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Having owned all kinds of Mercs including S550, S560 Coupe, S580, SL550 along with a C7 corvette, Porche 911s and several old British roadsters I have to say this is my favorite for several reasons. I have always leaned toward owning V8 powered cars thinking not about the horse power or the torque but more about the prestige. Then came the 6 cylinder 911s and the sound they made. This car really reminds me of a classic roadster. I no longer care about top speeds that can never be used or 0-60 times from my youth. This car is a ton of fun to drive. It handles well, rides well, has plenty of power and over 2500 rpm sounds great. My SL550 was a great car but it was more of a 2 seat S Class. Not that that was a problem but in my opinion was not a sports car. When I was shopping for a new AMG I was dubious about the 4 cylinder engine until I test drove it. That sealed the deal for me. I'm sure the V8 powered AMGs are a blast but having spent a kings ransom in the past I just could not justify the additional the additional 50K+ again. I just think this car is under appreciated.
Having owned all kinds of Mercs including S550, S560 Coupe, S580, SL550 along with a C7 corvette, Porche 911s and several old British roadsters I have to say this is my favorite for several reasons. I have always leaned toward owning V8 powered cars thinking not about the horse power or the torque but more about the prestige. Then came the 6 cylinder 911s and the sound they made. This car really reminds me of a classic roadster. I no longer care about top speeds that can never be used or 0-60 times from my youth. This car is a ton of fun to drive. It handles well, rides well, has plenty of power and over 2500 rpm sounds great. My SL550 was a great car but it was more of a 2 seat S Class. Not that that was a problem but in my opinion was not a sports car. When I was shopping for a new AMG I was dubious about the 4 cylinder engine until I test drove it. That sealed the deal for me. I'm sure the V8 powered AMGs are a blast but having spent a kings ransom in the past I just could not justify the additional the additional 50K+ again. I just think this car is under appreciated.
Well, I guess you could appreciate that it is lighter in the front for the twisties, don't forget about the pictures : )
Glad to hear someone praise it. They take a lot of flak since they deviated a huge amount from the past "GT Car" formula. Clearly they wanted to build more of a sports car and there are indeed some who welcome this directional change (such as yourself). The rest of us who wanted something between a 2-door S Class (which does exist) and a 911 might find this too close to the 911 for comfort (see what I did there ?) . :-)
New 43 owner here, well 2023. So far double clicking the lock has kept me out of battery issue. I left the car unplugged for two weeks and it started right up. I bought it CPO for 40K below sticker. I love the cockpit albeit a bit tight. Im coming off a 2018 450SL so don't have the V8 torque in my background. I think there is enough spirit in it for me. Im not interested in going over 80 just cruising the backroads of Texas hill country. I think the 9 speed is a bit harsh off the line even in C mode but other than that after 3 months of ownership have nothing but good things to say. I couldnt afford the extra 50k for a V8 and generally think I made the right call. Maybe a 911 someday but I'm loving my F1 inspired Electric Turbo for now.
New 43 owner here, well 2023. So far double clicking the lock has kept me out of battery issue. I left the car unplugged for two weeks and it started right up. I bought it CPO for 40K below sticker. I love the cockpit albeit a bit tight. Im coming off a 2018 450SL so don't have the V8 torque in my background. I think there is enough spirit in it for me. Im not interested in going over 80 just cruising the backroads of Texas hill country. I think the 9 speed is a bit harsh off the line even in C mode but other than that after 3 months of ownership have nothing but good things to say. I couldnt afford the extra 50k for a V8 and generally think I made the right call. Maybe a 911 someday but I'm loving my F1 inspired Electric Turbo for now.
Looks good. I thought they changed the sequence to disable keyless go for model year 2023 and + model year MBs to something like hold lock and unlock at the same time?
Looks good. I thought they changed the sequence to disable keyless go for model year 2023 and + model year MBs to something like hold lock and unlock at the same time?
I double tap the lock button on the remote and keep the remote away from my car. So far so good. The keyless go function works exactly as it has on all my previous Mercs.
Just got back from a top down cruise with the cows.it was great.
I double tap the lock button on the remote and keep the remote away from my car. So far so good. The keyless go function works exactly as it has on all my previous Mercs.
Just got back from a top down cruise with the cows.it was great.
Looks like they only changed that for the 2023 S-Class and 2023 C-Class then, the behaviour I mean, it used to be like you mentioned, double tap the lock button but on those cars and that model year and above, you have to go through a different sequence, I guess it was because of customers complaining their key doesn't work because it was disabled in the pocket.
'23 SL63 AMG, '24 Range Rover SE P400, ‘26 Corvette Z06, ‘25 Audi RS7 Performance
I’ve been double tapping the lock button and storing it in a faraday box but I don’t think it’s disabling the functionality. The door handles always pop out when I walk up to the car whether I’ve double locked it or not. I bought a tender and had the dealer hardwire it to my trunk battery that I’ll plug it in if I know I won’t be driving for some time.
OP congrats on the new wheels. I snagged my CPO car for a substantial saving over new but went the V8 route. It was sitting at my dealers lot and once I saw it up close I couldn’t move on. They’re very special cars and were all fortunate to be able to drive them.
I’ve been double tapping the lock button and storing it in a faraday box but I don’t think it’s disabling the functionality. The door handles always pop out when I walk up to the car whether I’ve double locked it or not. I bought a tender and had the dealer hardwire it to my trunk battery that I’ll plug it in if I know I won’t be driving for some time.
OP congrats on the new wheels. I snagged my CPO car for a substantial saving over new but went the V8 route. It was sitting at my dealers lot and once I saw it up close I couldn’t move on. They’re very special cars and were all fortunate to be able to drive them.
Having owned all kinds of Mercs including S550, S560 Coupe, S580, SL550 along with a C7 corvette, Porche 911s and several old British roadsters I have to say this is my favorite for several reasons. I have always leaned toward owning V8 powered cars thinking not about the horse power or the torque but more about the prestige. Then came the 6 cylinder 911s and the sound they made. This car really reminds me of a classic roadster. I no longer care about top speeds that can never be used or 0-60 times from my youth. This car is a ton of fun to drive. It handles well, rides well, has plenty of power and over 2500 rpm sounds great. My SL550 was a great car but it was more of a 2 seat S Class. Not that that was a problem but in my opinion was not a sports car. When I was shopping for a new AMG I was dubious about the 4 cylinder engine until I test drove it. That sealed the deal for me. I'm sure the V8 powered AMGs are a blast but having spent a kings ransom in the past I just could not justify the additional the additional 50K+ again. I just think this car is under appreciated.
I agree completely. I also had a v8, 2004 SL500. It does remind me of a 2 dr S class. The new 4 cya is much more of a hard core sports car. The power is all I need with 0-60 of 4.5 sec. Who needs more. When I purchased the SL45,, the idle was a bit rough, but now 9 mos. later it idles very smoothly. During the past winter, it was idle in the garage for 2 to 3 week intervals without startups and I absolutely had no issues. One does need to drive a 4cyl. Version before placing judgement on it. I did and I love it especially getting that kind of performance and achieving 35+ mpg on the road. What a combination!
I agree completely. I also had a v8, 2004 SL500. It does remind me of a 2 dr S class. The new 4 cya is much more of a hard core sports car. The power is all I need with 0-60 of 4.5 sec. Who needs more. When I purchased the SL45,, the idle was a bit rough, but now 9 mos. later it idles very smoothly. During the past winter, it was idle in the garage for 2 to 3 week intervals without startups and I absolutely had no issues. One does need to drive a 4cyl. Version before placing judgement on it. I did and I love it especially getting that kind of performance and achieving 35+ mpg on the road. What a combination!
I have owned my 2023 SL43 for about 6 months and I absolutely love everything about it BUT the throttle lag. I am contemplating adding a pedal commander to help with the lag. Any thoughts from the group?
I have owned my 2023 SL43 for about 6 months and I absolutely love everything about it BUT the throttle lag. I am contemplating adding a pedal commander to help with the lag. Any thoughts from the group?
I have the same car. I find that I feel the turbo more at about 2500RPM and up. The car is 4000lbs and its not exactly a locomotive in the torque department. Doesn't Sport or Sport+ pretty much do what the PC does? How would you measure the difference? Unless its neck braking I would think the diff would be pretty subjective.
Great looking Merc and thanks for the response. I have the same color SL just with the chili red interior.
so basically YES it does the same as if you turn sport or sport+ on, however it is annoying for me to have to always put it in sport mode, since I drive a lot for shorter periods of time..
pedal commander keeps it in sport mode so I don’t have to keep changing it. My biggest issue with the car was at a stop it the accelerator jerked heavily and now with the peddler commander it doesn’t. Also on freeways when I would try to pass someone there was a 1-2 second lag from when I depressed the accelerator until it would take off, this was also eliminated because of the pedal commander.
W205C43PFL. I saw your previous posts regarding the 2023 AMG43 SL.
I wanted to get your opinion on them as I am looking at purchasing one.
I apologize that this post is likely not where it needs to be.
I am looking for a convertible and was considering this car or the corvette.
I drove both and decided I loved the MB. However, in researching I see obviously tons of them that have been lemoned.
This obviously creates a concern. Do you know or have any opinion as to whether MB has fixed the issues with these vehicles from 2023?
Since I would be buying pre-owned there is no lemon law. I would still have the original warranty. However, I still dont want to continually have the car in the shop over the same issues repeatedly or be told we cant fix the problem. If you dont have an answer any guidance as to where I should investigate further would be appreciated.
Thank you.
W205C43PFL. I saw your previous posts regarding the 2023 AMG43 SL.
I wanted to get your opinion on them as I am looking at purchasing one.
I apologize that this post is likely not where it needs to be.
I am looking for a convertible and was considering this car or the corvette.
I drove both and decided I loved the MB. However, in researching I see obviously tons of them that have been lemoned.
This obviously creates a concern. Do you know or have any opinion as to whether MB has fixed the issues with these vehicles from 2023?
Since I would be buying pre-owned there is no lemon law. I would still have the original warranty. However, I still dont want to continually have the car in the shop over the same issues repeatedly or be told we cant fix the problem. If you dont have an answer any guidance as to where I should investigate further would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Welcome to mb : ) happy to answer your questions. Which post was this? I couldn't find the post you referred to.
That said, the initial batch of R232 SL had electrical issues most likely caused by software and the combination of low battery voltage from range of defective batteries to damaged batteries from sitting too long.
MBs' electronics are sensitive to voltage changes so that might explain the behaviours exhibited.
When buying this, since you are buying used, get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) and have all updates performed and battery condition checked, make sure the door module drain issue is resolved as that was also a bug which contributed to the drain as it kept the system awake.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Nov 17, 2025 at 08:02 AM.
Having owned all kinds of Mercs including S550, S560 Coupe, S580, SL550 along with a C7 corvette, Porche 911s and several old British roadsters I have to say this is my favorite for several reasons. I have always leaned toward owning V8 powered cars thinking not about the horse power or the torque but more about the prestige. Then came the 6 cylinder 911s and the sound they made. This car really reminds me of a classic roadster. I no longer care about top speeds that can never be used or 0-60 times from my youth. This car is a ton of fun to drive. It handles well, rides well, has plenty of power and over 2500 rpm sounds great. My SL550 was a great car but it was more of a 2 seat S Class. Not that that was a problem but in my opinion was not a sports car. When I was shopping for a new AMG I was dubious about the 4 cylinder engine until I test drove it. That sealed the deal for me. I'm sure the V8 powered AMGs are a blast but having spent a kings ransom in the past I just could not justify the additional the additional 50K+ again. I just think this car is under appreciated.
Agreed, fully lit in 2nd gear is just as fun as almost anything else I've driven. There's nothing visual about the trim levels either... I really liked the 43 AMG.
Has anyone found an ECU tune yet available in the USA that will take the 2024 and 2023 model year SL 43 to above 400HP? I emailed Renntech over a year ago probably and they didn't have one and their website still doesn't show one.
Last edited by Swedishiron; Dec 3, 2025 at 01:00 PM.
I called a local MB dealer about a CPO 2024 and asked if they can update the ECU tune to equal the power output of the 2025. I received a call back from the sales person after she inquired further and she told me some dealers can do so but there particular dealer couldn't. I am wondering if this is just a sales tactic to keep me interested or whether some dealers can update with a factory backed tune to match a 2025 SL 43?
I looked hard at the SL43.
When I compared it to the 55, and the 63, one feature that I was enamored of, was 4 wheel steering.
The 43 doesn’t have it.
Somehow I can’t really judge that feature as better or worse, because I didn’t test drive the 43.
Maybe there is no noticeable difference between them for slow or even high speed handling.
One of the production models that featured one of the first 4 wheel steering system, was on the Honda Prelude.
A buddy of mine drove one, and demonstrated it while stationary, and the operation of it was clearly exhibited.
The wheels turned in opposite directions with large steering inputs, and in the same direction for smaller inputs.
I have tried to witness something similar on the 63, but whatever it is, isn’t very noticeable to me.
I looked hard at the SL43.
When I compared it to the 55, and the 63, one feature that I was enamored of, was 4 wheel steering.
The 43 doesn’t have it.
Somehow I can’t really judge that feature as better or worse, because I didn’t test drive the 43.
Maybe there is no noticeable difference between them for slow or even high speed handling.
One of the production models that featured one of the first 4 wheel steering system, was on the Honda Prelude.
A buddy of mine drove one, and demonstrated it while stationary, and the operation of it was clearly exhibited.
The wheels turned in opposite directions with large steering inputs, and in the same direction for smaller inputs.
I have tried to witness something similar on the 63, but whatever it is, isn’t very noticeable to me.
Don't forget the R232 SL 43 is not 4Matic so that is a different type of fun throwing it in the corners while having a lighter front end as well.
I called a local MB dealer about a CPO 2024 and asked if they can update the ECU tune to equal the power output of the 2025. I received a call back from the sales person after she inquired further and she told me some dealers can do so but there particular dealer couldn't. I am wondering if this is just a sales tactic to keep me interested or whether some dealers can update with a factory backed tune to match a 2025 SL 43?
Perhaps have it in writing before you sign on the dotted line for them to install the updated software.
Having owned all kinds of Mercs including S550, S560 Coupe, S580, SL550 along with a C7 corvette, Porche 911s and several old British roadsters I have to say this is my favorite for several reasons. I have always leaned toward owning V8 powered cars thinking not about the horse power or the torque but more about the prestige. Then came the 6 cylinder 911s and the sound they made. This car really reminds me of a classic roadster. I no longer care about top speeds that can never be used or 0-60 times from my youth. This car is a ton of fun to drive. It handles well, rides well, has plenty of power and over 2500 rpm sounds great. My SL550 was a great car but it was more of a 2 seat S Class. Not that that was a problem but in my opinion was not a sports car. When I was shopping for a new AMG I was dubious about the 4 cylinder engine until I test drove it. That sealed the deal for me. I'm sure the V8 powered AMGs are a blast but having spent a kings ransom in the past I just could not justify the additional the additional 50K+ again. I just think this car is under appreciated.
Good for you, I have a 2020 AMG GT 53 with the V6 turbo and the sound of that thing irritates the hell out of me. Having owned many MBs with twin turbo V8s it's hard not to want the deep growl and the added power. Now gas, ha. That's another story I do love the gas mileage on the V6 but a 4cyl turbo would really irk me.
Ultimately the SL is a sexy beast and will turn heads regardless so if you love it, I love it for you. Enjoy the toy! People constantly want to race me in mine and I can rarely turn down an opportunity to spank someone. The V6 GT on the other hand I just act like I don't see them. 😂
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
