SL/R232: future rare SL
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 148
SL65(R231), SL65(R230), 600SL, 560SL(86), 560SL(89),250SL(68),250SL(67), 190SL, 300SL(GW)
future rare SL
The 2024 sales numbers are tabulated. The R232 had 1,608 sales. I've suspected that this may be the last SL.........the aforementioned sales numbers add credibility to that guess. I believe this makes this the worst selling SL ever ( outside of the limited GW and 300SL roadsters).
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
The 2024 sales numbers are tabulated. The R232 had 1,608 sales. I've suspected that this may be the last SL.........the aforementioned sales numbers add credibility to that guess. I believe this makes this the worst selling SL ever ( outside of the limited GW and 300SL roadsters).
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Jan 8, 2025 at 02:41 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 521
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Daimler Benz would be wise to cut and run. Sales for roadsters in general are dismal. BMW is dropping the Z4 as sales are also terrible. I think Aston Martin also dropped the Vantage droptop.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Aston just released the Vantage convertible on their web site. Looks really nice!
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 148
SL65(R231), SL65(R230), 600SL, 560SL(86), 560SL(89),250SL(68),250SL(67), 190SL, 300SL(GW)
If, BIG IF, MB had any functional neurons, this could be an opportunity. There's less competition in the luxury convertible market. The SL was always an iconic car, starting with the 300. Reliability is needed. Step #1 is to recognize there's a problem MB can't get to step #1.
The word is out that the SL has frequent reliability problems, denial didn't work. Please recall the biodegradable wiring denials.
Sadly, this will likely be the last SL.
The word is out that the SL has frequent reliability problems, denial didn't work. Please recall the biodegradable wiring denials.
Sadly, this will likely be the last SL.
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: SoCal, Cannes France
1986 Light Ivory R107 560SL & 2024 W206 Starling Blue C300 4MATIC AMG-Line, Exclusive Trim
I understand this car has been plagued with issues left and right but man it does make me rather sad to see my favorite icon being left in the dust. This car needs a refresh to address its issues, instead of random 100 unit special editions. It’s hard to imagine MB without the SL. It was priced stratospherically high, so I don’t believe MB expected this thing to move 7500 units a year, but 1600 is dismal. 3000 seems like the sweet spot. Also, I did find the marketing around it rather weak when it came out.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Likes: 6,281
I understand this car has been plagued with issues left and right but man it does make me rather sad to see my favorite icon being left in the dust. This car needs a refresh to address its issues, instead of random 100 unit special editions. It’s hard to imagine MB without the SL. It was priced stratospherically high, so I don’t believe MB expected this thing to move 7500 units a year, but 1600 is dismal. 3000 seems like the sweet spot. Also, I did find the marketing around it rather weak when it came out.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
There are still plenty of people with the financial capabilities that want a sporty convertible like the SL and not just an suv. Look at the Porsche 911 sales. Dealer allocations, waiting lists, stupid high prices, and opinions vary, but mine is that the interior of the 911 is on par with a Toyota. Mbz made a huge mistake with the current SL but could easily sell 3000+ units a year if the would get their heads out of their asses. Get rid of half of the new tech that creates the electronic issues, make it reliable and at least make it seem like a good value for the ridiculous prices that are asked. There’s a big void in the luxury two seater market from $100,000-$200,000 that someone should jump on, and I keep hoping that it will be the next SL. Mine is now 9 years old and I dread the thought of having to keep it for another 9 years because there’s nothing out there under $250,000 that even comes close to what I already have.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
There are still plenty of people with the financial capabilities that want a sporty convertible like the SL and not just an suv. Look at the Porsche 911 sales. Dealer allocations, waiting lists, stupid high prices, and opinions vary, but mine is that the interior of the 911 is on par with a Toyota. Mbz made a huge mistake with the current SL but could easily sell 3000+ units a year if the would get their heads out of their asses. Get rid of half of the new tech that creates the electronic issues, make it reliable and at least make it seem like a good value for the ridiculous prices that are asked. There’s a big void in the luxury two seater market from $100,000-$200,000 that someone should jump on, and I keep hoping that it will be the next SL. Mine is now 9 years old and I dread the thought of having to keep it for another 9 years because there’s nothing out there under $250,000 that even comes close to what I already have.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Feb 10, 2025 at 09:13 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 148
SL65(R231), SL65(R230), 600SL, 560SL(86), 560SL(89),250SL(68),250SL(67), 190SL, 300SL(GW)
I agree that MB has cranial-**** inversion. The reliability, questionable engineering and design aren't positives. There's minimal competition, the SL has a 70yr history, it's an icon. Exploit the aforementioned.
The latest foray into irrelevance is called the "Golden Coast" edition, the Junior Pimp Edition. Limited to 100 units.......get those orders in today!!!
Long ago in the early days of the R232 debacle, I suggested firing the entire BOD and senior management.............was I wrong??
The latest foray into irrelevance is called the "Golden Coast" edition, the Junior Pimp Edition. Limited to 100 units.......get those orders in today!!!
Long ago in the early days of the R232 debacle, I suggested firing the entire BOD and senior management.............was I wrong??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,526
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
I agree that MB has cranial-**** inversion. The reliability, questionable engineering and design aren't positives. There's minimal competition, the SL has a 70yr history, it's an icon. Exploit the aforementioned.
The latest foray into irrelevance is called the "Golden Coast" edition, the Junior Pimp Edition. Limited to 100 units.......get those orders in today!!!
Long ago in the early days of the R232 debacle, I suggested firing the entire BOD and senior management.............was I wrong??
The latest foray into irrelevance is called the "Golden Coast" edition, the Junior Pimp Edition. Limited to 100 units.......get those orders in today!!!
Long ago in the early days of the R232 debacle, I suggested firing the entire BOD and senior management.............was I wrong??
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
I mean, forum member streamliner also want it to succeed and he too has one, and he too was (still?) a loyal mb customer but the company let him down. He didnt leave mb, mb left him.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 521
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I continue to get offers from both MB corporate and my local dealer to trade my R231 for a new R232. Huge discounts and trade values above book. Clearly MB is desperately trying to keep the SL alive. Quality and reliability used to be monikers associated with MB. This is no longer the case. Can the SL be saved?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,526
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
I continue to get offers from both MB corporate and my local dealer to trade my R231 for a new R232. Huge discounts and trade values above book. Clearly MB is desperately trying to keep the SL alive. Quality and reliability used to be monikers associated with MB. This is no longer the case. Can the SL be saved?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
I continue to get offers from both MB corporate and my local dealer to trade my R231 for a new R232. Huge discounts and trade values above book. Clearly MB is desperately trying to keep the SL alive. Quality and reliability used to be monikers associated with MB. This is no longer the case. Can the SL be saved?
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 28
Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche
Maybe sell directly to the end user (B2C) and spare us from the time wasting / painful dealer purchase experience.
I want to acquire an around-town vehicle for a family member and, even though I don't like EV complications, I have thought about leasing a Tesla since it's a no hassle experience.
VW is planning to copy Tesla with their upcoming Scout products and I think other OEMs should follow suit.
I want to acquire an around-town vehicle for a family member and, even though I don't like EV complications, I have thought about leasing a Tesla since it's a no hassle experience.
VW is planning to copy Tesla with their upcoming Scout products and I think other OEMs should follow suit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 900
From: DFW
SL63
Well, the damage is done but if damage control, they need to start to do a few things (or all of them, including: ) solving the software issues, perhaps bringing back physical buttons, better integrate the centre screen, dropping the weight, (it is called super light I guess in German for a reason), bring back hard top, perhaps fine tuning the transmission, find a way to prevent dealerships from setting high ADMs, set a price that makes more sense, have inventory controlled well. Did I miss anything? Let me know.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Maybe sell directly to the end user (B2C) and spare us from the time wasting / painful dealer purchase experience.
I want to acquire an around-town vehicle for a family member and, even though I don't like EV complications, I have thought about leasing a Tesla since it's a no hassle experience.
VW is planning to copy Tesla with their upcoming Scout products and I think other OEMs should follow suit.
I want to acquire an around-town vehicle for a family member and, even though I don't like EV complications, I have thought about leasing a Tesla since it's a no hassle experience.
VW is planning to copy Tesla with their upcoming Scout products and I think other OEMs should follow suit.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Yes, exactly plus they had to I guess to at least squeeze something from the additional weight everything else added, but it is not enough plus not everyone wants a soft top. Wish they add more carbon fibre as standard to make up for it but then you get a higher price tag.
Member
Joined: Jun 2024
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S 63 (W221 MOPF) E 450 (A238 MOPF) G 63 (W465)
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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 49
Likes: 8
2015 E550 Convertible
R232 Sales
The 2024 sales numbers are tabulated. The R232 had 1,608 sales. I've suspected that this may be the last SL.........the aforementioned sales numbers add credibility to that guess. I believe this makes this the worst selling SL ever ( outside of the limited GW and 300SL roadsters).
Any other members in the same situation?
