My R231 SL500 is the best SL. Lighter, more powerful, more fuel efficient, more torque, stiff as a coupe as 85% aluminium, last of the line with metal folding roof.
im not sure if you are aware, this exact car was t-boned in Glendale, CA - I have a video of the collision. So sad. it sold at copart auction for a remarkable $27,500 with a salvage title. I know this because I tracked down the last owner and bid on the car, but that was way higher than I was willing to go.
I own the 2019 SL 450 and agree with most of this review, with a couple notable exceptions. For me, the infotainment system is worse than described. The screen is very small using the little wheel on console is a real nuisance compare to a touch screen. As to performance, I left a Corvette C7 Z51 to get this Benz. The Corvette is explosive in it's acceleration compared to the Benz hitting 60 in about 3.7 seconds compared to the Benz being a second slower. Having said that, both cars provide more acceleration than I can use in 99% of my driving situations. The Corvette is a true sports car at 3300 pounds, the Benz is a GT car at 3800 pounds. Would the Benz with the same drive train but 500 pounds lower in weight be a sports car? I know it would. Even at 3800 pounds the car rotates very well as the wheel base is short enough. Not short like a Miata, but short like a Nissan Z or an M3 or a Supra or an F Type Jag. But if you lose the 500 pounds you lose a lot of what makes this car a super comfortable tourer and around town errand runner. If you gotten too old for the F Type or the Corvette because of the seating or problems getting in and out, the SL450 gives you 90% of what you buy a sports car for and enough additional comfort to let you drive all day and not get feel beaten up as you get out. And as mentioned, that hard top/convertible feature is really the best of both worlds.
I’ve an ‘02 sl500 and an ‘85 190e 2.3-16 Two totally different animals. I drive the SL daily, like I stole it. And the 190 only on Sunday mornings. But if you had to bury me with one, it’s the 190 all day.
I have the 2015 400SL black with the same red interior and I love it. The only thing you didn't mention that I think is a tremendous bonus is the unbelievably great gas mileage. I'm getting 24MPG putting around the Hamptons and the few times I've taken it to NYC I got over 31MPG. That's twice the range of a 550SL with very little difference in power.
I couldn’t agree more with you. You precisely described in a video with the pros and cons mentioned, that this is not a daily Driver. It is too loud, too windy, and definitely too Arash on the suspension to do your daily drives where you wanna be I’m, a conversation on the mobile through free speaking or speaking to a passenger. For somebody who hasn’t driven this car for a test drive, it is a very good video!
Hi all - for those of you who might be interested, this car is currently for sale through bringatrailer.com. Fully detailed inside and out and looking and driving like a dream. After 4 years of ownership, it's time for someone else to enjoy it! The auction ends on July 20th, Lot #114004. Happy bidding!
Nice review but shouldn’t you do your home work. It launched in 1989 - you having called it an icon -should know this if you remember it being launched. Where have sound systems been located, except for the centre console?
Infamous? Sorry but if you haven't actually driven the manual dogleg don't say it's not brilliant. Auto with this car is a waste of time imho. You've also been misinformed sir....both the 2.3 and the 2.5 heads were designed and produced by Cosworth. My 2.3 16v and my 2.5 16v both have the Coscast imprints on the heads. My spare 2.5-16 head has it too.
The last era of Mercedes when engineers ruled the build budgets and not the accountants…everything feels like it’s hewn from granite and for a big car it’s enough grunt for the real world in day to day driving requirements. I’ve had an R107 for 8 years (300SL) which has been great to own but a drive across France last year showed up some it’s shortcomings. I was lucky enough in 2021 to find a 1996 R129 SL500 that was a Japanese import into the U.K. with just 4,000m from new complete with full service records which had spent most of its life in storage in Osaka. This has now become my go to Merc and I’m selling the 107 as I find the 129 can do everything sublimely and effortlessly. There aren’t too many years left I fear before we can no longer enjoy these types of car so as the man says in the video…if you want one go get one soon!
the area that you are driving Houses looks very nice what part of America is this,By The way i have one of these cars and i think it is the most under rated car out there, The power is more then enough for me,Power when i need it comfort, hard top, power consumption,Beutifull and comfortable, etc etc ticks a lot of boxes i dont like ipads in the car its a Classic should stick to Classic which i can drive for the next 10 years and will still look good i dont think it has a flaw with the Engine for me its the opposite i Think Engine for this car is perfect Combination to sum this car with one word " Lovely "
Take my advise, please stay away from Aston Martin. They are unreliable, and wyou will loose a tone of money when you trade it in. I bought them before and I will never buy another one again.
There is one in carecar.it 173k € and it is still there still cheaper than Ferrari Portofino but the BMW M8 is the cheapest 105K or Hellcat Redeye is the better option
Awesome, I used to do the same trick in my older Mercs, I’ve had 2x190 and 2x124 and 2x 126, all we awesome cars. 190 2.6 was probably my favourite, Now have a 203 180 kompresssor which though decent is not a patch on the retro stuff, Your 129 looks fab too, Great video btw, Regards from Suffolk UK
