RE: Mercedes SL400: Review
Discussion
alfabadass said:
I disagree.
The current SL is the best looking merc in a long time. Awesome stance and presence.
Those alloys are w
k though!
It looks like my Crossfire without the uggers.
I don't really like the way most modern Mercedes look most look bad from the front and average from the side to the back. The SL doesn't change my opinion!The current SL is the best looking merc in a long time. Awesome stance and presence.
Those alloys are w
k though!It looks like my Crossfire without the uggers.
If you have to have an top end convertible there's the Audi R8 Spyder, Porsche 911 convertible, F-type convertible. I'd rather own a Z4 or Boxster! Who buys an SL?!
The SL is an average looking car with an interior that's nice but still has some cheapness to bits of it. It's meant to be sporty but it still weighs a tonne and three quarters-ish. It's got powerful, thirsty engines but it's a convertible and a road car so it's never going to go above motorway speeds.
Why do people buy an SL?! What is the appeal?! Is it a status thing?! I mean do people buy them because they just want the 'best' and most expensive Mercedes?!
I think the 'SL' is an American and middle eastern biased car. Wealthy people buy them to get looks and an ego boost. It's a big, shiny, loud car and has a big three pointed star on the bonnet.
For value for money, driving, looks, etc surely there are better cars than an SL though?I obviously wouldn't say no if somebody gave me one or lent me one, but would I buy one if I was a millionaire?! Never.
iloveboost said:
The SL is an average looking car with an interior that's nice but still has some cheapness to bits of it. It's meant to be sporty but it still weighs a tonne and three quarters-ish. It's got powerful, thirsty engines but it's a convertible and a road car so it's never going to go above motorway speeds.
Why do people buy an SL?! What is the appeal?! Is it a status thing?! I mean do people buy them because they just want the 'best' and most expensive Mercedes?!
I think the 'SL' is an American and middle eastern biased car. Wealthy people buy them to get looks and an ego boost. It's a big, shiny, loud car and has a big three pointed star on the bonnet. For value for money, driving, looks, etc surely there are better cars than an SL though?
I obviously wouldn't say no if somebody gave me one or lent me one, but would I buy one if I was a millionaire?! Never.
It's a sporty GT, that's the point of it. These long dream trips people talk of, where they procrastinate about driving all over Europe, seeing the sights and wanting one car that will do it all. It's a tough bid, especially for the sorts who can afford the time and money to take a trip like that (older couple, kids grown up, sound like an SL buyer to you?). A young feisty lad would probably be happy in a knackered old M3 or a boomy old TVR, but if you want to do it in a little more luxury and enjoy some roof down motoring, who really does the 'full size two seater' thing better than Mercedes? Lexus with the SC430? Not sure about that. Why do people buy an SL?! What is the appeal?! Is it a status thing?! I mean do people buy them because they just want the 'best' and most expensive Mercedes?!
I think the 'SL' is an American and middle eastern biased car. Wealthy people buy them to get looks and an ego boost. It's a big, shiny, loud car and has a big three pointed star on the bonnet.
For value for money, driving, looks, etc surely there are better cars than an SL though?I obviously wouldn't say no if somebody gave me one or lent me one, but would I buy one if I was a millionaire?! Never.
The SL is a car that will happily crawl through the congested south of England, cruise through France, thhunder across Germany and still feel taut and rewarding on the Alpine roads, whilst being comfortable enough to drive all day and looking stylish and inspiring at whatever hotel you live at. It's just a materialisation of 'the good life' in car form, and their owners and former owners are forever singing their praises about how they have a huge feelgood factor as a car.
They are popular in America where longer travel over variable road surfaces, combined with stunning views and scenery make comfortable convertibles make a lot of sense. They do have a trophy wife/golf course club house image, but that's because they have also long been a status symbol, like most expensive products from coveted brands are. I defy any petrolhead to spend time with one and not come away loving them.
And with looks like this, who can argue?
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You could ask the same questions of the X100 Jaguar XK8, ie: who is going to want that? It's comfortable, plushly trimmed and has an automatic gearbox. It's strengths are exactly the same as I mentioned above!
I have a 2013 plate SL350 and a 2007 BMW 630i Sport Convertible. My intention was to sell the BMW but after nearly 18 months of owning the Merc it isn't as well built as the BMW, doesn't handle as well (the Merc's electric steering is very over assisted) and the interior trim is the same as every other Mercedes, A class upwards.
The SL350 though does have some power its noticeable on the road how much quicker it is then the BMW and the gearbox is ace but the dynamics of the car let it down. The SL400 will be quicker but the same dynamics mean that there is better similarly or cheaply priced competition out there.
I agree about looks but then again I love my BMW 630i which some, ok most would say, is ugly.
BUT if you look at the personal leasing costs for these cars it's peanuts. My car is leased it'so cheap it was a case of why wouldn't I not do it. Then again if you look at the residuals of these cars mine was 74k new on the lease - webuyanycar has it valued at 31k a drop of 43k in 18 months - glad it's not all out of my pocket.
The SL350 though does have some power its noticeable on the road how much quicker it is then the BMW and the gearbox is ace but the dynamics of the car let it down. The SL400 will be quicker but the same dynamics mean that there is better similarly or cheaply priced competition out there.
I agree about looks but then again I love my BMW 630i which some, ok most would say, is ugly.
BUT if you look at the personal leasing costs for these cars it's peanuts. My car is leased it'so cheap it was a case of why wouldn't I not do it. Then again if you look at the residuals of these cars mine was 74k new on the lease - webuyanycar has it valued at 31k a drop of 43k in 18 months - glad it's not all out of my pocket.
iloveboost said:
I don't really like the way most modern Mercedes look most look bad from the front and average from the side to the back. The SL doesn't change my opinion!
If you have to have an top end convertible there's the Audi R8 Spyder, Porsche 911 convertible, F-type convertible. I'd rather own a Z4 or Boxster! Who buys an SL?!
The SL is an average looking car with an interior that's nice but still has some cheapness to bits of it. It's meant to be sporty but it still weighs a tonne and three quarters-ish. It's got powerful, thirsty engines but it's a convertible and a road car so it's never going to go above motorway speeds.
Why do people buy an SL?! What is the appeal?! Is it a status thing?! I mean do people buy them because they just want the 'best' and most expensive Mercedes?!
I think the 'SL' is an American and middle eastern biased car. Wealthy people buy them to get looks and an ego boost. It's a big, shiny, loud car and has a big three pointed star on the bonnet. For value for money, driving, looks, etc surely there are better cars than an SL though?
I obviously wouldn't say no if somebody gave me one or lent me one, but would I buy one if I was a millionaire?! Never.
Well done, congratulations on missing the entire point of the SLIf you have to have an top end convertible there's the Audi R8 Spyder, Porsche 911 convertible, F-type convertible. I'd rather own a Z4 or Boxster! Who buys an SL?!
The SL is an average looking car with an interior that's nice but still has some cheapness to bits of it. It's meant to be sporty but it still weighs a tonne and three quarters-ish. It's got powerful, thirsty engines but it's a convertible and a road car so it's never going to go above motorway speeds.
Why do people buy an SL?! What is the appeal?! Is it a status thing?! I mean do people buy them because they just want the 'best' and most expensive Mercedes?!
I think the 'SL' is an American and middle eastern biased car. Wealthy people buy them to get looks and an ego boost. It's a big, shiny, loud car and has a big three pointed star on the bonnet.
For value for money, driving, looks, etc surely there are better cars than an SL though?I obviously wouldn't say no if somebody gave me one or lent me one, but would I buy one if I was a millionaire?! Never.
Baryonyx said:
Why is the SL a guilty pleasure? Since the R129 they have always been incredible cars; great to drive and stuffed with top-notch engineering.
Really? I thought that the R230 (first half of the decade) were, engine and drive train aside, a MB technological wkfest - they'd built something shoddily with electrics that got soaked and crappy overcomplex suspension. I know; I had one.I'd have a newer one in a heartbeat though.
Convertibles don't need to be Unnecessarily this big.....and basically, seats aside, it's the interior from an SLK, which is awful and I have one right now as a loaner. The only thing these cars have over other brands, is that they are solid and chunky....and feel secure. Good sound too from their engines which don't rely too much on their exhaust note.
But depreciation savages these cars, and keep it one year and you've lost £20k
Better buying an F Type....or an M4 convertible
But depreciation savages these cars, and keep it one year and you've lost £20k
Better buying an F Type....or an M4 convertible
Dog Star said:
Really? I thought that the R230 (first half of the decade) were, engine and drive train aside, a MB technological wkfest - they'd built something shoddily with electrics that got soaked and crappy overcomplex suspension. I know; I had one.
I'd have a newer one in a heartbeat though.
This man isn't wrong, I remember my old man buying one, he loves Mercs but vowed to never buy another newer SL. He suffered from a lot of problems with it.kfest - they'd built something shoddily with electrics that got soaked and crappy overcomplex suspension. I know; I had one.I'd have a newer one in a heartbeat though.
DoctorX said:
Nice car, ugly headlights. Applies to all current Mercs. Also, the offset sat nav/vents in relation to the centre console would irritate me everytime I got in it.
The whole lineup is getting uglier. OH's dad has a new S-class, to replace his old one and its gone from something that had quite strong chiseled lines to something that looks like it was reheated in the microwave for too long. All melted and droopy looking. I am shocked at how good this looks in black in those pictures. I've seen a few of these on the road and they do nothing for me, but my goodness, it looks good in this article.
Agree with previous member on thread. It's underpowered to me. 0-60 should be low 4 seconds ("SPORT" leicht).
Agree with previous member on thread. It's underpowered to me. 0-60 should be low 4 seconds ("SPORT" leicht).
Dog Star said:
Really? I thought that the R230 (first half of the decade) were, engine and drive train aside, a MB technological wkfest - they'd built something shoddily with electrics that got soaked and crappy overcomplex suspension. I know; I had one.
I'd have a newer one in a heartbeat though.
A friend of mine went from an R129 SL320 Designo Alanite to a R230 SL500. I would gauge that he loved the R230 even more than the R129, indeed I gather the R129 was sold to make way for the R230. His was immaculate though, low mileage and simply incredible to look at. That said, he had a warranty running on it and required a new SAM unit, which wasn't cheap and luckily, wasn't paid for out of his pocket. He moved on to a new Z4 28i when the SL was written off in a crash, which he never seemed to love as much. He's now got a new Boxster S, which is the most excited I've seen him about a car since the R230. It seems the owners love them, in spite of their failings. I know how these premium German cars can be let down by their electronics, I remember the electronics in my A8 as characterfully mischievous at times.kfest - they'd built something shoddily with electrics that got soaked and crappy overcomplex suspension. I know; I had one.I'd have a newer one in a heartbeat though.
I'd argue the SL is a GT sports rather than a sports GT - that is the SLK.
Amusing comments about the interiors, esp those also mentioning the last decade SL. All that crooning over the looks...spot the ppl who never sat inside one. By far the worst interior ever put into an upmarket motorcar. To add insult to injury not only was it hopping lot ugly it was also as cheap looking and feeling as Boxster and 911 interiors. By contrast the latest interior is superb. A lot more modern and better built with some lovely touches. So much so I struggle to believe what MB have done to the GT interior. Now that is an ugly place to sit!
As one of the very few ppl and even fewer ppl on ph who regularly does this cross continent cruising I can guarantee you interiors are vital. It's what made TVRs superb GT cars, perfect torque curves for easy high speed loping and wonderful places to spend your time. Both the latest SL and SLK do quite good jobs in this respect. They also of course have the roof as a party trick. It's brilliant. It makes night and day difference to mooching and piling on the miles, coupe or roadster. The "open" roof when closed is superb aswell, let's in light and space even when roof up.
All in all they are perfect for what they are designed to do both ranges of cars. The closer though are the deals being offered currently, silly money deals are on offer.
For what it's worth I love the Z4 interior aswell but it's comprehensively outgunned by the Mercs both on the road and financially.
Amusing comments about the interiors, esp those also mentioning the last decade SL. All that crooning over the looks...spot the ppl who never sat inside one. By far the worst interior ever put into an upmarket motorcar. To add insult to injury not only was it hopping lot ugly it was also as cheap looking and feeling as Boxster and 911 interiors. By contrast the latest interior is superb. A lot more modern and better built with some lovely touches. So much so I struggle to believe what MB have done to the GT interior. Now that is an ugly place to sit!
As one of the very few ppl and even fewer ppl on ph who regularly does this cross continent cruising I can guarantee you interiors are vital. It's what made TVRs superb GT cars, perfect torque curves for easy high speed loping and wonderful places to spend your time. Both the latest SL and SLK do quite good jobs in this respect. They also of course have the roof as a party trick. It's brilliant. It makes night and day difference to mooching and piling on the miles, coupe or roadster. The "open" roof when closed is superb aswell, let's in light and space even when roof up.
All in all they are perfect for what they are designed to do both ranges of cars. The closer though are the deals being offered currently, silly money deals are on offer.
For what it's worth I love the Z4 interior aswell but it's comprehensively outgunned by the Mercs both on the road and financially.
E65Ross said:
Overpriced compared to what?
Underpowered? Seriously? It's got well over 300bhp ffs.
£70k (or in this case £90k with a few toys) for a heavy and ugly roadster with barely more power than the current crop of hot hatches?Underpowered? Seriously? It's got well over 300bhp ffs.
Looks obscenely expensive to me when you consider at this price point you would likely be also talking to Jag about the V8 F Type, Aston about the V8 Vantage and Porsche about a 911 Carerra, all of which are packing 400bhp and above.
Even the (admittedly compromised) BMW Z4 35is packs 340 bhp and is considerably cheaper.
I suppose you could argue that the SL operates in a different market as it is more of a wafter, but a fricking expensive wafter no doubt.
E65Ross said:
Well done, congratulations on missing the entire point of the SL
Geeze man, wind you neck in a bit! Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if its different to yours. You seem to be getting a bit hot and bothered by criticism of this car? Are you a current owner?Clearly I don't get the point of the SL either.
Evidently its a car you feel strongly about, so what do you consider to be its place in the world?
I'm currently driving an SL350 and having looked at all the available colours found that it's very colour sensitive. It looks best in white to my eye.
I get a lot of favourable comments at filling stations or wherever after it has had a clean. I'm quite happy with its dynamics, I have a Caterham for hooning around in, and the SL is a nice quiet cruiser by comparison, even though the suspension is a little too firm and harsh even in 'Comfort' setting. It corners flatly and the 7 speed gearbox changes quickly enough for the paddles to actually be usable.
I get a lot of favourable comments at filling stations or wherever after it has had a clean. I'm quite happy with its dynamics, I have a Caterham for hooning around in, and the SL is a nice quiet cruiser by comparison, even though the suspension is a little too firm and harsh even in 'Comfort' setting. It corners flatly and the 7 speed gearbox changes quickly enough for the paddles to actually be usable.
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