SL-Class [Official] All-new Mercedes-AMG SL (R232)

The All-new Mercedes-AMG SL (R232)

Almost 70 years ago, a sports car launched in Stuttgart immediately became a legend. The vision of expanding the potential of the Mercedes-Benz brand through motor racing successes produced the first SL as a result - a road-going racing sports car. Shortly after its début in 1952, the 300 SL (internal designation W 194) reaped success after success on the race tracks of the world. In its first year, it achieved, among other things, a spectacular one-two victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and even took the first four places in the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for sports cars. Its successes quickly make the SL a legend.

SL-Class - The new Mercedes-AMG SL: The new edition of an icon [R232]

The new Mercedes-AMG SL, the new edition of an icon, returns to its roots with a classic soft top and sporty character.

www.germancarforum.com

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EDIT
Reference thread: https://www.germancarforum.com/threads/2021-mercedes-benz-sl.53446/

 

[Swissbob]

I guess the R232 will have a short period of production , the successor will go back to the roots.

I was told that there are several surprising models in the pipeline(the G convertible is one of them), I should get more informations about them in the next spring.

 

[Merc1]

I now fully understand why the R232 suffers from very low residuals. It has the highest % Lemon Law buyback rate for a single model year (2022) vehicle since the law went into effect, per an attorney who specializes in lemon law cases. Most examples have suffered from 48V, general powertrain, and electrical failures.

With prices being 50-60% off MSRP for 2022-2023’s with low mileage, the thought of buying one has crossed my mind, but buyer testimonials plus a majority being MFG buybacks raises some red flags. Certified pre-owned is the only way to go here.

MB quality this decade has been comparable to the Schremp era, however, with the PHEV and BEV tech being multiple times more complicated, the lifespan of today’s MB’s being totaled/junk will be shorter than those of yesteryear.

I wonder why this tech is so troublesome in the SL vs other Mercedes that use it?

M

 

[Serpens]

I wonder why this tech is so troublesome in the SL vs other Mercedes that use it?

M

I mentioned a couple of years ago in this forum that I had one get bought back. No matter what the dealer did, it would die unless connected to a trickle charger within 5 days of last use. I was far from the only one. I don’t know if it was the pandemic or what but they completely ruined the launch of this car. Heavily delayed and then shipped with an electrical system that wasn’t fully baked.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

I mentioned a couple of years ago in this forum that I had one get bought back. No matter what the dealer did, it would die unless connected to a trickle charger within 5 days of last use. I was far from the only one. I don’t know if it was the pandemic or what but they completely ruined the launch of this car. Heavily delayed and then shipped with an electrical system that wasn’t fully baked.

There were huge supply chain issues at this time, so it wouldn't surprise me if that was the cause the problem.

I think they took the S580 off the market for a while during this time due to some issues? Not sure if they were the same issues.

 

[Merc1]

I mentioned a couple of years ago in this forum that I had one get bought back. No matter what the dealer did, it would die unless connected to a trickle charger within 5 days of last use. I was far from the only one. I don’t know if it was the pandemic or what but they completely ruined the launch of this car. Heavily delayed and then shipped with an electrical system that wasn’t fully baked.

So has this been fixed with cars being shipped after and now?

M

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

So has this been fixed with cars being shipped after and now?

M

The 48v hybrid system debuted with the M256 and OM656 in the 53 AMGs long before the SL was unveiled and they're supposedly quite reliable.

Not sure about afterwards. But the problem seems to be very specific to the SL.

 

[sako97]

Just for kicks, I checked the classifieds around the US and basically every single model year 2022 for sale is a MFG buyback/lemon… it baffles my mind. Very few informed buyers will surpass this title branding black eye for understandable reasons.

MB completely f*cked up the R232 launch by prematurely releasing them to customers. The 2022 model year started arriving at US ports in spring in spring 2022, but due to the model not being homologated by US EPA, they sat at ports until end of 2022. Technicians were sent to the ports fix other software issues that should have been resolved at factory as well.

The 48v hybrid system debuted with the M256 and OM656 in the 53 AMGs long before the SL was unveiled and they're supposedly quite reliable.

Not sure about afterwards. But the problem seems to be very specific to the SL.

The early “Covid” build W223’s had some 48V issues (sudden power loss/battery drain issues), but MB was able to correct quickly since production volume was materially constrained at the time.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Just for kicks, I checked the classifieds around the US and basically every single model year 2022 for sale is a MFG buyback/lemon… it baffles my mind. Very few informed buyers will surpass this title branding black eye for understandable reasons.

MB completely f*cked up the R232 launch by prematurely releasing them to customers. The 2022 model year started arriving at US ports in spring in spring 2022, but due to the model not being homologated by US EPA, they sat at ports until end of 2022. Technicians were sent to the ports fix other software issues that should have been resolved at factory as well.



The early “Covid” build W223’s had some 48V issues (sudden power loss/battery drain issues), but MB was able to correct quickly since production volume was materially constrained at the time.

When decisions are made by marketing and accounting, not engineering. Literal stupidity with a car like the SL.

 

[Swissbob]

When decisions are made by marketing and accounting, not engineering. Literal stupidity with a car like the SL.

I agree 100%.

BTW the R232 was designed in California, they had 2 designs, eventually the US Version was realized.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I agree 100%.

BTW the R232 was designed in California, they had 2 designs, eventually the US Version was realized.

That's interesting. Did you even see the alternate proposal?

 

[Swissbob]

That's interesting. Did you even see the alternate proposal?

No unfortunately not, but my dealer told me this.

They learned it in Affalterbach. He told me the German one looked more like the typical SL (R129).

But they wanted to go after the 911 and therefore decided for the sportier SL.

I guess the German one might have been more successful. BTW He personally doesn’t like the R232.

He thinks the R232 is neither fish nor fowl.

 

[Merc1]

If it was molded in the like of an R129 I would have loved to see that. I bet that car would have been more successful too. The SL is not a true 911 competitor or S Coupe replacement no matter what anyone says.

M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

If it was molded in the like of an R129 I would have loved to see that. I bet that car would have been more successful too. The SL is not a true 911 competitor or S Coupe replacement no matter what anyone says.

M

Agreed. They are both great cars in many respects, but they have both been left in no mans land as a result of their compromises.

 

[Swissbob]

Agreed. They are both great cars in many respects, but they have both been left in no mans land as a result of their compromises.

I agree Too sporty as a 217 successor and too heavy as a GTC Roadster successor and 911 competitor.