Which Extras to look for on an SL 400 / 500

[ChrisMisc]

Hello all.

My name is Chris. After I got my 1 year no claim bonus at 25 a few years back (about 8) I bought an SLK 200 year 2000. Black with red interior. I thought I was the coolest dude on the planet. Fast forward to 2020 and I'm with my dad at the Mercedes Garage in Devon, UK. He's buying a C63 S (Yes I was jealous) and I see the SLK 250D 2016 plate. Black with black interior, I was blown away. Long story short I bought that car a month later. I absolutely love it. But now its time to join the big boys.

I've been looking at the SL's from 2016 onwards. the facelift one with the slimmer lights and I came here to ask you guys what important "Extra's" that do not come as standard I should look for. I particularly like ones which have what I think they call the "Night Package" where the roof is black.

Thanks in advance for any responses. I will be keeping an eye on the thread.

 

[SL63 Mark]

I would always look for keyless go, mine doesn't have it, and I do miss it. It includes power boot opening which is nice to have.

Air scarf is a popular option, nice to have, I do use it, and people look for it when buying.

Cooled seats are not hugely effective, but do work in the very hot weather.

Reverse camera is nice, I do use mine a lot, and have come to rely on it. They don't all have this.

Top of the range BOSE stereo is nice to have, but the standard HK is OK too.

You need to make a choice re: interior colour/trim, I was looking for wood, but ended up with Aluminium, which is OK, I bought on condition, low miles which was more important to me.

The driver assist (distrionic) package is worth having, but not a deal breaker for me.

Not sure if Panoramic roof is standard or not, but it is nice to have. Magic sky is fun (turns the roof opaque at the touch of a button), but a bit of a gimmick IMHO.

Check all the standard stuff is working as it should, e.g. air con blowing cold, roof etc.

Mine has been pretty bomb proof so far, no issues in the first year of ownership. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[00slk]

The only factory extra not available on Mercedes is, 'The Grin'.......

 

[sonic]

My wife has a 2016 SLC250d which I drive a fair bit & like. The 2 extras I miss are a reversing camera & LED headlights.
The same would apply if I was looking for a SL, but I suspect they would be standard?

 

[rorywquin]

1) Top of the list should be ABC.
2) Airscarf (my wife loves it - I’m a bit too tall to really feel it).
3) Dash clock finishes it off.
4) Reversing camera (if you are correctly seated, the corners of the SL are difficult to see).

I ticked almost every box (ABC, massage/active seats, ambient lighting, full drivers assist etc) when I ordered my car and honestly, in retrospect, I’d have only the 4 items listed above if I were to buy a new one today.

All the rest are nice to have’s (I’d avoid keyless go. Weak spot that can be exploited by thieves and people end up carrying them around in little Faraday (I call then fafaday) pouches and storing them in tins at night etc). I’ve had it on other cars and don’t miss it. Do a bit of research and decide.

If only for the 9G gearbox, I would go for the facelift version. It is in a different league compared to the 7G. I had a R172 SLK 350 as a daily driver for 3 years and the 7G was awfuI. I also prefer the FL looks and in the V6, 10% more Hpower & more torque than the pre FL. ILS (the smart headlights) are standard on the FL and they are also awesome.

Having owned several V8s in my Iife I went for the V6 after reading several reviews (by journalists who drove both) and they preferred driving the V6 (more nimble & better turn in - makes sense with (IIRC ~100kg) less weight all positioned over the front wheels). However if you need to scratch a V8 itch there is no other difference between the two (other than the performance of the V8).

I have the full drivers assistance package. The radar modules are starting to fail. This is a problem across the MB range and these units ~£350 each (parts only) and are known to fail across all brands. My indie says that he replaces them almost daily.

Look out for white corrosion on the Diamond Cut alloys - negotiation point and you will have to get them done at some point.

I strongly suggest you drive both on a good test drive before deciding. There are many drivers on the American MB forum who initially went for V8s and the replaced them with V6s and without exception, they prefer the V6.

Other than that, it is a awesome car. Had mine 6 years now and still enjoy it every time I drive it. Never gets old.

 

[NJS5]

Welcome ChrisMisc

You will not go too far wrong with an R231. I agree with those who say try the V8 & V6 before you buy.

Air scarf & reversing camera are both very desirable. Also of course full (documented) service history & condition.

Good luck; I look forward to seeing photographs of your ultimate purchase.

NJSS

 

[ChrisMisc]

Thank you all so much for your advice.

So important ones..
Reversing camera
Air scarf
ABC... doesn't come as standard?

Not so important but something to look out for..
Dash clock
Drivers assist

When I look at a car on Autotrader with a big "Extra's list" it reads as follows..

• 19in Alloy Wheels - AMG Multi-Spoke Design Painted Bi-Colour High Gloss Black with High Sheen Finish
• Night Package
• Wind Deflector - Electrically Operated
• AIRSCARF - Neck Level Heating System
• Ambient Lighting
• Vario Roof - Magic Sky Control
• Leather - Black with Vertical Fluting
• Leather - Crystal Grey-Black
• Nappa Leather - Black
• Nappa Leather - Porcelain
• Steering Wheel - 3-Spoke Multi-Function Sports Steering Wheel with Flattened Bottom Section - 12 Buttons and Silver Gearshift Paddles - Trimmed In Wood-Nappa Leather
• Trim - Light Longitudinal-Grain Aluminium
• Active Body Control - ABC with Curve Tilting Function

Are these actually all paid for add-ons?

 

[rorywquin]

Thank you all so much for your advice.

So important ones..
Reversing camera
Air scarf
ABC... doesn't come as standard?

Not so important but something to look out for..
Dash clock
Drivers assist

When I look at a car on Autotrader with a big "Extra's list" it reads as follows..

• 19in Alloy Wheels - AMG Multi-Spoke Design Painted Bi-Colour High Gloss Black with High Sheen Finish
• Night Package
• Wind Deflector - Electrically Operated
• AIRSCARF - Neck Level Heating System
• Ambient Lighting
• Vario Roof - Magic Sky Control
• Leather - Black with Vertical Fluting
• Leather - Crystal Grey-Black
• Nappa Leather - Black
• Nappa Leather - Porcelain
• Steering Wheel - 3-Spoke Multi-Function Sports Steering Wheel with Flattened Bottom Section - 12 Buttons and Silver Gearshift Paddles - Trimmed In Wood-Nappa Leather
• Trim - Light Longitudinal-Grain Aluminium
• Active Body Control - ABC with Curve Tilting Function

Are these actually all paid for add-ons?

I know for sure that :
Night package, ambient lighting, magic sky (vario is standard), nappa leather and ABC are all extras.

ABC. Might be difficult to find one as it was an expensive option.

Ignore the scaremongers on ABC problems - they sorted it all out on the R231.

Does more than improve the ride (which on it’s own is a great reason to have it_.
Curve Tilt - leans into bends
Reacts to neutralise cross-wind
Counters diving when braking
Counters rearing when accelerating
Can raise the car (couple of inches only ) but useful going up a steep ramp, parking nose-in at a kerb, uneven surfaces etc
Lowers the car further at (@50mph I think) to reduce drag (apparently improve consumption)

The may be others.

Again on the American forum- guys have owned them without and with ABC, all recommend it.

Where are you based? Completing your profile properly will enable people to provide better info.

 

[sonic]

1) Top of the list should be ABC.
2) Airscarf (my wife loves it - I’m a bit too tall to really feel it).
3) Dash clock finishes it off.
4) Reversing camera (if you are correctly seated, the corners of the SL are difficult to see).

I ticked almost every box (ABC, massage/active seats, ambient lighting, full drivers assist etc) when I ordered my car and honestly, in retrospect, I’d have only the 4 items listed above if I were to buy a new one today.

All the rest are nice to have’s (I’d avoid keyless go. Weak spot that can be exploited by thieves and people end up carrying them around in little Faraday (I call then fafaday) pouches and storing them in tins at night etc). I’ve had it on other cars and don’t miss it. Do a bit of research and decide.

If only for the 9G gearbox, I would go for the facelift version. It is in a different league compared to the 7G. I had a R172 SLK 350 as a daily driver for 3 years and the 7G was awfuI. I also prefer the FL looks and in the V6, 10% more Hpower & more torque than the pre FL. ILS (the smart headlights) are standard on the FL and they are also awesome.

Having owned several V8s in my Iife I went for the V6 after reading several reviews (by journalists who drove both) and they preferred driving the V6 (more nimble & better turn in - makes sense with (IIRC ~100kg) less weight all positioned over the front wheels). However if you need to scratch a V8 itch there is no other difference between the two (other than the performance of the V8).

I have the full drivers assistance package. The radar modules are starting to fail. This is a problem across the MB range and these units ~£350 each (parts only) and are known to fail across all brands. My indie says that he replaces them almost daily.

Look out for white corrosion on the Diamond Cut alloys - negotiation point and you will have to get them done at some point.

I strongly suggest you drive both on a good test drive before deciding. There are many drivers on the American MB forum who initially went for V8s and the replaced them with V6s and without exception, they prefer the V6.

Other than that, it is a awesome car. Had mine 6 years now and still enjoy it every time I drive it. Never gets old.

We went from a SLK 200K with the 5 speed box to a SLC250d with the 9 speed box.
Its a massive difference, I have the 7G+ on my 212, the 9 speed is by far the best.

 

[Timeandleisure]

Buy it!… after checking over the important parts and test driving it in built up areas and open roads naturally…

 

[Blobcat]

Buy it!… after checking over the important and test driving it in built up areas and open roads naturally…

Agreed, life is too short to drive boring cars

 

[ChrisMisc]

Thanks again gentlemen.

So i'm looking for

Night Package
Reversing Camera
Air Scarf
Magic Sky Roof
Nappa Leather

Things I could take or leave
ABC
A dash clock
Ambient Lighting
Drivers assist

I'd also like the spoiler which I've only seen on the Grand Edition but I could probably buy that after and have it fitted.

Time for the hunt. I will post photos here when I find one.

 

[Timeandleisure]

Good luck!

 

[rorywquin]

Thanks again gentlemen.

So i'm looking for

Night Package
Reversing Camera
Air Scarf
Magic Sky Roof
Nappa Leather

Things I could take or leave
ABC
A dash clock
Ambient Lighting
Drivers assist

I'd also like the spoiler which I've only seen on the Grand Edition but I could probably buy that after and have it fitted.

Time for the hunt. I will post photos here when I find one.

IMO,
ABC is a must have.

 

[mioba]

I would be careful with ads on the likes of autotrader.

they often list items (options) which are standard.

if possible look online for a sales brochure and see what is what and make a tick box of your likes. dont get away. ha ha ha