'08 SL55 AMG - Conversion (i know, I know)
 

Hello all. Been lurking for a while. Picked up great insight for my '08 SL55 AMG the last couple years.

FYI, a year ago or so, I added headers, throttle body, new intercooler, new I/C pump, ECU flash, new S/C pulley etc. Love it.

NOW, I've drug my front bumper across a curb, and instead of just buying and painting a new bumper... I'm TOYING with the idea of doing a facelift/conversion. -I know, a lot of folks may be tired of hearing people ask about that.

I've searched the threads here but would like some insight as of June 2018, as some perspectives, parts, may have changed. Another thread posted mercedes part numbers for the 2009 front end - very helpful.

I also found a few kits on ebay for the 231 conversion such as this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-SL-R230-to-R231-Conversion-Body-kit-NEW-PROMOTION/232737114413?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid =p2060353.m1438.l2649

I guess I'm just hoping for some updated insight into what anyone who has considered it or done it actually thinks ex post facto.

Thanks in advance!

I've never seen someone do an R230 -> R231 conversion, most just do the SL6 conversion as that one looks the best any ways, the R231 headlights look funny to me, not as aggressive.

You'll need hood, fenders, bumper, headlights, and new ways to add in the park distance control sensors if you have it. You'll need to get bumper stay brackets as well. Won't be cheap.

Thanks very much for the reply! So for the 63 conversion... have any idea if the '08 side skirts can stay? I.e., if I do the '09 fenders, hood, bumper, grille, lights... can it stay stock from the wheel on back?

And yeah, I haven't seen anyone do an OEM 231 conversion, just kits like the ones on ebay.

Go big or go home. Do the spdv6 widebody. I have a widebody SL600 and it is amazing. Still gets treated like a rock star anywhere it goes. It could sit next to just about any Benz, except for the CLK GTR and a few others, but still get all the attention.

I'm certainly up for considering it! I want to know what all looks are out there, since I'll have to rip the bumper off anyway. I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on the 231 kit since I can't talk to anyone before purchasing it...

Prior Design wide body is probably best on a market. We are planning to add that one in near future.

Another caveat - I do live in Ohio, in other words, 7th layer of hell for cars - Winter lows below zero, Summer highs in the 90s with high humidity, potholes, bugs, animals. I do only plan to drive it 8 or 9 months out of the year, but 2 body dudes out my way have said to just take the 09 sl63 part list (oem or knockoff) and bolt them on. Which stinks a little because I REALLY like the black series/wide body looks.

What about the polish design body kits? They seem good quality and that's what I'd do. SR66.1 is name I believe.

Price isn't too shabby.

It looks like this Aerofunction wide body kit remedies a few of my concerns. Namely, it APPEARS the rear fenders are TOTAL FENDER REPLACEMENTS and not fender flares.

Can anyone confirm that or have experience with it?

Shown in video

Rear fenders are not removable, they just placed the flares ontop and cut out the fenders underneath.

Excellent. Thank you!

I did NOT need to see that. Now my day is ruined

ur saying the original rear fenders cannot be removed?.....so what AF mean when they say kit incluses "rear fenders"..and that kit reqires metal cutting?...what about other brands?

Yep. All those kits mean "Flares" when they say rear fenders. And yes, all of them are going to require you to cut your original fenders to accommodate the new wheel width.

I just went with an SL65 front end for now. Too much chopping for my expertise. And my climate isn't very kind to fiberglass superglued to metal.

What vehicle are the LED's from?

LED is special made, buy carbon plates, cut right angle, drill all holes for the EC aproved lights from Germany , fit it right, daytime strong light, when main lights comes on they dimmed down automatic just as markers how wide the car is..

That is an exceptional looking SL! Love the color. Wouldn't mind seeing a few more pics.

If you don't mind me asking, what brand of black conversion kit did you use and were you happy with the panel fit or was there much effort involved to achieve what looks like perfect panel gaps?

It was some other guys that dis that job, is Misha Design with full carbon kit. , they reinforces also some panels front, and under the door, is some job fit all, but final result make the orginal blackseries look little bleek,, is also 10 cm wider than the orginal blackseries , measure your car,, mine is 203 cm wide is 79.92 inches . we also put 2 metal support on each side all way down from the chassi.. wanted all be stronger if going 300 pluss kmh.. A big pluss is the opening hood, went out the hot air from engine,, and the carbon panels hood and side in back , make the little ekstra. car look wide and mean.. the wing in back was smothed out with trunk ,,and look pretty amazing ,
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...392e044eab.jpg
I been driving hard this SL55 models with and without the body kit , and is mutch more stabil car after the bodykit fitted.. Easier to play hard, and straighten it out when go sideways with 600 hp pluss..

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...531a1c8fc4.jpg
SLS looked litle tame parked beside this.. Color is SLS Le Mans Red by Standox

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9e5b291a63.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...25f305dbbd.jpg

Widebody kit
 

Hello! When installing your widebody kit did you guys have to replace or remove the windshield washer tank? I am having problems getting mine to fit under the fender

No, no issues , how did it go with yours ?

Thank you.
 

Thanks for your response. We figured it out and it is being painted today. Thank you for the response and support brother.

Hi Korey,

I'm having the same issue can't fit the quarter panel because the windsheild washer reservoir is too big. Can you tell me what you figured out?

Thanks,
Jerry