Hey everyone! Newbie here, starting my R231 SL research…

[big_dave_e]

Am in the market for a second car for high days and holidays and am interested in an SL400 or 500. Any guidance on existing forum posts, points to consider etc would be appreciated! Is there much real difference between pre- and post-2016 facelift bar the styling?

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

 

[rorywquin]

Am in the market for a second car for high days and holidays and am interested in an SL400 or 500. Any guidance on existing forum posts, points to consider etc would be appreciated! Is there much real difference between pre- and post-2016 facelift bar the styling?

Many reasons to go for the newer model.

Facelift fixed any problems identified with the prefacelift and added enhancements (as all facelifts do) e.g. better headlights lights.........

The 7 speed gearbox in the pre-facelift sucks. I had it in my SLK350 (R172) and it was the only thing I did not like about that car which was my daily driver. The 9g box in the facelift is significantly better.

~10% more power in the V6 facelift.

I’m biased but the V6 is a better ride (I test drove both) than the heavier V8 (also as stated by motoring journalists that drove both and also by people that have owned both). The extra weight of the V8 is all on the front wheels and the V6 feels (is) lighter and nimble (with better turn in) compared to the V8. Unless you really need to own a V8 and get the extra 0.6sec 0-62 acceleration, the cars are identical. I’ve owned a few V8s so it was not a ‘must have’ for me.

Torque curve on the newer V6 is initially steep (max torque at less than 2000 rpm) and then flat over most of the rev range so the car feels nice and punchy when you accelerate.

ABC is a must - again as agreed by many that have driven or owned both. It is not only ride comfort but some other features as well.

Airscarf - must have etc........

From the brochure..

 

[Srdl]

Welcome Dave, I have no personal experience of the SL but you’ve come to the right place for help.

 

[SL63 Mark]

I found the facelift was quite a lot more expensive, another £10 or 20k so outside my budget. I have been very happy with my pre-facelift car.

I chose a low miles, one owner pre-face lift car over a high miles tired facelift car.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Dave, welcome to our forum and good luck in your search

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome

 

[DSK]

Welcome.

I asked about 2 weeks ago in relation to an SL500 a few weeks ago.

The 2016 facelift 500SL had a cam chain related item updated compared to pre face lift IIRC.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[big_dave_e]

Many reasons to go for the newer model.

Facelift fixed any problems identified with the prefacelift and added enhancements (as all facelifts do) e.g. better headlights lights.........

The 7 speed gearbox in the pre-facelift sucks. I had it in my SLK350 (R172) and it was the only thing I did not like about that car which was my daily driver. The 9g box in the facelift is significantly better.

~10% more power in the V6 facelift.

I’m biased but the V6 is a better ride (I test drove both) than the heavier V8 (also as stated by motoring journalists that drove both and also by people that have owned both). The extra weight of the V8 is all on the front wheels and the V6 feels (is) lighter and nimble (with better turn in) compared to the V8. Unless you really need to own a V8 and get the extra 0.6sec 0-62 acceleration, the cars are identical. I’ve owned a few V8s so it was not a ‘must have’ for me.

Torque curve on the newer V6 is initially steep (max torque at less than 2000 rpm) and then flat over most of the rev range so the car feels nice and punchy when you accelerate.

ABC is a must - again as agreed by many that have driven or owned both. It is not only ride comfort but some other features as well.

Airscarf - must have etc........

From the brochure..
View attachment 80040

@rorywquin, thanks for all this! Very much appreciated input. Point noted about the SL500… had a couple of V8s previously and have a 911 Turbo so already got the speed aspect covered Am test driving a nicely specced 2016 SL400 on Friday so will see how that pans out

 

[rorywquin]

@rorywquin, thanks for all this! Very much appreciated input. Point noted about the SL500… had a couple of V8s previously and have a 911 Turbo so already got the speed aspect covered Am test driving a nicely specced 2016 SL400 on Friday so will see how that pans out

Keep us posted.

Re the V8s yea - I frequent a R231 American forum and generally, they prefer the V6 which is something considering how keen on cubic inch teh Americans are. (Then again, it may be an age related thing they are generally older guys).

Try to get one with ABC and a 9g gearbox.

Nothing like a Porsche in terms of being a drivers car but is is a lovely cruiser and handles very well for it’s weight and size.

 

[big_dave_e]

Thanks, @rorywquin. This is the one I’m test driving tomorrow. Spec mentions adaptive damping which I suspect is ABC. Have seen a VIN check website noted on the forum which allows you to see the original spec in Mercedes terms so will check that out later.

 

[rorywquin]

Thanks, @rorywquin. This is the one I’m test driving tomorrow. Spec mentions adaptive damping which I suspect is ABC. Have seen a VIN check website noted on the forum which allows you to see the original spec in Mercedes terms so will check that out later.

No active damping is not ABC. It must state ABC (active body control). It will have a button behind the gear shift with a outline of a car and an arrow pointing up (relative to the car outline).

 

[big_dave_e]

Noted, @rorywquin!