
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Last edited by Streamliner; 02-03-2024 at 01:43 PM.
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places (02-04-2024)
#3
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I found the 43 to putter as when you exhale forcefully and your lips flutter. And, it shook as though unbalanced. Very unappealing for an MB sports car. While underway, it would get up and go but the feeble, sound and shaking was enough for me to pass. That thing will never sell. What in the world was AMG thinking when they put their name on this thing? I don't mean to denigrate your interest but, you asked for feedback. I too was interested initially but found it to be 'lots of smoke and no fire'. I'd recommend you drive one first.
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I found the 43 to putter as when you exhale forcefully and your lips flutter. And, it shook as though unbalanced. Very unappealing for an MB sports car. While underway, it would get up and go but the feeble, sound and shaking was enough for me to pass. That thing will never sell. What in the world was AMG thinking when they put their name on this thing? I don't mean to denigrate your interest but, you asked for feedback. I too was interested initially but found it to be 'lots of smoke and no fire'. I'd recommend you drive one first.
This shows me the level of ignorance and arrogance at the corporate level, someone actually thought this was a great idea. As I've stated before, I'd look at the BMW 850, it will smoke this car for about the same money. This car is AMG in name only.
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They should have a six cylinder, period. An SL with a 2.0 liter engine
This shows me the level of ignorance and arrogance at the corporate level, someone actually thought this was a great idea. As I've stated before, I'd look at the BMW 850, it will smoke this car for about the same money. This car is AMG in name only.
This shows me the level of ignorance and arrogance at the corporate level, someone actually thought this was a great idea. As I've stated before, I'd look at the BMW 850, it will smoke this car for about the same money. This car is AMG in name only.
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2022 SL55 AMG Roadster; 2024 Land Rover P400 Defender 110; 2020 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
I have an SL55 that I’m very happy with. Plenty of naysayers on this board, some of whom base opinions on personal experience and others based on what they read here or what they think Mercedes should have produced instead. Test drive one and draw your own conclusions. Good luck!
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#8
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You're not going to find much productive here. As the saying goes, good news doesn't leave the front door but bad news travels miles.
Although people on this thread may not be bull****ting, it's not a good representation of the vehicle. Well 4000 SLs (probably closer to 10k, stats haven't updated yet) have been sold worldwide in 2022-2023. So if you have 50 people with issues on this forum, that's enough for an issue every week of a year but it's 1% or less of the cars.
One thing I will say for sure you will encounter is modern Mercedes problems. Does the system glitch sometimes yes (android auto bugging through construction zone, etc...)? Does this affect physical components? Sometimes. I've had bugs with my rear spoiler, exhaust muting and a few small quirks. Nothing a reboot didn't solve. Very few of them reappeared (gone after another reboot).
Battery problems are also common but it's not the type of battery problem that will leave you stranded on the side of the road. Recalls have explained the root cause and it's the system being overly sensitive (under 50% charge you get battery alwarnings). There are many ways of handling this and Mercedes dealership have recalls to help
Any other problem is adhoc and each model year the car will keep having less problems. Please remember this a 2 year old chassis/system on a heavily revamped platform. Most cars that have this extensive remodel behave the same besides Toyota maybe.
As you are buying a 2024 I would think you are in good shape. I've driven your engine and it's been pretty strong after its first iteration. Just avoid tuning it as it already has some high compression and that can cause problems.
Everything else related to the I4 being too small and blablabla how is this an ang blablabla is ultimately not a problem, it's simply a reality. If you like the car and it's offering, it's gonna be a great car for you.
Although people on this thread may not be bull****ting, it's not a good representation of the vehicle. Well 4000 SLs (probably closer to 10k, stats haven't updated yet) have been sold worldwide in 2022-2023. So if you have 50 people with issues on this forum, that's enough for an issue every week of a year but it's 1% or less of the cars.
One thing I will say for sure you will encounter is modern Mercedes problems. Does the system glitch sometimes yes (android auto bugging through construction zone, etc...)? Does this affect physical components? Sometimes. I've had bugs with my rear spoiler, exhaust muting and a few small quirks. Nothing a reboot didn't solve. Very few of them reappeared (gone after another reboot).
Battery problems are also common but it's not the type of battery problem that will leave you stranded on the side of the road. Recalls have explained the root cause and it's the system being overly sensitive (under 50% charge you get battery alwarnings). There are many ways of handling this and Mercedes dealership have recalls to help
Any other problem is adhoc and each model year the car will keep having less problems. Please remember this a 2 year old chassis/system on a heavily revamped platform. Most cars that have this extensive remodel behave the same besides Toyota maybe.
As you are buying a 2024 I would think you are in good shape. I've driven your engine and it's been pretty strong after its first iteration. Just avoid tuning it as it already has some high compression and that can cause problems.
Everything else related to the I4 being too small and blablabla how is this an ang blablabla is ultimately not a problem, it's simply a reality. If you like the car and it's offering, it's gonna be a great car for you.
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#11
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Depreciation is always at the door . . . These are cars. I just picked up a 2023 SL63, after considering a 2022 SL55 at my local Aston dealership, with <500 miles (yikes), the (basically new) SL55 was at a $40k+ discount from new, so yes, depreciation is real. Back to the OP, while I too would not immediately gravitate to an SL43, but if after driving, YOU love it, that’s all that really matters. Agree with reading what’s on the forum, you will pick up themes, none of which I see like an IMS bearing, bore scoring or thrown rods . . . Good luck in finding your new car! KH
#12
I just picked up a new 2023 SL43 on Friday. So far loving it although only 99 miles on it. I was VERY skeptical about the 4-cylinder engine but after driving it I was a convert. Great sound, quick acceleration. For the way I will be driving it I don't need the V8, and I saved quite a bit of money vs. the other models especially after manufacturer and dealer discounts. I'll report back after more time but if you can't afford / don't want the 55 or 63 I think the 43 is a great car.
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#13
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I just picked up a new 2023 SL43 on Friday. So far loving it although only 99 miles on it. I was VERY skeptical about the 4-cylinder engine but after driving it I was a convert. Great sound, quick acceleration. For the way I will be driving it I don't need the V8, and I saved quite a bit of money vs. the other models especially after manufacturer and dealer discounts. I'll report back after more time but if you can't afford / don't want the 55 or 63 I think the 43 is a great car.
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Here is another thread on someone driving the SL 43: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...in-passes.html
The main pro they mentioned was the lighter front end.
If OP still wants this and in no rush and don't mind not having a convertible, not having 4MATIC, they can consider the newly revealed 2025 GT 43.
The main pro they mentioned was the lighter front end.
If OP still wants this and in no rush and don't mind not having a convertible, not having 4MATIC, they can consider the newly revealed 2025 GT 43.
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We had a press loaner and the SL43 thought it was about to be in a front end collision (empty road), then threw all of these warning codes and failures on the dash. I turned the car on and off at the next light and everything was back to normal except a check engine light. The next morning, after the vehicle sat in the garage all night, the check engine light was off and back to normal like nothing had happened, and it never did it again...
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We had a press loaner and the SL43 thought it was about to be in a front end collision (empty road), then threw all of these warning codes and failures on the dash. I turned the car on and off at the next light and everything was back to normal except a check engine light. The next morning, after the vehicle sat in the garage all night, the check engine light was off and back to normal like nothing had happened, and it never did it again...
Um, that stinks : (
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#20
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I briefly considered the SL 43, but I really wanted the 4WS option.
So I started looking at the SL 55.
After some searching online, and in my local area, I got a call one day.
It was for a SL 63, 2022 trade in.
I really have been happy so far, but I do have my fingers crossed that I don’t run into the problems other forum members have had.
Technology is great, and it’s supposed to make our lives better and easier, until it doesn’t.
Mine is in the shop now, SOS inop, air conditioning inop.
They are installing, gratis, a trickle charger connector.
I don’t really need it, because I follow the sleep protocols religiously.
I haven’t had any battery issues at all.
But I have to say, I am not complaining about a little peace of mind.
So I started looking at the SL 55.
After some searching online, and in my local area, I got a call one day.
It was for a SL 63, 2022 trade in.
I really have been happy so far, but I do have my fingers crossed that I don’t run into the problems other forum members have had.
Technology is great, and it’s supposed to make our lives better and easier, until it doesn’t.
Mine is in the shop now, SOS inop, air conditioning inop.
They are installing, gratis, a trickle charger connector.
I don’t really need it, because I follow the sleep protocols religiously.
I haven’t had any battery issues at all.
But I have to say, I am not complaining about a little peace of mind.
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PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
I briefly considered the SL 43, but I really wanted the 4WS option.
So I started looking at the SL 55.
After some searching online, and in my local area, I got a call one day.
It was for a SL 63, 2022 trade in.
I really have been happy so far, but I do have my fingers crossed that I don’t run into the problems other forum members have had.
Technology is great, and it’s supposed to make our lives better and easier, until it doesn’t.
Mine is in the shop now, SOS inop, air conditioning inop.
They are installing, gratis, a trickle charger connector.
I don’t really need it, because I follow the sleep protocols religiously.
I haven’t had any battery issues at all.
But I have to say, I am not complaining about a little peace of mind.
So I started looking at the SL 55.
After some searching online, and in my local area, I got a call one day.
It was for a SL 63, 2022 trade in.
I really have been happy so far, but I do have my fingers crossed that I don’t run into the problems other forum members have had.
Technology is great, and it’s supposed to make our lives better and easier, until it doesn’t.
Mine is in the shop now, SOS inop, air conditioning inop.
They are installing, gratis, a trickle charger connector.
I don’t really need it, because I follow the sleep protocols religiously.
I haven’t had any battery issues at all.
But I have to say, I am not complaining about a little peace of mind.
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MB2timer (03-21-2024)
#22
It’s cool but a few issues
My second SL. First was a matte gray 2016. Loved it. Got a SL43 a few weeks ago. Stunningly beautiful. Sticker $115 paid $90. I thought a good deal. It’s had a few issues. Top wouldn’t go up a couple times. Some other electrical issues. But I love it. The 43 rides soft. Maybe because of the 19’s? Really soft. Softer than my 2019 GLC300 Coupe. I tried to tweak up the dynamics but it’s still soft. Maybe up the tire pressure? It oddly came from the dealer with 44psi and rode great but then when I noticed it and followed the door jamb sticker and put in 36psi it feels super soft. Any advice?
Secondly, the transmission is jumpy. I don’t know much about cars but it seems to search for gears and lurch a bit too much.
I read all the angry notes. But I just love this car!!! Absolutely love it.
Secondly, the transmission is jumpy. I don’t know much about cars but it seems to search for gears and lurch a bit too much.
I read all the angry notes. But I just love this car!!! Absolutely love it.
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#23
Junior Member
[QUOTE=GreggySL;8944914]
I read all the angry notes. But I just love this car!!! Absolutely love it.
Grand to hear, congratulations and wear in good health!
I read all the angry notes. But I just love this car!!! Absolutely love it.
Grand to hear, congratulations and wear in good health!
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GreggySL (03-24-2024)
#24
Member
Just purchased a 2023 sl43 with 7000 miles on it. Have encountered some unusual characteristics during driving. When I gently push down on the gas pedal to try to accelerate it seems to be having trouble going through the gears. It is like when someone is just learning how to drive a stick shift. Seems to only happen at low speeds starting out. Anyone else experiencing this? I have seen a post of I think a sl63 having similar problems that was fixed with software changes? Hopefully this problem is not why the previous owner sold the car. lol Got a service advisor call scheduled.
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Just purchased a 2023 sl43 with 7000 miles on it. Have encountered some unusual characteristics during driving. When I gently push down on the gas pedal to try to accelerate it seems to be having trouble going through the gears. It is like when someone is just learning how to drive a stick shift. Seems to only happen at low speeds starting out. Anyone else experiencing this? I have seen a post of I think a sl63 having similar problems that was fixed with software changes? Hopefully this problem is not why the previous owner sold the car. lol Got a service advisor call scheduled.