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I have searched the SL operators manual and the web AI for this with no success... hoping that I have missed something on the settings. Is there any way to turn off or temporarily disable the automatic extension of the rear wing (spoiler) on R232 (SL 63). On page 232 of the manual it explains how to extend or retract, but once you drive away, the Aerodynamic system takes over.
Normally, this is awesome, but when I have my bike rack attached, the wing is prevented from deploying causing an error (not a big deal, no damage done). I can attach the rack with the rear wing deployed with no problem, but once I drive a way, the wing gets retracted. I have tried setting it to extended or setting it to retract before driving away, but once on the road, it does its own thing.
I have been playing with driving modes (C v. S) to see if one leaves the spoiler alone, but no luck so far. Any insight would be appreciated.
Last edited by JimWilder; May 20, 2025 at 01:24 PM.
Short of disconnecting the wiring there is no way to stop this as far as I know. Somebody in the GT section has done it, because they installed an aftermarket fixed wing on top of the active spoiler. The spoiler extending at certain speeds is needed as otherwise the rear gets too light due to excessive lift. I believe you'll get a warning if you try driving at higher speeds if the spoiler is not out. The aero is part of the car's stability at higher speeds. I haven't checked the manual, but my previous car had an active spoiler and there was a disclaimer in the owner's manual not to exceed a certain speed if it fails to deploy. If I remember correctly, it was above 80 mph at which point the lack of a deployed spoiler could lead to instability.
That's helpful, but disconnecting the wiring is probably not the direction I wanted to go with this.
When my bike is attached, I am just driving at highway speeds, not exceeding 80 mph; the extra 100 lbs on the back would probably help stability.
Even with the wing extended, I can run the straps under the wing without touching anything, but when I slow down the wing drops back down and throws the error of being inoperable. Again, probably not a big deal, but just would prefer not to have the wing hitting the straps.
Consider a different rack that doesn't have straps. You are more limited with a rag top, but I've long used a SeaSucker rack which uses suction cups to mount the bikes. You can see different ways of attaching it to various vehicles on their website. It goes on and comes off in a few seconds, no rubbing or obstructing parts. Ideal for sports cars, coupes and such. With convertibles I've seen them attach it sideways on top of the trunk.
The roof top version is probably not going to be a good fit because of the soft top. Rear bumper mounting isn’t a very good option either, because of the active stability. I have never looked into a front bumper mount, but that would most likely draw the attention of traffic enforcement, for obstructing visibility.
In conclusion, the SL just might not be a good option for bike enthusiasts.
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Originally Posted by JimWilder
I have searched the SL operators manual and the web AI for this with no success... hoping that I have missed something on the settings. Is there any way to turn off or temporarily disable the automatic extension of the rear wing (spoiler) on R232 (SL 63). On page 232 of the manual it explains how to extend or retract, but once you drive away, the Aerodynamic system takes over.
Normally, this is awesome, but when I have my bike rack attached, the wing is prevented from deploying causing an error (not a big deal, no damage done). I can attach the rack with the rear wing deployed with no problem, but once I drive a way, the wing gets retracted. I have tried setting it to extended or setting it to retract before driving away, but once on the road, it does its own thing.
I have been playing with driving modes (C v. S) to see if one leaves the spoiler alone, but no luck so far. Any insight would be appreciated.
Isn't it possible to extend the wing and keep it extended? You state that you can attach the rack with the rear wing deployed. I no longer own my SL but I'm pretty sure I was able to extend the wing and keep it that way if I wanted.
Isn't it possible to extend the wing and keep it extended? You state that you can attach the rack with the rear wing deployed. I no longer own my SL but I'm pretty sure I was able to extend the wing and keep it that way if I wanted.
The only problem with that is, if any part of the bike rack interferes with a spurious closing of the wing, something is going to get crushed.
Isn't it possible to extend the wing and keep it extended?
I thought that too, so I just ran it fully up. However, at one point during the journey, it threw another error saying the wing could not retract. Why was it trying to retract? I may have switched driving mode, which caused the wing to go down at stop. I will experiment with that one.
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