[Harapa]

After a sour experience with a R230 buy I am looking into a low mileage R231. In researching I noted that ABC suspension became an option in SL5XX and SL4XX, and a standard in SL63/65. I read most people missed the ride of their R230 with ABC, despite it a PTA to maintain. SL63 carries a 20-40% premium over non ABC sibling. Please share your opinion to help me decide between ABC or not. Thanks.

 

[jmattioni]

You can find R231's with the ABC option, but they're fairly rare. I think ABC can help smooth out the ride if you have larger wheels on the car. I previously owned an SL550 with 18" wheels and regular (not runflat) tires and the ride was fine. I now own an R231 SL65 and the ride is similar to my old SL even though the 65 has 19/20" wheels.

AMG models sell at a premium for sure so you have to want all the extras they offer and not just ABC. Otherwise, just keep looking for a base model with the ABC option.

 

[Harapa]

This weekend I went (120 miles away) to look at a 2018 SL550 sold as a CPO.
It is a two owner, 32500 miles, maintained at dealership (same that was selling it as a CPO) car.
Test drive was good. Took it to high way where it climbed to 80mph without any issues to note.
I asked for vehicle VMI and CPO inspection report before moving forward.
VMI indicated no break fluid flush since 20K service and 2 refusals to do so after that.
CPO inspection report indicated that front brake pad/rotor are in need of replacement but was refused by the Sales Dept.
It also indicated rear brake pads and rotor replacement, installation of 4 new tires (but no wheel alignment?), a 30k miles service (oil change & wiper blade) performed.
Not seeing a brake fluid change since 20K service I asked for it, however, final word on it was deferred till Monday. So we returned without any commitment.
After the trip:
On further review of CPO perquisites (see enclosed) I noted that this car should have received a 50K service (as it is past its 5th anniversary), all missed services (e.g. brake fluid change) and any needed repairs before it can be certified as CPO (see item # 3 in CPO certification process).
So this car needs Spark plug & Engine Air Filter, Brake fluid, front brake pad & rotor replacement, and a wheel alignment(?) to qualify as a CPO. I shared my understandings with the Sale Associate via e-mail.

On Monday morning sales person called to indicate that they will do the break fluid. When I indicated to him that car needs more than this and asked him to check his e-mail for details. He is yet to return.
I am not sure if he will.

Had he agreed to do the brake fluid change when we were there, I would have bought the car.
So my questions (though hypothetical) are.
1. Had I taken the delivery of this car, could I claim any repairs under warranty without risking a refusal on the ground that car is not maintained according MB standards.
2. If I am refused a service on this ground, will MBUSA step in to save me since I bought the car as a CPO, and all the omissions were supposed to be taken care of during the CPO certification.
3. Am I too conservative in my expectations when buying a CPO?
Please share your thought or experiences.

 

[jmattioni]

I bought a 2013 SL550 a few years ago with CPO and about the same mileage. As part of the CPO they replaced both front and rear pads and rotors. The brake job is almost $4K so I would push for them to do it.

 

[Harapa]

I bought a 2013 SL550 a few years ago with CPO and about the same mileage. As part of the CPO they replaced both front and rear pads and rotors. The brake job is almost $4K so I would push for them to do it.

$4K.. waoo. Internally they charged 1K for the rear brakes/rotors/brake sensor/some bolts.

 

[Thorgod]

ABC Suspension is a must have for me. I wouldn't touch a R231 without it. My 2013 SL550, purchased in September of 2014 had the three main options that are a must have for me. ABC Suspension, Magic Sky Pano Roof, and Bang & Olufsen. Sold it after 75 months of ownership with 21,000 miles on her. My tech friends at the dealership say that the R231 ABC system has been revised many times from previous year models and is the best it'll be. I'm in a new job living in a different state now, Currently in the market for a 2020 SL550. It seems like Jmatt mentioned, they seem to be rare with the ABC. I'm not pulling the trigger without having the three options. I've been going back and forth to an AMG SL63/65 car to the SL550. I like the idea of a 2020, still under factory warranty, 9-speed auto I like. AMG stayed with the 7-speed. I almost pulled the trigger the other day on a last year model, 2018 SL65, MSRP was $225k. It was at a dealer in Florida, asking $125K. It sold quickly, maybe a blessing in disguise. I have an interest in the 2020 SL550 Grand Edition. I don't see any of these editions with ABC, Magic Sky or Bang & Olufsen. A beautiful edition of an SL550, but every time I get close to purchase, I just can't pull the trigger on a car that doesn't have the options I want. I guess I'll just keep searching. It took me 4 months of constant searching to find my 2013. Good luck in your search Harapa. Don't let a sour R230 experience kill a deal for a R231. Comparison of the R231 and R230 isn't viable. They're worlds apart. You'll really enjoy the R231. We go through life once, find it, buy it, drive it, enjoy it.

Thor