Advice on (R231) SL350 Please

[BoristheBounce]

Hi Guys,

Wonder if anyone can help please.

I've just sold my little plaything which was a little Z4, I'm looking for something a little more gentile to replace it with so came upon the SL350, ideal for European touring etc.

Looking at a possible 2012/13/14 model can anyone offer advice on what to look out for on these please when buying.

Many thanks in advance.

Nev

 

[billy21]

Hi Nev - I recently bought a 2013 SL350 and I absolutely love it! from what I understand they are pretty much bullet proof but do carefully check the service history - they should have one every year even if the mileage is low. Also understand that you'll be buying an 8 year old car so even a pristine looking example will most likely need some work doing - mine for example, needed a new main battery and auxiliary battery, it'll also need the front trail arms replacing in the next year. Check if and when the discs, pads and tyres were replaced and adjust your offer accordingly if they need replacing soon.

I would also think about what options you'd like to have, the base car is well specced but there were quite a few options to choose from. From my perspective the important ones are:
Airscarf
Electric wind deflector
Reversing camera
Electric boot opening operation (Mine didn't have this one and I wish it did).
Dark Wood Trim
Nappa Leather

Nice to have:
ABC suspension (rare)
Driving assistance package
Harman Kardon sound system
Ambient lighting package (I think it looks really good but not everyone will agree)


A bit gimmicky:
Magic sky control
analogue clock

I would suggest you look at a few before you make a purchase - you'll get a feel for what a good example looks like.

Good luck and post some pictures when you buy one.

Bill

 

[BoristheBounce]

Hi Nev - I recently bought a 2013 SL350 and I absolutely love it! from what I understand they are pretty much bullet proof but do carefully check the service history - they should have one every year even if the mileage is low. Also understand that you'll be buying an 8 year old car so even a pristine looking example will most likely need some work doing - mine for example, needed a new main battery and auxiliary battery, it'll also need the front trail arms replacing in the next year. Check if and when the discs, pads and tyres were replaced and adjust your offer accordingly if they need replacing soon.

I would also think about what options you'd like to have, the base car is well specced but there were quite a few options to choose from. From my perspective the important ones are:
Airscarf
Electric wind deflector
Reversing camera
Electric boot opening operation (Mine didn't have this one and I wish it did).
Dark Wood Trim
Nappa Leather

Nice to have:
ABC suspension (rare)
Driving assistance package
Harman Kardon sound system
Ambient lighting package (I think it looks really good but not everyone will agree)


A bit gimmicky:
Magic sky control
analogue clock

I would suggest you look at a few before you make a purchase - you'll get a feel for what a good example looks like.

Good luck and post some pictures when you buy one.

Bill

Hi Bill,

Much appreciate the fast response.

I'm liking the white with red interior and have just realised there was an SL400 shortly after the SL350 any benefits on going for this one apart from the obvious extra power?

Cheers

Nev

 

[billy21]

My car has the red interior and it looks great with the dark ash trim and silver/grey body work.

I test drove an SL400 and it was undoubtedly quicker but, and this is just a personal preference, I preferred the responsiveness and sound of the n.a. engine. It's plenty quick enough for most people and will probably prove to be more reliable in the long term. I suggest you test drive both and see which one appeals - although the SL400 will cost a bit more to buy and run.

 

[BoristheBounce]

Looks like I'm going on some test drives

Many thanks once again.

 

[C240Sport97]

R231 SL350 24 hour test drive | General Discussion

Thanks to MB Bishop’s Stortford, I had this for 24 hours over the weekend. It impressed me much more than I expected it to. Engine: The 3.5 liter V6 is smooth, almost turbine like, and quite quick (this is relative!) once it gets going. However, it is too quiet, and what...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

R231 sl 400 | General Discussion

After an eventful few months with the Morgan, I came to my senses .. I got rid of it and I bought a 15 month old, 1000 miles, almost fully loaded SL400 earlier this month. It is just lovely to be back in a Mercedes .. it’s like coming home. Options: Driving assistance package ...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[Slartibartfast]

Looks like I'm going on some test drives

Many thanks once again.

I've recently bought a 2013 SL350. I'm sure that you'll absolutely love it. Here's a recent thread I posted which may help:

SL350

 

[BoristheBounce]

R231 SL350 24 hour test drive | General Discussion

Thanks to MB Bishop’s Stortford, I had this for 24 hours over the weekend. It impressed me much more than I expected it to. Engine: The 3.5 liter V6 is smooth, almost turbine like, and quite quick (this is relative!) once it gets going. However, it is too quiet, and what...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

R231 sl 400 | General Discussion

After an eventful few months with the Morgan, I came to my senses .. I got rid of it and I bought a 15 month old, 1000 miles, almost fully loaded SL400 earlier this month. It is just lovely to be back in a Mercedes .. it’s like coming home. Options: Driving assistance package ...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

Great reviews much appreciated.

 

[BoristheBounce]

My car has the red interior and it looks great with the dark ash trim and silver/grey body work.

I test drove an SL400 and it was undoubtedly quicker but, and this is just a personal preference, I preferred the responsiveness and sound of the n.a. engine. It's plenty quick enough for most people and will probably prove to be more reliable in the long term. I suggest you test drive both and see which one appeals - although the SL400 will cost a bit more to buy and run.

Bill,

Do you have a pic of your car showing both interior and exterior together by any chance?

 

[billy21]

Here's some

 

[BoristheBounce]

Here's someView attachment 111952View attachment 111953View attachment 111954View attachment 111955

You are right it looks classy in that colour combo.

 

[BoristheBounce]

Well, you have to move quick, I missed two but managed to get myself a nice 2015 SL400 AMG SPORT in white with Red Interior 22,000 miles.

And a decent list of extras!

• Remote Boot Closing
• Telephone Pre-Wiring with Hands-Free Facility
• TV Tuner - Digital Reception Capabilities
• Reversing Camera
• Airscarf - Neck Level Heating
• Metallic Paint - Diamond White
• Trim - Black Ash Wood
• Active Body Control (ABC) - Active Suspension
• Upholstery - Nappa Leather
• 
  
• 

 

[C240Sport97]

lovely

very rare to have ABC

nappa leather is also fantastic as is the bi turbo V6

I think you will love it

mine is the reverse of yours, white inside, red outside

 

[BoristheBounce]

Picking it up on Saturday. I can't figure out if it has the electric wind break.
Anyone know if this is standard on a 2015 SL400 or not?

 

[C240Sport97]

Picking it up on Saturday. I can't figure out if it has the electric wind break.
Anyone know if this is standard on a 2015 SL400 or not?

Option

the pics you posted of the white car does not have electric wind deflector

pic of mine with electric wind deflector

 

[BoristheBounce]

Option

the pics you posted of the white car does not have electric wind deflector

pic of mine with electric wind deflector

View attachment 112195

Bugga, never mind I'll survive.
Much appreciated.

 

[Peterds]

Here's someView attachment 111952View attachment 111953View attachment 111954View attachment 111955

Nice colour combination

 

[BoristheBounce]

Got the motor yesterday, just going over it gradually making it my own.
However, I have found something I have no idea what it is.
It's under the bonnet towards the back of the engine compartment and has two settings on it, anyone any idea what it is?

 

[V6GBJ]

Got the motor yesterday, just going over it gradually making it my own.
However, I have found something I have no idea what it is.
It's under the bonnet towards the back of the engine compartment and has two settings on it, anyone any idea what it is?

It's the positive battery terminal, you press down and twist to expose the metal post.. Very nice SL by the way, I wish I had the black ash trim on mine!

 

[BoristheBounce]

It's the positive battery terminal, you press down and twist to expose the metal post.. Very nice SL by the way, I wish I had the black ash trim on mine!

Cheers
Any ideas why it has the numbers on it?