In the market for an R231 SL 350/400/500

[billy21]

Hello all - I'm potentially in the market soon for a used R231 SL - I will have circa £25k to spend which will get me pretty much most 350's or possibly a pre-facelift 400 or 500. Running costs won't be too much of a problem as my mileage will be less than 5000 a year. However, I would be interested to hear your views on reliability for each of these models? The SL350 has the same engine and running gear as my E350 CGI and this car is the most reliable I've ever owned - would the 400/500 be more problematic because of the twin turbo setup? Your thoughts on this or any other tips or hints you might have would be gratefully received.

thanks

Bill

 

[V6GBJ]

Hello all - I'm potentially in the market soon for a used R231 SL - I will have circa £25k to spend which will get me pretty much most 350's or possibly a pre-facelift 400 or 500. Running costs won't be too much of a problem as my mileage will be less than 5000 a year. However, I would be interested to hear your views on reliability for each of these models? The SL350 has the same engine and running gear as my E350 CGI and this car is the most reliable I've ever owned - would the 400/500 be more problematic because of the twin turbo setup? Your thoughts on this or any other tips or hints you might have would be gratefully received.

thanks

Bill

Hi Bill. I cannot comment on long term reliability but I'm sure that Rory Quinn will soon be along to comment. After 2 R230s I bought a 2016 R231 SL400 a few months ago. I sold the 350s at about 40K miles but neither of them had any problems, having been well cared for and serviced by previous owners. Someone might correct me but I think he SL400 engine (367 bhp) is essentially the same engine as my previous 2010 SL 350 with 315 bhp. The difference is the twin turbo. The SL400 is in my view much superior to the R230. The power difference and other qualities are truly noticeable and of value. Good luck with the search, you will be thrilled when you find the right one. Cheers, Gareth

 

[C240Sport97]

I have had an SL400 for 4 years and 30k miles. There has been no issues on the drivetrain.

only issues I have had is new nearside headlight - MB paid 80% as goodwill - and electric wind deflector net coming loose.

great car. I love it.

This might be a useful thread: R231 SL350 24 hour test drive | General Discussion

 

[Steeve]

Hi OP, watching your thread with interest as may be in a similar position soon, will be interested to hear more as you search

 

[Deleted member 126251]

I'm into year 4 with mine. Pretty low mileage (16000) but not a single issue since day one. The biggest worry I read about, is the concern with ABC. I spend a lot of time on motoring forums and I've yet to read of an issue with ABC on the R231.

If you can get a R231 with ABC, that would be the way to go. There is a lot more to it than simply a smoother ride.

400 v 500, if you need to scratch the V8 itch get a V8 (I've owned a few so it was not a priority for me).

General consensus (motroing journalists and people who have owned both) is the 400 is a nicer more nimble drive and a better balanced "drivers" car. The V8 has about 150lbs extra sitting on the front wheels but lovely straiht line grunt. I had long test drives in both and preferred the V6. The newer engine (V6) has a very good torque curve and will will happily travel in 9th gear at 30mph.

V8 or V6 - personal choice other than engines they are identical, This is not a sports car but a GT however it does go surprisingly well.

It is a fabulous car - suggest you test drive both.

 

[ToeKnee]

I waited ages for a well specced R231 SL500 with ABC. Couldn't get one so ended with one with "normal" suspension. It's fine but if I was to buy another I'd definitely wait longer! Had my V8 eighteen months and 7000 miles with no complaints at all.

 

[billy21]

Thanks everyone - very helpful replies. Will keep you posted.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Definitely drive both and form your own view on the driving sensation. Too many people buy the first car they see, based on Internet chats.

I had the 350 and 500 in R230 form. The smaller engine was better from the point of riding the car up and down the gears, whereas the V8 just did everything effortlessly / without fuss. The V8 is loopy for fast for Surrey use, but is properly luxurious thanks to that ABC. "Mpg" and tax? Who cares when you're not doing many miles?

 

[billy21]

Hi Everyone - after test driving a 400 and 350 I decided to go with the latter. The 400 was clearly faster but I preferred the sound, refinement and responsiveness of the n.a. engine - it's pretty much the same engine as the one in my E class estate and I really like their driving characteristics. I found a well cared for example with low mileage and full MBSH with some very nice options - airscarf, electric wind deflector, red nappa leather, driving assistance package, ambient lighting, reversing camera etc. Am very pleased with the car.

 

[Abb]

Congratulations! That is a very nice colour combo, I would be pleased too!

 

[W1ghty]

Wow , what a car ! Stunning !

 

[V6GBJ]

Hi Everyone - after test driving a 400 and 350 I decided to go with the latter. The 400 was clearly faster but I preferred the sound, refinement and responsiveness of the n.a. engine - it's pretty much the same engine as the one in my E class estate and I really like their driving characteristics. I found a well cared for example with low mileage and full MBSH with some very nice options - airscarf, electric wind deflector, red nappa leather, driving assistance package, ambient lighting, reversing camera etc. Am very pleased with the car.View attachment 105021View attachment 105023View attachment 105022

Very nice indeed!

 

[merc85]

That looks great ! Was ABC optional on the r231 500's then?

 

[C240Sport97]

Lovely colour combination

red interior goes much better with grey instead of black exterior

 

[billy21]

That looks great ! Was ABC optional on the r231 500's then?

Yes - i believe it was standard on the 63 and 65 only.

 

[ianw19]

That looks awesome

 

[merc85]

Yes - i believe it was standard on the 63 and 65 only.

The SL is one Mercedes i have always wanted since being a child lol, That would have been in the early 80's

Back then i used to drool over the r107 and r129s, I had Burago model of a Almandine r129 with cream hide. 500 of course

The ABC puts me off but if i could get a non abc 500 then hey

 

[Dickster]

Cracking looking car, I love that interior

 

[Deleted member 126251]

The SL is one Mercedes i have always wanted since being a child lol, That would have been in the early 80's

Back then i used to drool over the r107 and r129s, I had Burago model of a Almandine r129 with cream hide. 500 of course

The ABC puts me off but if i could get a non abc 500 then hey

Nothing wrong with ABC on the R231's and is a lesser car without it.

 

[ToeKnee]

Nothing wrong with ABC on the R231's and is a lesser car without it.

Wish I had it on mine!