Newly joined - considering R231 SL63….

rorywquin

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I’ve never driven a SL63 or a Porsche however, from everything I read you should get a car (r231) that has ABC. Mine has it so I’m biased but on some other sites where people have owned both (ABC & without) they all much prefer the ABC.
 
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MC2022

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As an update, I have driven a facelifted 2019 SL63. I really liked the car, and have done some more research into the SL63 in general. It seems there may be a couple of major inherent engine issues, one of which is expensive to fix (timing chain stretched) but may have been resolved on cars built after a certain date. The second (cylinder liner issues in cylinders 1 and 5), is likely to be much more expensive to resolve and could required an engine replacement or rebuild.

I’d be grateful if anyone could provide any further knowledge on the 2 issues above as well as any others I need to be aware of (is there a boot seal issue?). I’m looking at cars from 2015 through to facelifted 2017 cars as the main options for me.

I would greatly appreciate any constructive feedback that anyone could give.

Thanks & Regards

Mark
 

SL63 Mark

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As an update, I have driven a facelifted 2019 SL63. I really liked the car, and have done some more research into the SL63 in general. It seems there may be a couple of major inherent engine issues, one of which is expensive to fix (timing chain stretched) but may have been resolved on cars built after a certain date. The second (cylinder liner issues in cylinders 1 and 5), is likely to be much more expensive to resolve and could required an engine replacement or rebuild.

I’d be grateful if anyone could provide any further knowledge on the 2 issues above as well as any others I need to be aware of (is there a boot seal issue?). I’m looking at cars from 2015 through to facelifted 2017 cars as the main options for me.

I would greatly appreciate any constructive feedback that anyone could give.

Thanks & Regards

Mark

Neither is an issue on the stock post 2014 cars you are looking at.
 

AMGeed

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As above, the timing chain issue was resolved from late 2013> models with the M157 engine.

Avoid a remapped engine unless you can guarantee it was done at a reputable tuner like MSL or GAD.
A bad remap can cause bent conrods, and expensive engine failure.
 
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MC2022

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Thanks to you both for the feedback. I appreciate you passing in the information, it echo’s what I was told by an independent today.
 

SL63 Mark

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Thanks to you both for the feedback. I appreciate you passing in the information, it echo’s what I was told by an independent today.

Good luck with the search, it is an exciting and rewarding process, I believe you are going about it the right way, doing your research etc. It's a fabulous car, I am still enjoying mine every time I drive it, with a big grin from ear to ear.
 
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I went to look at a car last week. A black SL63 at Magari automotive in Fareham just outside Southampton.

I was assured, before making the journey that:

1)The car had never been accident damaged and paint thickness was consistent all round the car

2)The wheels were all good and had no kerbing and tyres were also good (5mm).

3) The car was in very good condition

See attached pictures which I took when I inspected the car. These pictures show that:

1. The roof had been damaged and very poorly repaired
2. The paintwork was in terrible condition and it was worse with the naked in person than us show on the pictures
3. The paint thickness varies by over 100% (one panel 85 microns another 175, others 95 and another 145), so paint thickness was not consistent
4. The rear wheel had been kerbed, and the kerbed area painted over with silver paint to mask the damage
5. The drivers seat ventilation didn’t work
6. The car has a warning that the key batteries needed changed.
7. The car also had/has an advisory for a tyre close to the legal limit

Car not as described and the dealership are not to be trusted. They say they underwrite their own warranty on their cars, and are not willing to provide anything in writing to confirm this.

A place to be avoided and a car that needs many issues attended to.

The search goes on.
 

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Srdl

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I went to look at a car last week. A black SL63 at Magari automotive in Fareham just outside Southampton.

I was assured, before making the journey that:

1)The car had never been accident damaged and paint thickness was consistent all round the car

2)The wheels were all good and had no kerbing and tyres were also good (5mm).

3) The car was in very good condition

See attached pictures which I took when I inspected the car. These pictures show that:

1. The roof had been damaged and very poorly repaired
2. The paintwork was in terrible condition and it was worse with the naked in person than us show on the pictures
3. The paint thickness varies by over 100% (one panel 85 microns another 175, others 95 and another 145), so paint thickness was not consistent
4. The rear wheel had been kerbed, and the kerbed area painted over with silver paint to mask the damage
5. The drivers seat ventilation didn’t work
6. The car has a warning that the key batteries needed changed.
7. The car also had/has an advisory for a tyre close to the legal limit

Car not as described and the dealership are not to be trusted. They say they underwrite their own warranty on their cars, and are not willing to provide anything in writing to confirm this.

A place to be avoided and a car that needs many issues attended to.

The search goes on.
Like politicians, you can tell when car salesmen are lying - their lips are moving
 
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MC2022

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Like politicians, you can tell when car salesmen are lying - their lips are moving
Absolutely. That particular place should be avoided at all costs.
 

Wighty

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I went to look at a car last week. A black SL63 at Magari automotive in Fareham just outside Southampton.

I was assured, before making the journey that:

1)The car had never been accident damaged and paint thickness was consistent all round the car

2)The wheels were all good and had no kerbing and tyres were also good (5mm).

3) The car was in very good condition

See attached pictures which I took when I inspected the car. These pictures show that:

1. The roof had been damaged and very poorly repaired
2. The paintwork was in terrible condition and it was worse with the naked in person than us show on the pictures
3. The paint thickness varies by over 100% (one panel 85 microns another 175, others 95 and another 145), so paint thickness was not consistent
4. The rear wheel had been kerbed, and the kerbed area painted over with silver paint to mask the damage
5. The drivers seat ventilation didn’t work
6. The car has a warning that the key batteries needed changed.
7. The car also had/has an advisory for a tyre close to the legal limit

Car not as described and the dealership are not to be trusted. They say they underwrite their own warranty on their cars, and are not willing to provide anything in writing to confirm this.

A place to be avoided and a car that needs many issues attended to.

The search goes on.
That is shocking !
 
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MC2022

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That is shocking !
I’m now looking at alternative cars (still SL63s), and would be grateful for some opinions on how important/essential the ventilated seats are?

If you have ventilated seats in your car, how often is the cooling/ventilate function on the seat used and would you miss it if you didn’t have it? I’m aware that it’s obviously going to be a benefit in the heatwave we’ve had over the last couple of days, but for mid 20degC-25degC uk summer days are the seats a must have?

One of the cars I’m considering has just had a new set of Pirelli tyres fitted (I assume P Zero M0 fitment) what’s the general opinion on these tyres on the SL63?

Would appreciate any help and info anyone would care to give

Thanks
 

SL63 Mark

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I have had seat cooling in both my SL55 and R231 SL63. Seat cooling in the SL63 does not provide a blast of refrigerated air. Rather there is a gentle movement of air to prevent sweat build up, and to prevent you sticking to the seat. It is quite effective in my experience. It is not conected to the air con system. You can tell it is working by listening for the fans with the engine off.

How important/essential is it ? Depends how much you sweat, and how hot it gets. I am glad my car has it. I do use it when temperatures rise above 28/30C

Would it have been a deal breaker if my car did not have it ? No. I was more interested in colour/mileage/condition/price.

My '63 has continentals, I am very pleased so far with grip, handling and wear.
 

Blobcat

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I have had seat cooling in both my SL55 and R231 SL63. Seat cooling in the SL63 does not provide a blast of refrigerated air. Rather there is a gentle movement of air to prevent sweat build up, and to prevent you sticking to the seat. It is quite effective in my experience. It is not conected to the air con system. You can tell it is working by listening for the fans with the engine off.

How important/essential is it ? Depends how much you sweat, and how hot it gets. I am glad my car has it. I do use it when temperatures rise above 28/30C

Would it have been a deal breaker if my car did not have it ? No. I was more interested in colour/mileage/condition/price.

My '63 has continentals, I am very pleased so far with grip, handling and wear.
From personal experience and from others seat cooling isn't that effective or useful - Seat heating (and air scarf) is useful and "essential"
 

SL63 Mark

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From personal experience and from others seat cooling isn't that effective or useful - Seat heating (and air scarf) is useful and "essential"

Yes. Air scarf does seem to be more of deal breaker. A lot of people do look for it when they buy a car, and I can see why, it is actually pretty effective.
 
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Thanks for the replies above.

Does anyone have a car with a light coloured interior? There are a couple of SL63s out there with very light coloured interiors and I’m concerned that they may either mark very easily and be difficult to clean or just plainly need to be cleaned very frequently to prevent dye staining from the likes of jeans. Thats assuming the seats aren’t already grubby or stained(?).

Most of the cars appear to have Harmon kardon hifi system fitted, but one SL63 under consideration doesn’t . I think that is a bit of a deal breaker for me, but would be interested to hear what others think.

Air scarf and ventilated seats are things that I believe are nice to have rather than essential, and could also be used as deciding factors between cars. The 69reg SL63 I drove a couple of weeks ago had neither, and I found it strange that a car that was >£100k when new didn’t have airscarf as I don’t believe it was excessively expensive as an option.

Any thoughts on independent specialists being used by previous owner(s) for servicing? I would assume it would be fine as long as it was a Merc specialist following A and B servicing regime and not some back street garage being used just because they’re cheap.

Once again thanks for feedback and information and would welcome input on my points above.

Thanks

Mark
 

Blobcat

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Thanks for the replies above.

Does anyone have a car with a light coloured interior? There are a couple of SL63s out there with very light coloured interiors and I’m concerned that they may either mark very easily and be difficult to clean or just plainly need to be cleaned very frequently to prevent dye staining from the likes of jeans. Thats assuming the seats aren’t already grubby or stained(?).

Most of the cars appear to have Harmon kardon hifi system fitted, but one SL63 under consideration doesn’t . I think that is a bit of a deal breaker for me, but would be interested to hear what others think.

Air scarf and ventilated seats are things that I believe are nice to have rather than essential, and could also be used as deciding factors between cars. The 69reg SL63 I drove a couple of weeks ago had neither, and I found it strange that a car that was >£100k when new didn’t have airscarf as I don’t believe it was excessively expensive as an option.

Any thoughts on independent specialists being used by previous owner(s) for servicing? I would assume it would be fine as long as it was a Merc specialist following A and B servicing regime and not some back street garage being used just because they’re cheap.

Once again thanks for feedback and information and would welcome input on my points above.

Thanks

Mark
I have light grey nappa leather in my 116k mile SLK - have a look on the below post as to how they’re looking.


Its a myth that light coloured seats need more cleaning - it’s just you can’t see the dirt on the black ones…:oops:

Servicing wise, if good MB indie then generally much better than MB…

Air scarf or Harmon Kardon? - Air Scarf ever time - I drive with the top down (a lot) and the air scarf makes it so pleasant when it’s a bit chilly outside.

With top down all you need is “loud” you don’t need quality - you also have a right foot sound maker that’s much nicer than any stereo…;)

I have a 13 speaker Bose system in my 911 - my right foot can beat the sound of the stereo at any volume… :oops::cool:
 

SL63 Mark

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Thanks for the replies above.

Does anyone have a car with a light coloured interior? There are a couple of SL63s out there with very light coloured interiors and I’m concerned that they may either mark very easily and be difficult to clean or just plainly need to be cleaned very frequently to prevent dye staining from the likes of jeans. Thats assuming the seats aren’t already grubby or stained(?).

Most of the cars appear to have Harmon kardon hifi system fitted, but one SL63 under consideration doesn’t . I think that is a bit of a deal breaker for me, but would be interested to hear what others think.

Air scarf and ventilated seats are things that I believe are nice to have rather than essential, and could also be used as deciding factors between cars. The 69reg SL63 I drove a couple of weeks ago had neither, and I found it strange that a car that was >£100k when new didn’t have airscarf as I don’t believe it was excessively expensive as an option.

Any thoughts on independent specialists being used by previous owner(s) for servicing? I would assume it would be fine as long as it was a Merc specialist following A and B servicing regime and not some back street garage being used just because they’re cheap.

Once again thanks for feedback and information and would welcome input on my points above.

Thanks

Mark

Mine has Harmon Kardon, it is very nice. I thought all R231 SL63s had that, or Bose which is the more expensive option. Certainly the ones I saw only had Bose or HK.

The very light interior on the R231 SL63 is the so-called "Porcelain" interior. I drove one with Porcelain when I was looking for my car. It looks fabulous in the flesh. However the seat belts are also Porcelain (creamy white), and they were very dirty. The seats were fine, but somehow the detailer had not been able to clean the seat belts. It did put me off the car a bit.

There are specialists and specialists. Some are as good or better than main dealers. So a Specialist stamp would not put me off, if I knew who it was.
 
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00slk

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Heating is a must with seats, but if you have cloth seats its not missed at all ;)
I have light coloured seats in the E Class and I am a dirty grub, but amazingly the seats aren't that dirty looking and as Blobcat said you just don't see the dirt on black seats, so you can guarantee black seats will be disgusting :shock:
 

Srdl

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I had grey leather on my last car and they needed cleaning regularly but it didn’t take long. I have black on my current car and have never cleaned them :oops: (rather proving @00slk ’s point)
 

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