Hi All!

I recently purchased a 2024 G63. It's an incredible car, but not my vibe. It's just a bit "much", and I do commute quite a bit for work so it's not the most practical car. The good news is that my wife loves it, and she's happy to take it.

My next purchase will be the new E63S. I got rid of my 21 E63 to buy the G, and I'm kicking my self in the a$$ for doing it. That car was incredible. So until they finally release the new E63, I need something to hold me over for a year or two.

That brings me to the SL63. I've always wanted one since I first got to drive a 2004 SL55 20 years ago. The new ones (22+) look insane, and I have a nice window where I can own one and get it out of my system. My questions from you experts are:

1. Why is there such a crazy price discrepancy between the 22 models and the 23-24 models? Is it just the newer years? You can get a super low mileage 22 well under $100K where a 23+ is well over $100..
2. I know they have "issues", but all the issues are warranty covered. Are there any legitimate reasons to be cautious about buying one?
3. Economically speaking, it would be great if I can buy one, and sell it in two years and not lose my shirt over it. I know no matter what I get I'll take a hit, but where is the best bet? Do I just grind on a low mileage 22 and hope they "bottom out" in a few years? I can get a killer 22 for $90K, and drive for two years and sell for $70+? Or get a 23 for $125K, and sell in two years for $90? I'd lose more on the 23 but it's newer; but does that even matter if it's exactly the same as the 22?

Last, as far as build quality, I know some people mention rattles in the cabin, particularly from the screen. Is this something the dealer/warranty/Mercedes has acknowledged and is willing to fix?

Any other advice you can offer? My kids are still young and can fit in the back seats (one sits front with seat pushed forward, the other in the rear), I'm 6'4 so no one sitting behind me lol.

 

I talk about why I love my SL 63 in the thread titled “What do you love about your MB?”
If you want, I can link it, or I can import my reply from that thread.

 

OP, since you don't need to drop the roof, you could also consider the GT.

 

Ill sell you a new one, it might be better to lease it

 

I have a 22 sl63. Bought it used with 3000km on it and tons of warranty. It’s had repeated inconsistent issues with loss of power. They have done numerous software updates. A recall on the fuel management control until, and throttle actuator. It’s in again and now they are replacing the throttle body. I have the rattle/ buzzing in the gauge area. I haven’t pushed for that to be repaired yet as I’m still waiting to be able to drive this thing without having power loss issues.

 

Man that’s terrible to hear. how many mile on it now? Did the previous owner have issues? Did you check service history?

What’s bananas is that this engine has been out for almost a decade and the SL is the only one with these issues (for the most part).

I hope you get it worked out amigo, and don’t let it stress you out, it’s just a stupid car.

 

Howdy friend!

I bought my '23 SL63 with 9,000 miles on the clock this past April. Unfortunately in the first week the car got smashed at the parking ramp at work and I had to deal with repairs and insurance companies and diminished value and blah blah blah. Honestly other than that the car has been a dream. When I have a headache and just wanna go to work, it's a luxurious Mercedes with comfortable seats and banging stereo. When I'm in the mood, I can switch to Sport + or Race, and lean on it a little, guaranteeing a huge grin on my face when I get home.

The R232 generation created a lot of of controversy at launch for a variety of reasons. Mercedes decision to consolidate their SL and AMG GT convertible cars into 1 model wasn't super popular. People generally don't like change. When Corvette got rid of the round tail lights in 2014 people were losing their minds. I personally understand the business reason for a niche market to streamline development and homologation. Some people dislike the rear seats but for someone like me with small children it's fantastic. The The infotainment capacitive touch is not my favorite but you learn to live with it.

Last but not least, the battery drain issue. Here is the long thread that goes into details:

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ery-issue.html

Basically the car's 12V battery would drain constantly to the point of cutting power and killing the car while it's being driven which is crazy obviously. This issue has since mostly been mitigating/resolved by a bunch of recalls and updates from Mercedes. It was a major issue for the launch year, '22, and some early '23 examples. That's why you'll find a whole bunch of '22s buybacks on the used market. With that said, the battery is still somewhat finicky. You cannot leave the car unlocked, or a door open, if you're detailing for example. You need to store your key in a faraday box to prevent it from "talking" to the car. And while some people have successfully stress tested the recalls and Mercedes' fix, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable parking it in an airport ramp for two weeks and would worry I'd come home to a dead battery and would have to deal with that. I bought a trickle charger and when I know I won't be driving it more than a few days will plan on plugging it in.

My recommendations is to go out there and test drive one and see what your gut tells you. If there's an appealing '22 model with the right color and options for you, don't ignore it. Look at the service records carefully. Make sure it's not a buyback since I think those will continue to decline in value. I personally don't like owning AMGs out of warranty so negotiated a CPO and paid to extend the warranty through 2030.

Good luck!

 

Thank you for the fantastic write up, and what an incredible color!!

I read through that thread, and it tracks with what my own dealer told me. Basically it's the car always communicating with the key/satellites or whatever else. Most people (including myself) leave their cars unlocked in the garage and the car is always on stand by mode communicating. Its why the double lock works for some/most people, it shuts down the tech.

Whats disappointing is that they released the car with these issues. You have to imagine that they ran into these issues while waiting for ship at the plant, or sitting on dealer floor, or any other long break before start. Or maybe not because the batteries were brand new so were able to provide charge for those first few months before purchase? Who knows. But what I do know is that testing drain on a battery takes 5 seconds and it's mind boggling they didn't do that or released knowing the drain.

I too have youngins so the back seats would come in plenty useful and fun. It's one of the main reasons I'm considering it!

 

I have a 2023 SL55 with Performance Pkg and have been delighted with it. Not as quiet or cushy as the previous generation, but it is much more exciting to drive and handles beautifully. V8 bliss!

However, we are being trained (brainwashed) as car enthusiasts to accept EVs. Points to this argument: 1) many gas vehicles have hidden their exhaust pipes so ans to visually neuter the ICE vehicle, and 2) now we are having to plug in our gasoline cars (the new SLs) to keep them charged between drives!

This is a conspiracy! Prove me wrong!

 

What information or type of information would convince you that you are wrong? Please offer hypotheticals

 

I prefer not to debate myself!

 

Good point.
You would win and lose the argument, both at the same time!
That might really hurt!

 

I was a card carrying NEVER AN EV guy, until MBUSA bought back my LAST THREE S Class sedans and I was forced to reconsider my pretty much life long love affair with the Mercedes-Benz brand. So, I drove a new BMW 7 series with an ICE power plant and “EH,” I was not impressed. Then, after reading reviews after reviews absolutely GUSHING over the BMW I7 electric, I went and test drove one. I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY—and that was a pretty basic car off a lot. So, I ordered a fairly loaded 2024 I7 xDrive60 and I can honestly say that it is a fantastic machine. It is SO quiet and SO quick and with the Autobahn Pkg. I ordered, handles like it is on rails. It is just SO comfortable.

My I7 is just over a year old now, with something like 13,000 miles and has NEVER been back to the dealer for any issues.

Electric propulsion is the absolutely best thing that has ever happened to luxury vehicles. IF I could order an EV version of my 2019 SL450, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I actually am developing a true disdain for ICE vehicles, especially those that make ridiculous, unnecessary noise, like anything with a “63” in its model designation.

 

Is it just me, or have I completely missed a convertible EV option?

 

Sorry but in my honest opinion this is not the best llokimng car.

 

I actually agree with you. However, the car drives so amazingly well and everything works so perfectly, that I could not care less what it looks like. The I7 is all about comfort and how it drives—and it drives like pretty much nothing else on the planet.

 

Understood, continue to enjoy!

 

I agree, not that I was ever a fan of BMW, but the way they're making their cars look so damn ugly is just wrong on so many levels. BMWs always drive amazing, I just can't get past the interiors. I also always hated when a car maker makes the same car but in different sizes. Basically the car looks the same but gets smaller as the number goes down. BMW 3 series, vs 5 series, vs 7 series. When I did like BMW it was always the less common models like the 6 series. I tend to prefer a car (even MB, that you don't see on the road every day). GT, SL, S-Class Coupe etc. But that's just my opinion, I agree with the poster. Mercedes build quality is going downhill fast. I have a 2020 AMG GT that rattles like an old Caprice taxi in the city. It just feels cheaply made. The SL while doesn't feel cheap the number of odd ball issues isn't doing MB any justice. My 2016 S-Class Coupe and 2015 GL 550 are rock solid, nothing feels cheap about them. They feel durable and have been actually.

 

When I was younger, it was all about how “hot” the car looked or what image it projected. As I got older, it became more and more about comfort and exterior looks became less & less important. I used to drive MB S Class sedans. Had six of them. MB bought back the last THREE! So, I went looking. The I7 is not a looker, but let me tell you, she sure can COOK!

 

Speaking of cook, that grill(e) reminds me of the one I use for BBQ.

 

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I can't argue with that. I love. me a good cook and some BBQ!

 

😋

 

I used to think the same thing...especially when it was first released - I couldn't believe BMW actually designed it, I was convinced it was some kid drawing up an ugly car in his basement.

I moved to South Florida in mid 2024 and if you've ever been to South Florida, you know these cars are everywhere. They started to grow on me, then a friend I had met picked me up in his i7 and I couldn't believe how smooth the ride was. The only thing I've ever sat in that was anywhere near as smooth was a Rolls Royce and because of the electric motors, I would argue it might be smoother and quieter than most Rolls Royces. I was SOLD! About 6 months later, I took advantage of the GREAT lease deals and got myself one.

Now in all fairness, and no offense to @Streamliner, his i7 is missing M Sport which in my opinion makes the vehicle far better looking (like most modern day BMWs).
Here is mine, I had to de-grandpa mine, so I threw on some 24" Vossen Wheels and lowered it about an inch while maintaining the super smooth ride (god bless air suspension)...

 

No offense taken, but my I7 xDrive60 is not “missing” the M Sport Pkg, I did not order it. I prefer my luxury sedans to look more reserved and not in anyway “sporty” or aggressive. I did order mine with the Autobahn Pkg. which does keep the car very flat when cornering and improves the overall ride quality. I also got the Full Marino Leather, the B&W Diamond Audio, the Executive Pkg. and the Driver’s Assitance Pro Pkg. My car, in simple Space Silver, riding on 19” wheels flies way below the radar and virtually nobody pays any attention to it, which is how I like it. Yours is quite beautiful, by the way. Enjoy it!

 

I can live with that grille. It's the chicken breast grille that I cannot stand. That's a beautiful car. We'll done on the color and the wheels. Definitely my style! Maybe it's just that the grille is black that makes it not stand out so much like some of the others.