SL400 questions

[IanW]

Sadly, the CLK has just been written off, so I'm looking for a replacement car. I'm drawn to the 2016-20 SL400, an R231 I think. I have a few questions, and I'd be grateful for any opinions from forum members. An on-line search finds some cars, but gives conflicting details. Without access to a car, it's a touch difficult to get out and kick the tyres.

1. COMAND. Which revision of COMAND would be fitted to a 2016-20 model? NTG51 ? And is DAB standard, or an option (adverts vary) ? Map updates appear to be about £100.
2. Wind deflector. It's listed as 'optional'. Does this mean that it's a factory-fit only item? I can find R230 and R232 wind deflectors for sale on-line, but none for R231.
3. KeylessGo. Is a 2016 model recent enough to have the 'lock twice to disable KG' feature (or key motion detection), or is a case of keeping the keys in a Fazraday cage?
4. Wheels. They all seem to have either 19" or 20" rims. Has anyone on here retrofitted 18" rims (the front brake disks look a bit big to do this)? The roads in Berkshire are more pothole than tarmac, and I like my motoring to come with a big dash of comfort.

Thanks in advance,
Ian.

 

[markjay]

1. COMAND. Which revision of COMAND would be fitted to a 2016-20 model? NTG51 ? And is DAB standard, or an option (adverts vary) ? Map updates appear to be about £100.

Up to 03/16 the R231 had NTG4.5/4.7.

As of 04/16 it had NTG5*1.

I am not sure if it ever got NTG5.5 or NTG6.0 (MBUX) before production ended in 2020. Both variants were initially introduced in 2018, however not all model received them straightaway.

 

[IanW]

As of 04/16 it had NTG5*1.

Thank you.
Looks like NTG5*1 supports Android Auto - happy days!

Ian.

 

[markjay]

Thank you.
Looks like NTG5*1 supports Android Auto - happy days!

Ian.

COMAND NTG5*1 has native support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This means that it can have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, these were options that the customer needed to order.

The Datacard will show if these options have been selected for your vehicle by the first owner. Check the Datacard for the following options:

14U - Smartphone Integration Package
16U - Smartphone Integration CarPlay
17U - Smartphone Integration Android Auto

The first line is the hardware required (USB port for Smartphone)

The second line is the licence for Apple CarPlay

The third line is Android Auto.

(You may also see '15U Pre-installation Smartphone Integration MB Link' )

If the car has COMAND NTG5*1, and these options are not currently showing on the Datacard, then they can be retrofitted by firms such as www.comandonline.co.uk .

 

[KillerHERTZ]

2. Wind deflector. It's listed as 'optional'. Does this mean that it's a factory-fit only item? I can find R230 and R232 wind deflectors for sale on-line, but none for R231.

Optional on non AMG cars, its built into the car and electronically rises at the push of a button. Although ive not seen/heard of a R231 without it fitted. - id imagine its one of those country specific standard items over here.

 

[IanW]

Many thanks to the pair of you. Always a pleasure to be a recipient of the depth of knowledge on the forum
Armed with forum expertise, I've found a car that ticks most boxes, the seller sent a video, including the operation of the wind deflector and the rather involved operation of the boot lid. Unfortunately, Android Auto is a 'should work' rather than a demo. We'll find out tomorrow when I pay a visit.
Thanks again,
Ian.

 

[ToeKnee]

Optional on non AMG cars, its built into the car and electronically rises at the push of a button. Although ive not seen/heard of a R231 without it fitted. - id imagine its one of those country specific standard items over here.

There is also a manual mesh one, similar to the old R230 ones although I've never seen any for sale. If in the pictures the car has a silver metal strip behind the seats on the rear deck then it has the electric one, otherwise, it doesn't.

 

[markjay]

Many thanks to the pair of you. Always a pleasure to be a recipient of the depth of knowledge on the forum
Armed with forum expertise, I've found a car that ticks most boxes, the seller sent a video, including the operation of the wind deflector and the rather involved operation of the boot lid. Unfortunately, Android Auto is a 'should work' rather than a demo. We'll find out tomorrow when I pay a visit.
Thanks again,
Ian.

Get the VIN and check the Datacard...

 

[IanW]

Get the VIN and check the Datacard...

Already done Very speedy response from the seller.
All 3 options you mention are present. So, if it doesn't work, it must be my phone.

Ian.

 

[markjay]

Already done Very speedy response from the seller.
All 3 options you mention are present. So, if it doesn't work, it must be my phone.

Ian.

....or the USB cable !

 

[kcsun]

Make sure you check the centre console lids both open correctly, a spring falls off the back on one side and is a costly repair, also check the the concertina lid behind it as they break. Check the net mesh on the wind deflector, it comes away from the surround, another expensive fix.
kc

 

[jdrrco]

....or the USB cable !

Yes. I didn't realise that all USB cables are not the same until I had Android Auto in the car. Some just charge, others also carry data.