Looking to return to MB

[Stoogs]

Hi all.
I used to have an R172 SLK 200 AMG Sport, which I loved until the dreaded Fire Opal Red issues appeared. Although MB authorised the repair, I couldn't get a date to repaint it for at least 4 months. This kind of took the appeal off the car for me so, in frustration, l switched to the dark side and bought a BMW M140i. During my couple of years owning it, I've had more warranty issues with the build quality than any new car I've ever owned.
I've realised I miss my MB and am now thinking about either another R172 (a late 300) or an SL 350 2012-14.
Obviously, I know the R172, but have no experience of the SL and was wondering what issues or concerns members have had with ownership.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RSTurbo50]

Hi all.
I used to have an R172 SLK 200 AMG Sport, which I loved until the dreaded Fire Opal Red issues appeared. Although MB authorised the repair, I couldn't get a date to repaint it for at least 4 months. This kind of took the appeal off the car for me so, in frustration, l switched to the dark side and bought a BMW M140i. During my couple of years owning it, I've had more warranty issues with the build quality than any new car I've ever owned.
I've realised I miss my MB and am now thinking about either another R172 (a late 300) or an SL 350 2012-14.
Obviously, I know the R172, but have no experience of the SL and was wondering what issues or concerns members have had with ownership.
Thanks in advance.

Iv got a facelift BMW M135i in white and it’s one of the best cars I’ve owned. I bought it from a bmw dealer earlier this year and haven’t had any issues at all. The only Mercedes that I would contemplate selling it for would be a W204 C63 but even then the M135i is probably a better all rounder.....

What issues have you had?

 

[E53AMG]

Hi all.
I used to have an R172 SLK 200 AMG Sport, which I loved until the dreaded Fire Opal Red issues appeared. Although MB authorised the repair, I couldn't get a date to repaint it for at least 4 months. This kind of took the appeal off the car for me so, in frustration, l switched to the dark side and bought a BMW M140i. During my couple of years owning it, I've had more warranty issues with the build quality than any new car I've ever owned.
I've realised I miss my MB and am now thinking about either another R172 (a late 300) or an SL 350 2012-14.
Obviously, I know the R172, but have no experience of the SL and was wondering what issues or concerns members have had with ownership.
Thanks in advance.

Sounds like you will be looking at the R231 SL, no issues at all with that model, much wider than the SLK so you get more feeling of comfort. If you can afford it try the SL400 rather than SL350, a more refined engine with quite a bit more power.

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[Benzmanc]

Nothing wrong with the 350, in the real world it has more than enough power

 

[Stoogs]

Iv got a facelift BMW M135i in white and it’s one of the best cars I’ve owned. I bought it from a bmw dealer earlier this year and haven’t had any issues at all. The only Mercedes that I would contemplate selling it for would be a W204 C63 but even then the M135i is probably a better all rounder.....

What issues have you had?

Iv got a facelift BMW M135i in white and it’s one of the best cars I’ve owned. I bought it from a bmw dealer earlier this year and haven’t had any issues at all. The only Mercedes that I would contemplate selling it for would be a W204 C63 but even then the M135i is probably a better all rounder.....

What issues have you had?

Rs Turbo 50
Mechanically, the Beemer has performed without fault and its performance is extremely impressive. The issues I've had have been with bodywork build quality. The front bumper had to be repainted under warranty after a few months, the front BMW badge fell off after another couple of months closely followed with the rear badge falling off too. The tailgate had to be repainted at 18 months old because it was rusting. After its first service at 2 years old, it was taken back in for further warranty paintwork to the b pillars.

 

[Stoogs]

Sounds like you will be looking at the R231 SL, no issues at all with that model, much wider than the SLK so you get more feeling

Sounds like you will be looking at the R231 SL, no issues at all with that model, much wider than the SLK so you get more feeling of comfort. If you can afford it try the SL400 rather than SL350, a more refined engine with quite a bit more power.

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SL50AMG,
That was my thoughts, either a 350 or 400 funds willing. I take it there are no common reported problems with either of these models?
Thanks for the response.

 

[Stoogs]

Nothing wrong with the 350, in the real world it has more than enough power

Benzmanc,
My thoughts were 350 or 400.
As you said, more than enough power for real world driving.
Thanks.

 

[C240Sport97]

I have had issues with high condensation in my SL400 headlights. Plus needed a new electric wind deflector.

My thoughts SL350 vs SL400:
R231 SL350 24 hour test drive

Further thoughts on my SL400:
R231 sl 400

 

[E53AMG]

Not many issues reported here...

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[ToeKnee]

Nothing wrong with the 350, in the real world it has more than enough power

You can never have too much power Darren

 

[Benzmanc]

You can never have too much power Darren

I’ll just get on my bike and it’s bye bye

 

[ToeKnee]

I’ll just get on my bike and it’s bye bye

And dress like a gimp doing it?

 

[Deleted member 6183]

And dress like a gimp doing it?

How do you dress then?

 

[Benzmanc]

And dress like a gimp doing it?

Sounds like you have some experience

 

[219]

I’ll just get on my bike and it’s bye bye

Until you try fast jets ...

 

[Benzmanc]

Until you try fast jets ...

Already have, when i rebuilt the carb on my Tomos moped it went like the clappers.....

 

[nokia8800]

hi new here and after reading the links above I would like your opinions please

I have been looking to get a 2014 350 rather than the 400 on the basis and personally think 350 naturally aspirated sounds better than the 400 turbo.
After reading the owners experience between the 2 I did feel the 400 was more comfortable going over speed humps than the 350 which must be true as your own experience felt this to and was one of the most important things to me especially as there are road humps off many of the main roads where I live.
I think I will need to test drive the 400 again making sure I get a better and longer test drive than what was given to me at Beaconsfield a poor 20 mins if that on a roads telling me some blatant lie not able to go on motorway due to having trade plates unlike the 350 in Basingstoke who took me on an almost hours drive on a, b and motorway on trade plates.

My questions are

1- if I do end up liking the 2015 400 more do I stick with this or go with the 2016 new shape which I have not driven yet but I have to say there is something nicer and more aggressive with the 2015 shape and find the 2016 a bit soft?

2- Has anyone driven or owned both the old and new shape who can give me their experiences and which is/was better?