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Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK (all models)

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#148 of 766 habitat1 by w210 May 13, 2002 (9:10 am)
Thanks for the congratulations, I'm quite enjoying this car and since it's not a weekend toy for me, I'm glad I don't have to deal with the clutch in traffic.   Actually, one simply cannot find a SL even at MSRP+$10k and the dealer offered cash back in a year's time. Although I haven't entertained this offer too seriously, I quite doubt they will really put where their mouth is.
#149 of 766 MB vs. Lexus by yamahar6 May 13, 2002 (12:38 pm)
IMHO, the SC430 and the SL are not really comparable. This coming from an owner of a Lexus.   That is, the Sl is virtually in a class of one, except perhaps the XK series, but even that is a shady assertion. The SL Class is 50 years old! That is, one model has been around for 50 years continuously!   I don't know about anyone else, but the 300SL-like styling really gets me off. I've seen the Benz in traffic and it's gorgeous, it makes the CL CLass look v. bland by comparison!   Anyway, I used to have an S Class from the 80s, specifically a 500SEL, and it's true, that Benz did not do interiors like say, Jag. or Rolls, but there was a feeling of quality. Maybe, they used plastic a lot on the dash instead of leather like Rolls, but the plastic had Quality.   The last Benz I drove that had that feeling was the current E Class. There is no denying the fact that MB is changing- for better or worse.   The plastics on some cars have gotten cheaper, witness the S-Class and C-Class (Altho. the S is still a nice place to spend time).   Benz Cars now are less distinctive to drive than before. In the 80s, Benz was synonymous with "Tank."  They were heavy cars that were built more for Autobahn cruising in a straight line at high speeds than driving around town as painlessly as possible. But I was always amazed at their turning circles. I guess a consequence of Germany not having as much room as the US.   Anyway, MBs have become much nimbler on their feet, and hence, as a result, lose some of that tanklike feel. As I said before - for better or worse. BMW drivers might say better, MB drivers from the 80s might say worse.   The interior designers now, have tried to use more organic shapes that are pleasing to the eye, in contrast to the earlier "function first, form last" approach.   Witness the dials on the SL55, the Clocklike things, MB never would have done that sort of purely-asthetic thing before. I'm not criticizing it - on the contrary, I like it. But, just another example of how their approach has changed.   Lexus makes some great quality interiors, although, IMHO, the LS430 interior is not as good as the LS400's. The SC430 is quite distinctive though, and lately I have been seeing quite a few on the roads. Bottom line: for Lexus, the interior is a major focus, that is, passenger comfort. One major example is the unnecessary, (but appreciated) lengths they went to with the stereo (Nakamichi, now Mark Levin.); for MB the main thing is how the car drives, that is why the SL500 is better than the SC dynamically.
#150 of 766 by merc1 May 13, 2002 (9:13 pm)
Interesting post, accurate and very precise. I wonder if any MB employees ever hang out here? I for one want the tank thing back, let BMW battle it out with who has the highest slalom speeds and the most grip. A Benz is about quality, safety, power, security and performance last. They'll never out-BMW BMW. They should be able to combine the tank-like construction with the new generation styling, that would be perfect.   M
#151 of 766 merc1 by habitat1 May 14, 2002 (3:45 am)
I agree with your last post.   I had considered replacing my sedan in 1999 and found that, although I prefer the BMW 5-series over the E-class as a "sport" sedan, the E300 Turbodiesel, of all things, was extremely tempting. Solid build, great fuel economy, a reputation for lasting a lifetime and still very decent performance (same 0-60 time as my old 1984 Toyota Supra). Had I not elected to postpone replacing my sedan, I am guessing I would have gone with the Mercedes. Looking forward, a new E-class turbodiesel 4-matic wagon would be a no-brainer to replace our SUV with in a couple of years. I could pass it on to my kids who could pass it on to theirs, and so on. BMW has it's sports niche. Mercedes should stick with what it does best. I like "different" choices, not "wannabe's".
#152 of 766 by merc1 May 14, 2002 (8:31 pm)
Exactly....now if I could just get that through to MB's top folks.   M
#153 of 766 Funny Windows by dschmidt4 May 15, 2002 (5:39 pm)
I have a SL500 on order. Rented it in LA a few times. Was surprised that the front and rear windows do not go all the way down (similar to the CLKs). My dealer said it was a "design feature", meaning I guess that M-B couldn't solve a problem. Anyone have any idea whether this "feature" will be fixed? Also, my dealer told me that the DVD navigation system which will replace the CD-ROM will not show up until the 2004 SL500 comes out, a year from next July. Anyone hear differently? Thanks in advance for your responses.
#154 of 766 dschmidt4 by jstyle May 16, 2002 (3:06 pm)
The MY2004 SL500 will be out in late summer/fall 2003. This is probably the car the dealer was talking about. It is a little unclear when the new COMAND system will be released. Perhaps one year later when the entire system will be sourced from Nokia's telematics division. Besides a completely new interface (joystick control) the phones will be bluetooth (a wireless technology) enabled handsets, so you will be able to keep the phone in your jacket, purse etc...and use the in car speakers/microphones. No more plugging it into the console. By the way this means all Motorola phones and systems will not be compatible. Must throw out the car to get the new system, so to speak. Hope this helps.
#155 of 766 SL55AMG by yamahar6 May 23, 2002 (9:24 pm)
I realize, that this is not exactly the place, but... does anybody find it strange that Mercedes is releasing the 55 just a short time after the 500>?   Eg. the M3 was released to boost sales 3 yrs. after the original current 3 series; the Type R Integra, several years after original; Last gen. Civic Si; Corvette Z06   Usually a manufacturer will drum up a power boost on a new model at least a few years after intro. One can say that Benz is no mere "ordinary" automaker, but then BMW does follow that practice, with the M3 and M5.
#156 of 766 by merc1 May 23, 2002 (10:00 pm)
Not strange at all. They release models fairly quickly for the European market. We don't get the SL55 here until late fall/early winter. The SL600 is the one I'm waiting for. It has been conspicious by it's abscence. I do believe the current 5.8L V12, which is weak at 362hp IMO, is being upped to a true 6 liters and a hp rating of 400+.   M
#157 of 766 jstyle by dschmidt4 May 30, 2002 (4:48 am)
Thank you for the information regarding the COMAND system. Any info regarding the windows? I am seriously considering not buying the (ordered) 2003 because of the windows. They look terrible on a $100K plus car. Perhaps M-B will fix this along with upgrading the COMAND system in 2004. This is what I am trying to find out, and of course the dealer is not helpful.

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