SLS upgrades (take two), ML63's and more....
Discussion
Now being on my second SLS meant that I really needed a second round of AMG Design Studio upgrades....AMG ownership just calls out for any kind of excuse to travel to Affalterbach 
I'm getting kind of excited because I've been without the car since mid-August and I collect it on Friday 
I think more PHer's have seen my car on their trips to the factory than I have this summer!
Much like my first one, I opted for the SLS GT TCU update, steering wheel re-trim with contrast stitching and new-style gear lever in the same tan colour as the interior....this time I added replacement leather for the drivers seat (the original one was worn and re-connolising just doesn't appeal). All reasonable low-key (modest even) upgrades and should have taken no more than a couple of weeks.
If only it was that simple....because, before I took it to AMG last month a couple of issues added to this list.....
Firstly, I've had a faint steering wheel / drivetrain vibration problem with SLS since I bought it - it feels like an unbalanced wheel and whilst I noticed the problem before I bought it, I put it down to just that. I've since had the wheels balanced...three times. I've bought new tyres. Vibration still present. My MB dealer didn't really know what else to do although I had an inkling it might be the ceramic brakes out of balance (a known issue on cars fitted with Brembo ceramic brakes). I then took it up with MB UK as I'd first reported the issue whilst the car was under warranty and to be quite honest, they've been outstanding. They asked my dealer to confirm when I first reported it, checked that I'd purchased the extended warranty (although slightly irrelevant) and very quickly accepted liability. They fitted another new set of tyres (at their cost) and when the wobble was still present, they seemed more than happy authorising AMG to pick up the process when the car was in Germany.
I've now learned that AMG decided to replace a whole host of bearings and mountings as well as, quite unbelievably, fitting a whole new transmission
The work must have run into the tens of thousands but they've covered it all under warranty / goodwill with virtually no influence from me. I know MB often get a slating for their poor service but I've got to say, the lengths they've gone to at no cost to me is phenomenal. I'm not sure quite why they decided to replace the transmission however the only problem logged in the service history of the car was a transmission oil leak some time ago - maybe it was run low on oil and this caused some irreversible damage. Regardless, AMG assure me that my car is 100% vibration free so I'm really hoping for the best!
The second issue was a little unfortunate but I'm not going to mention any names as I understand that accidents can happen and the way the issue's been dealt with has again been tremendous. A couple of weeks before I went to AMG, my rear view mirror fell off the windscreen and when an attempt was made to reattach it, my windscreen broke. No biggie and easily rectified. Only the leather dash was damaged at the same time
This obviously wasn't going to be an easy thing to fix (especially for someone who's buying a new seat leather rather than having it repaired) but I let them get on with attempting a repair before deciding it was always going to be noticeable right on top of a flat dashboard. Cut a long story slightly shorter, AMG have also replaced the dash (hence the extended time it's been out there) - most of the cost is being covered by the other party however I've agreed to contribute as I'm having it upgraded to contrast stitching and a strip of Alcantara (as fitted to the SLS Black Series). I'm expecting the interior to look superb.
So, quite a lot has happened in the last few weeks and whilst it's not all gone smoothly, I've been treated amazingly well by MB in the UK and AMG in Germany and the end result will hopefully be very positive.
Also, for those that haven't seen on the MB Club forum or the PH BMW section, I had the opportunity to get out of our new M3 with minimal loss a few weeks ago So, given neither me or the missus liked it that much, I snapped up that opportunity so it was out with the M3 and in with another AMG....
You don't read a lot about these and it was a toss up between the ML and a (much cheaper) old shape RRS Supercharged (other half wanted an SUV, I didn't want a diesel). I've never really considered an ML but I've got to say, I like it a lot - I'm either really getting old (definitely can't be that), or more likely I'm just after something different to the usual 'sports' cars I tend to have - as a car for rocking around in, commuting, travelling up and down the motorway etc. it's one of the nicest cars I've ever bought (although as I'm constantly reminded, it's the other halfs' car and she pay for it!).
It's extraordinarily comfortable and very refined, yet you still get that AMG background noise (although the 5.5 bi-turbo is definitely turned down to 7 compared to the 10-11 of the 6.2). It has a kind of rolling gait that makes it feel like an unstoppable train on the road - the air suspension keeps it very isolated and smooth but unlike most SUV's, it's underpinned by real firepower, grunt and huge traction so it just rockets away from everything else.
You then expect it to roll about in bends but it has these active roll bars which kill virtually all the body roll - it's not what I'd call agile or particularly dynamic but the lack of roll just adds to the feeling of comfort. The brakes and steering are typical AMG fare....superb.
On the not-so-good side, economy is appalling (even the SLS sips noticeably less!) and the wood trims gotta go - the trim was probably one of the reasons I paid thousands less for this car than the next cheapest ML63 on sale.
I'm getting kind of excited because I've been without the car since mid-August and I collect it on Friday I think more PHer's have seen my car on their trips to the factory than I have this summer!Much like my first one, I opted for the SLS GT TCU update, steering wheel re-trim with contrast stitching and new-style gear lever in the same tan colour as the interior....this time I added replacement leather for the drivers seat (the original one was worn and re-connolising just doesn't appeal). All reasonable low-key (modest even) upgrades and should have taken no more than a couple of weeks.
If only it was that simple....because, before I took it to AMG last month a couple of issues added to this list.....
Firstly, I've had a faint steering wheel / drivetrain vibration problem with SLS since I bought it - it feels like an unbalanced wheel and whilst I noticed the problem before I bought it, I put it down to just that. I've since had the wheels balanced...three times. I've bought new tyres. Vibration still present. My MB dealer didn't really know what else to do although I had an inkling it might be the ceramic brakes out of balance (a known issue on cars fitted with Brembo ceramic brakes). I then took it up with MB UK as I'd first reported the issue whilst the car was under warranty and to be quite honest, they've been outstanding. They asked my dealer to confirm when I first reported it, checked that I'd purchased the extended warranty (although slightly irrelevant) and very quickly accepted liability. They fitted another new set of tyres (at their cost) and when the wobble was still present, they seemed more than happy authorising AMG to pick up the process when the car was in Germany.
I've now learned that AMG decided to replace a whole host of bearings and mountings as well as, quite unbelievably, fitting a whole new transmission
The work must have run into the tens of thousands but they've covered it all under warranty / goodwill with virtually no influence from me. I know MB often get a slating for their poor service but I've got to say, the lengths they've gone to at no cost to me is phenomenal. I'm not sure quite why they decided to replace the transmission however the only problem logged in the service history of the car was a transmission oil leak some time ago - maybe it was run low on oil and this caused some irreversible damage. Regardless, AMG assure me that my car is 100% vibration free so I'm really hoping for the best! The second issue was a little unfortunate but I'm not going to mention any names as I understand that accidents can happen and the way the issue's been dealt with has again been tremendous. A couple of weeks before I went to AMG, my rear view mirror fell off the windscreen and when an attempt was made to reattach it, my windscreen broke. No biggie and easily rectified. Only the leather dash was damaged at the same time
This obviously wasn't going to be an easy thing to fix (especially for someone who's buying a new seat leather rather than having it repaired) but I let them get on with attempting a repair before deciding it was always going to be noticeable right on top of a flat dashboard. Cut a long story slightly shorter, AMG have also replaced the dash (hence the extended time it's been out there) - most of the cost is being covered by the other party however I've agreed to contribute as I'm having it upgraded to contrast stitching and a strip of Alcantara (as fitted to the SLS Black Series). I'm expecting the interior to look superb.So, quite a lot has happened in the last few weeks and whilst it's not all gone smoothly, I've been treated amazingly well by MB in the UK and AMG in Germany and the end result will hopefully be very positive.
Also, for those that haven't seen on the MB Club forum or the PH BMW section, I had the opportunity to get out of our new M3 with minimal loss a few weeks ago
So, given neither me or the missus liked it that much, I snapped up that opportunity so it was out with the M3 and in with another AMG....You don't read a lot about these and it was a toss up between the ML and a (much cheaper) old shape RRS Supercharged (other half wanted an SUV, I didn't want a diesel). I've never really considered an ML but I've got to say, I like it a lot - I'm either really getting old (definitely can't be that), or more likely I'm just after something different to the usual 'sports' cars I tend to have - as a car for rocking around in, commuting, travelling up and down the motorway etc. it's one of the nicest cars I've ever bought (although as I'm constantly reminded, it's the other halfs' car and she pay for it!).
It's extraordinarily comfortable and very refined, yet you still get that AMG background noise (although the 5.5 bi-turbo is definitely turned down to 7 compared to the 10-11 of the 6.2). It has a kind of rolling gait that makes it feel like an unstoppable train on the road - the air suspension keeps it very isolated and smooth but unlike most SUV's, it's underpinned by real firepower, grunt and huge traction so it just rockets away from everything else.
You then expect it to roll about in bends but it has these active roll bars which kill virtually all the body roll - it's not what I'd call agile or particularly dynamic but the lack of roll just adds to the feeling of comfort. The brakes and steering are typical AMG fare....superb.
On the not-so-good side, economy is appalling (even the SLS sips noticeably less!) and the wood trims gotta go - the trim was probably one of the reasons I paid thousands less for this car than the next cheapest ML63 on sale.
was a revelation when we got ours. Ditching a 612 up a Pyrenean slope will remain a particular highlight 
Love reading about your upgrades and was intrigued when you mentioned the whole transmission change last time. However, every time I hear about what work you've had done I start worrying about mine! I only managed to take mine to a slightly higher speed recently and noticed quite bad vibration from the steering. I couldn't work out if it was the road surface or wheel balance etc as it came and went around the same speed. I'm not sure I would have the same result as you if taking it to Brooklands but will now give it a go after your experience.
Anyone know of any decent tyre guys in London to start off with.
Anyone know of any decent tyre guys in London to start off with.
iluvmercs said:
As for that lovely ML, I have but one question.....when is it going in for its Performance Studio upgrades ;-)
The Performance Studio don't really do anything for the ML...not quite sure why, but I guess the fact the ML is constructed in the USA must be a contributing factor.vpr said:
I have the same colour Leather as you and I too ended up buying a new seat squab as my guy found it impossible to match the colour
£1700 later
Isn't yours a bit lighter in colour? £1,700 for the squab is a lot but that does appear to be price in the UK (I priced it up before going to AMG). A combination of a good exchange rate, slightly lower VAT and no MB UK 'margin' means AMG only charge a little more than this for both backrest and squab. £1700 later
Who did your seat and are you happy with it? Theres a chance that my seat leather may still not have arrived in time (9 weeks after I ordered it!) so won't have been done before I collect it. If so, I've either got to take it back to AMG again or get them to send it and I'll have to arrange for someone here to fit it.
cho said:
Love reading about your upgrades and was intrigued when you mentioned the whole transmission change last time. However, every time I hear about what work you've had done I start worrying about mine! I only managed to take mine to a slightly higher speed recently and noticed quite bad vibration from the steering. I couldn't work out if it was the road surface or wheel balance etc as it came and went around the same speed. I'm not sure I would have the same result as you if taking it to Brooklands but will now give it a go after your experience.
Anyone know of any decent tyre guys in London to start off with.
I honestly think they changed the transmission on mine because of something to do with the earlier warranty issue on it. Sure, it was a bit whiney (which I asked them to look at), but then so was my last one so I don't think a whine alone is anything out of the ordinary. Anyone know of any decent tyre guys in London to start off with.
If you have a steering vibration at a certain speed then it's almost definitely wheel balance. My vibration was across quite a wide spectrum of speed (more so than typical with wheel balance issues) but I have to say, the SLS is very sensitive to the surface and because the steering typically has a lot of proper feedback, it's easy to mistake this for wheel vibration. You have to try and dial out what's supposed to be there and what isn't!
For some reason, it's also a notoriously difficult car to get the wheels balanced properly - I had real trouble successfully doing this on my last one and in the end, I could only get it properly balanced on a Hunter Roadforce balancing machine. If you can make the trip a little bit further north then Tyres Northampton are pretty much the best at this in my experience. Knowing I did get it sorted on my last SLS is why I had no qualms buying my current one with a wheel vibration present but, when I took it to Tyres Northampton and they couldn't get it right, I knew it had to be something else. I'm intrigued (and a little nervous) to see if AMG have managed to 100% cure it....they certainly claim to have done.
Quick question on the ML to see if anyone has experienced a similar annoying trait in any other Merc - the drivers backrest appears to not be able to stay in the same position. At first I thought it was the memory function not working properly but, driving it to and from London today and not touching the seat adjustment, it was noticeably more reclined at the end of the day. It's very subtle (you don't feel it move) over time but it's bloody annoying as I have to keep moving it back up!
Edited by Palmball on Thursday 25th September 01:29
Palm...your seat should and will stay rock solid when working prop. Sorry but it sounds more like a motor is failing. Seat position is crucial for my wife and our ML frequently flicks back between our two settings and once engaged there is no movement. And we have driven it all over Europe and UK in muktihour stints.
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