[poptopclk]

Is the 2013+ R231 SL550 the Best MB roadster so far?

Long time Benz fan and this model has caught my eye and I need some 1st hand information.

I usually get a Benz with 60k miles and drive them for decades, obviously these are fairly new,
should I expect them to drive 120k or more before major expenses like my W220 & W208 ?

I think my main concern which might lead me to a 2011 or 2012 is the turbo charging.

MY biggest worry is turbo lag which I despise and reduced engine life due to the extra stress & heat generated by the
turbos.

So DOES THE TURBO stand the test of time or should I stay with the naturally aspirated 5.5 Liter engines of the
prior generation?

Any owners of the 2009 to 2012 that have traded up who would like to share their experiences between the 2 versions of this iconic roadster?

 

[OKB]

I had all of them, The 6.3 is very drivable. The 13 5.5 is better, but you have to keep the rpm up higher to achieve the same torque as the 6.3. If I could have the 6.3 in a newer style 13, I think I would choose it

 

[poptopclk]

ok

I have driven the 2009 SL63 lots of roar, but way more than I need for a daily driver.

Yes, having the classic 6.2 liter AMG would be awesome in the R231 BUT MB in it's wisdom has gone Turbo.

SO given the 2012 SL550 or the 2013 SL550 which is the best choice?

Just worried about Turbo-charged engnes having shorter life spans.

The 2013 really has very upgraded electronic gadgets and interior and more HP but again kind of shy about Turbo'd engines

 

[SinSL]

Make sure you know about ABC suspension issues with modern SLs. This hydraulic suspension system is highly problematic, starts falling apart at around 8 years or 80K and is very expensive to fix as high-pressure hydraulics involved.

ABC is standard equipment on all R230s (2003- 2012) and optional on R231 (2013-).

 

[poptopclk]

yes I NOTICED

Make sure you know about ABC suspension issues with modern SLs. This hydraulic suspension system is highly problematic, starts falling apart at around 8 years or 80K and is very expensive to fix as high-pressure hydraulics involved.

ABC is standard equipment on all R230s (2003- 2012) and optional on R231 (2013-).

The ABC which is excellent is only offered as an option on the 2013 and up what is the standard suspension Airmatic or something else? Not too scared of ABC I have a place that can custom make hydraulic hoses for me (they do Boeing jumbo jets too)

 

[OKB]

Ive had 4 cars with abc, never any problem.

 

[poptopclk]

Ive had 4 cars with abc, never any problem.

I' say this is an endorsement for the R230 or a R231 with the ABC option and fwiw I haven't seen any R231 on sale that had ordered the ABC option

 

[mdapson]

Replaced an ABC dampener on my '13 SL550 with 9400 miles on it. Said it would have been a $900-$1000 repair. They claimed MBUSA replaced if free as a good will repair, but I also have a two year extended warranty so unsure what's up. Service advisor was off when I picked up the car an a Saturday.

 

[SinSL]

Not too scared of ABC I have a place that can custom make hydraulic hoses

There is million other components. Long-term this is very expensive system to maintain, but if you end up with a car equipped with one you can somewhat delay problem by changing hydraulic fluid every 4 years or so. MB claims this fluid is lifetime. It isn't, unless they meant lifetime of warranty period.

 

[OKB]

all amgs have abc. Ive never had a regular SL. I cant see why anyone would pay $4000 for abc to put on a regular SL. Its more of a comfort car, where as abc is more of a performance feature

 

[Hasagi]

I agree, my friend at DSRLeasing had an abc one and as long as it's a really nice feature I personally wouldn't bother and stay with regular.

 

[poptopclk]

I agree, my friend at DSRLeasing had an abc one and as long as it's a really nice feature I personally wouldn't bother and stay with regular.

What is exactly REGULAR ? do they go back to Airmatic ?

 

[mdapson]

What is exactly REGULAR ? do they go back to Airmatic ?

No just the standard shocks and springs.

 

[Rorywquin]

all amgs have abc. Ive never had a regular SL. I cant see why anyone would pay $4000 for abc to put on a regular SL. Its more of a comfort car, where as abc is more of a performance feature

ABC is convenience, performance and comfort. Why should it only be of benefit on an AMG?

Mine can raise the car 2" for going over speed humps etc (convenience) . It lowers the body a further 13mm (from standard height) at higher speeds (performance), has curve tilt (comfort) etc.

 

[poptopclk]

I opted for a R230

I ended up getting the SL550 and 382 HP is really decently fast.

It has a nice exhaust note too and it is sharp looking !

 

[Dr. Manhattan]

all amgs have abc. Ive never had a regular SL. I cant see why anyone would pay $4000 for abc to put on a regular SL. Its more of a comfort car, where as abc is more of a performance feature

It's probably tuned differently on an AMG than it is on a 450/550. I'm just starting my search for a 450, but if I can't find a car with ABC, I will consider ordering one...