Which Is The Best Mercedes SL Generation?
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- Опубліковано 13 тра 2024
- In this video, I rank the SL Mercedes generations that I think are best in my opinion. I take a look at the best modern SLs including the AMG models of each generation. The SL is one of the most respected Mercedes models and a lot of the best AMG engines went into the SL over the years in models like the SL55 and SL65. R107 to R230 to R232....
R129 Guide: • Why The Mercedes SL R1...
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I am Italian and I live in Torino. The R232 is a disaster. I sold my SL 63 out of desperation a few months after purchasing it (I ordered it new). As soon as I bought it, from the first few miles, I noticed strange noises coming from the dashboard (creaks). I have been buying Mercedes for 30 years and I am lucky enough to know the best Mercedes workshops (where I service my cars). The response was immediately horrifying: the workshop manager confided to me that all new SL have this problem, and that it all depends on a hasty design of the dashboard. He also confided to me that all their customers who own the new SL complain about this problem and that most have sold the car. I did the same (and also a friend of mine did it). All this is part of a trend that I don't like at all: every new Mercedes is definitely of poorer quality than the previous one, and this doesn't do justice to such an important brand. Finally, I want to say a special greeting to AMGmeister: keep going, I always follow you with great interest and respect.
Wow - thanks for your insight into the new SL - thats sad to hear, they looks really nice but yeah you can't look past subpar build quality.
Mercedes has been outsourcing much of their parts from china and with many other cost cutting practices, their reliability just tanked.
This is my exact same ranking except switching 4th and 5th. Currently in the market for on SL. I’m stuck between a later gen R129 or late gen R230
Absolutely. The cost cutting is glaringly apparent.
I had a 2018 SL63, bought and spec'd it out brand new.. I loved it, this next gen disappointed me, AWD is nice but its heavier... amg said it would be lighter - its a fail in my opinion.. I am now looking for a 2017 to 2019 SL63 but the price of the new car is so high now it is driving up the used prices.. I would have to pay more for a used 2018 SL63 in 2024 than what I sold mine for in 2020 (covid lows)...
R129 without a doubt
R230 SL 63 ///AMG…..FTW
R230 Owner…Nothing like that Exhaust Note. And the Downshifts are Brutal. Naturally Aspirated, Pure V8 Madness.
This list is in correct order. R129 all day
Bro this is literally the fastest I clicked a video
The R129 is way more iconic and a fair No.1. But I gotta go with the R230 as my favorite because of the SL63. Everyone from Keiichi Tsuchiya to Chris Harris has said that the SL63 was one of the best sports cars they've ever driven and that AMG really raised their game from the SL55, which they saw as just a hot rod. Chris Harris has gone as far as saying that if the CLK63 Black Series is too expensive, that you should go pick up a SL63. If you haven't driven one, I highly recommend it.
R107 for me. Not because it is the best. But the best in terms of realistic value. Timeless looks. Almost bulletproof reliability in the late model 300's. Affordable. Plenty of them around to choose from. For me, an SL doesnt have to be fast. It has to look prestige, and look desirable. Not an AMG viewpoint ofcourse. Just my 2p.
I have my 03 SL55 “All Money Gone” for 3 years now , just turn 60k miles, still loving it!!
I have mainly been a BMW and Porsche enthusiast. I recently purchased my first Mercedes-Benz. After a long period of study and contemplation-1998 MB SL500 (R129). I agree with your ranking AMGmeister.
I am pretty happy with my pre-facelift R231 AMG SL63 … great video, not enough SL content here on YT
The 231 is beautiful, they look brilliant - wide and low :)!
The M157 is crap. extremly subsceptible
@@chrisnicklas8097 crap? Far from crap but definitely not Mercedes-AMG best
@@chrisnicklas8097 you clearly know nothing about this engine!
@@mauisuzuki7857Sorry but i own a SL63 Model 2015 for 3 Years... It's my third AMG and my last... Just a Big Money Pit...If you are one of the lucky few who have no major problems with the car (engine), I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
I agree with your order. For me the R129 will always be the best one. R129, R/C126, R124 and W140 are my favorite Mercedes-Benzes. Classics.
The W140 and C126 are both a dream on four wheels, love this era of Mercedes.
@@nick.w140Don't you find the W140 rather cumbersome, and very prone to electrical faults?
Always interesting content. Thanks
💯. Great analysis!
Finally, waited for the SL ranking for a long time
I started liking the SL when I saw my first one watching hart to hart with my mom around 1980... we both liked that show
I own a r230 and i love it.
I almost got a r129 before that but the seller backed out.
Nice video.
I totally agree with the ranking list!
Couldn't stop myself giving this vlog a thumbsup when I saw my fav R129 topped the list.
Thank you for the validation. I lusted after an SL since my teens and before I knew it was a R129. Now I love it more with every mile. ❤
🤯 another quality video as always and I think you got it about right, I may have put the R232 at the bottom and the R107 ahead of it. Any chance of you coming to Kelowna/Penticton in a couple of weeks.
This list is spot on.
Fellow r230 driver here :) got rid of the hydraulic suspension
I've always liked the styling of the R129. The current SL looks amazing, but for me one of the selling points is the retractable hardtop, which M-B did away with. I never could truly appreciate the aesthetics of a "ragtop" when the top is up. I prefer the coup look of a convertible hardtop. I hope you do a vid of the SLK models covering the R170, R171, and the R172. The SLK never interested me until the R172 came out.
The Slk 32 AMG is a fine car. But all R170s suffered from awful quality of interiors. The R171 SLK 55 is a great car.
When you look at design, quality, capability the R129 is with out doubt the milestones SL for Mercedes. The M119 with the five Speed being to best around model. It’s almost impossible to compare and rate the AMG models of the SL as they are so individual. Another great video.
Having owned both the R230 and R231, I would go with the R231 any day over the R230 (except for the SL55). The R230 was quite ahead of its time. But with the advanced technology came some serious reliability issues, especially with the ABC suspension. The ABC was unsurpassed when it worked, but as these cars age, ABC becomes a problem. Plus, it is unfair to ignore some of the technological improvements over the years. The R230 is still a beautiful car, but for a reliable driver, I'll keep with the R231.
Well Said.
The R231 can never stand out over the R230 as it was never a significant leap forward and was a sales flop for Mercedes-Benz and the looks weren't to everyone's liking either. Instead of an R231, I looked and looked until I found the perfect 06 SL65 which only have 20000 miles (now on 30 000 odd). I've never looked back.
I have a 2009 SL550 with AMG package(951). Tuxedo black exterior with sand interior. Car has 18,100 miles on it. Garage kept and never driven in the rain. The auxiliary battery is hooked up to a Ctek MXS 5.0 battery tender at all times. Looking at a tune upgrade from Renntech that will give the car 400hp and 415lb ft.
No issues so far on this 15yr old car.
R231 is absolutely the best SL ever made. It’s literally the perfect car. It does it all and extremely sophisticated with a touch of badass! Literally the best car I’ve ever driven
I don’t think it’s fair you didn’t include the older Pagoda models and 190 etc. It’s like you are being too selective based on personal preference and personal experience without being objective across the whole SL history. Your title should have been the best SL between 1970 onwards or something.
In my personal experience and opinion I would rank the Dallas SL 107 as Number 1 followed by the first series SL and then the current SL
The R129 is super-simple to (owner) service too!
Been watching this channel for years. Now proud to say i finally have an AMG! 2006 C55 120,xxxx miles. Looking forward to some C55 vids soon hopefully. Thanks for you great work sir.
One day I will own a white 2015 R231 SL63 AMG with black & red interior... ✌️
You've chosen well. The R129 is the king of SLs
R230 SL 63 AMG is my favorite SL model!
R129 here,I have had an sl600 for about ten years now, and I had an sl500 for 7 years before selling it last year,I couldn't keep both of them any longer,so as hard as it was, the 500 found a new home. My 600 is a cat delete car,sounds great,and it is no slouch.
How do you keep the Wiring from disintegrating?
@@pegcity4eva The "only" area that it is a problem is the upper engine harness,the throttle bodies,and the lower harness. I have replaced all of that at this point and have had no issues,I don't see any signs of deteriorating wiring anywhere else.
As an R230 SL65 owner, I fully agree. The R129 is the epitome of old school Merc quality and the best SL of the modern era. Your reasoning for putting the R230 second is SPOT ON. It is VERY EXPENSIVE to maintain, but an absolutely sublime vehicle to own.
@AMGmeister What would be your preference if you have to compare R230 SL55 and SL63? Naturally aspirated or twin turbo from the throttle response and balance perspective?
I currently have a R129 SL500 (M119) with 240k miles I picked up last year, and it has been an absolute joy to own. It feels more solid than my C63 in some ways despite its age. My dad had both an R230 SL600 and SL63. Both of which were fantastic cars, and I would love to have an 07/08 55 some day. R231 was never one I enjoyed the design of, though the facelift has grown on me over time. The extensive use of carbon and aluminum in the R231 chassis which was learned from the SLS is part of what made the chassis dynamics so good, and lighter than the R232 despite still having the folding hardtop. Dream SL lineup would be a W113 280SL, R129 SL500, R230 SL55, and even an R231 SL65... the M279 is enough of an upgrade with the 722.9 7spd for me!
Videos about CL?😎
He made one about the s class, cl class technically included
The "Bobby Ewing" is my favorite
Yes latest Bobby Ewing was an R129
To me the 2007-2008 sl55 is the top spot. That is why I hunted one down to own. It is the best of the round headlight era. Great all around car.
I overall agree with your order, but the 2009 SL65 Black Series is da bomb!!!
230 or 231 with the V12 are simply dream cars.
It’s hard to not rate the R231 AMG models as number one considering their massive Ho and convertible hard top that the new models don’t have. Personally I think MBZ made a huge mistake going back to the fabric convertible. The retracting hardtop set the standard for SL buyers. My wife is Keeping her R231 550SL and has no interest in the new rag top version. Fortunately many of these R231 SL not daily drivers and low milage one are not that difficult to find.
My father owns has owned all of these except SL300 and the garbage R232 new model. However he does own a GT. Regardless he only buys SL65 models. Bought the last R231 slot in 2020 and has another from 2015. He also has R230 from 2003. He owned one of the firest SL500 R129 from 1989 importanted to US out of East Germany before the wall came down. Later in the 1990s he went for SL600.
Technically the R129 is probably the best. But it looks like a boyracer car next to a R107, with its timeless elegance and understated class.
I agree
That black series tho
Omg
you think higher mileage m113k cars good to buy?
Mine has over 200K now. 👍🏼 and prefer it over my R230 SL600 👍🏼… always loved the M113/K engines
Ok, your information and show is very good,, you should. Had switched number 2 for number one,, the main reason is the tech in this car over the roof, plus the sexiness of the car and the high end of Mercedes had no competition in that style or class. Plus in 2008 the new 5.5 liter engine was a good work horse for the car and the brand. ,, but that’s my ap-onions.. plus I have a Mars Red that better looking than any cars that 5 years old and my Benz still goes 150mph,,, it’s sad to me that AMG should had the New GT as the SL and then fix the front as the SL convertible,, I dont like the 2+2,,
I had a 2018 SL63, so the R231 post face life... it was a rocket.. I loved it because it had a split personality.. could roll out in luxury for a nice drive and dinner with my wife, or take to the drag strip and run mid 11 quarter miles at 125 mph. .. It was not the best handling car because the 5.5 in the front end is heavy, but it handled well, was very sporty when you wanted.. Just not super sporty like a AMG GTR.. it did everything and more than I ever needed.. I am now looking for another one, I do not like the new SL... AMG said they were going to take it back to its light weight roots, they added AWD which is great but 400 lbs heavier and less torque make it slower on the open highway than previous gen... it disappointed me.
See the Chris Harris video on the R129.
R129 all the way
R129 obviously
I own a 2000 SL 500 R129. The quality of the car is evident. The M113 engine is delightful. The styling is impeccable. The driving experience is so solid. It is easily the best modern SL. I laugh at all of the “olds” who hold the R107 in such high esteem. The R129 is the perfect obtainable SL - that is reliable enough to drive daily. TY
Love the M113/K Engines 👍🏼. I have a R129 1999 SL500 and a R230 SL55/600. Seriously thinking of an engine swap to M113K on my R129. Car needs more power 😇
R230 all day long. The last of the Bruno Sacco designs. The 231 looks like the front and rear had two different design teams.
R230 specifically the SL65 first gen
agreed
R230 master race
In line with the name of the video (it does not exclude any generation), no. 1 is the 300 SL and no. 2 is the W113
450SLC R107 y R129 sin duda
I am pleased as I have an R129 320 SL 1998 here in the UK !!
The 6cyl is a rarity in the USA.
@@Matt_from_Florida M119 500 is the best all round.
The Pagoda is my favorite one apart from the 300SL.
Here’s my Top 5
5. R232
4. R230
3. R107
2. R231
1. R129
Those R230 cars were a reliability disaster area, i owned two SL 500's....Its replacement the R231 was completely the opposite, totally reliable, i owned two of those, SL 500's and still have the facelift model, a tremendous car .All were serviced by Mercedes. How you rank the R230 over the R231 is ridiculous...........
SL 👍
I would move the 107 up to #3.
R231 best looking. Then r129 with pano roof SL 73
What is the background music! Ahh
Lazarus Moment - Vagrant and Neon.Deflector - Artifact
@@AMGmeister Thank you! Love the videos please keep it up 🤝
R107 clearly
If money is no object I will pick the SL55(F1)
Otherwise I will settle for the R107 500SL Euro spec for peace of mind ✅
I watch this video and there were exactly 129 comments. WTF?!
R129…not a fan…and definitely not the best ‘modern SL’. Rust prone, hydraulic top issues, and shaped like a wedge. Just my opinion after owning many SLs over the last 40 years; test drove one when my 107 was ‘getting old’ and skipped right over it to the next gen. Still have 2 107s (an ‘85 and an ‘89 since new) and one of the first Designo 2003 SL500s (purchased new as well). As you said, it’s your opinion!
2009
Man I thought R230 would be on top
The prefacelift R230 is a very bad car quality wise. Many electronic problems, amd the interior not well built.
The prefacelift R231 is the most ugly SL.
The R107 should be higher on the list, those cars are tanks, and are the generation that really made the SL's worldwide famous. Also, are the most reliable SL.
The 2009-2011 sl63 is actually king
Mercedes died in the mid 2000s, anything after that does not live up to the standard "The Best or Nothing"
I do love the R129 for is solid build quality and good looks, however, removal of the hard top is a two person job and then you have to store it. Plus you really need the V8 version (or better) as the six cylinder cars feel a little sluggish. For me it's the R230 thats takes top spot as I love the looks and the folding hard top is just so convenient and pure theatre in operation. A V6 version is really all you need as it's plenty quick enough. Any SL is much happier just cruising about.
I understand, to each their own. But this is a sorry list. As someone who has owned and currently owns different SL generations, the R107 is the best one. Timeless design, and superb quality which was typical of those vintage Mercedes (something that was lost once they merged with Chrysler). R107, R129, R230, R231 and R232 is the correct order. The Pagoda is a fantastic car too. I would place it second after the 107 still. You can cruise all day at 85mph in a 107 and it’s more daily driveable compared to a pagoda. But the pagoda is a gorgeous car nonetheless.
Spot on
Definitely not the R230. V12 models especially; engine out for motor mounts. The R230 does not feel nearly as nice to sit in compared to a W220.
Have a R230 SL600 and 55. Do prefer driving the 55. Will be giving my dad the SL600 😇. I do love the V12 badge thou on the fenders. When people see that. Always get asked is that a V12. 😂
I know you`re a Mercedes channel, but you should make videos about other brands like, Porsche... etc, like top 911s..etc, top generations, top versions..
Channel name AMGMeister...
@@RossoFormula yes, but I would love to see other car manufacturers in this sort of clips.
No way. This is for MB aficionados. Plenty of other channels and fora for you.
The R129 and R131 will forever be my favourite SL generations. The R130 was more impactful for Mercedes, and more special in the case of the Black Series, but the mopf R131 just looks better inside and out imo, especially in AMG guise. Nothing has to be said about the R129 though, the AMG V12s are second to none and have aged beautifully.
R129 is the best, after the original. No discussion or debate is even possible.
R129, because it doesn't have ABC.
R230, for the bonkers 65 AMG engine.
Either or.. personally I'd have an R129 500SL with a 4 speed.
The R129, especialy the 600, have serious problems with there wiring looms; they tend to desintegrade and there are no new ones from the factory. The same problem do have the E500 models. Other wise the R129 is almost perfect, especialy the later ones.
only 95 model yr
R231’s design is hideous and should be on the bottom of the list.
Mercedes is no longer making Solid State cars, they now make throw away shit for people who lease. Buy a Lexus.
1. R232 2. R230. 3. R129
SL stands for "Sport Light" (or "Sport Licht" in German), not Super Light.
Mercedes' website says "Mercedes-Benz SL (Super Light)" www.mercedes-benz.com/en/exclusive/classic-magazine/sl-the-legend-lives-on/
It originally stood for Super Leicht, as per a Mercedes Press release from 1952. Of course none of the SL models were ever truly lightweight compared to their competitors of the same era, and any intentions of making a light car went completely out of the window when the R107 came along
If super translates to overly then it means it is over being light
R129 is ugly as a stump
Not everyone can be as good looking as you do!
@@siegfriedbarfuss9379 That is true...
129 sucks
I am currently in New Orleans working and yesterday I saw the rapper Curren$y in a Teal green drop top R129 SL 600 the car was in showroom condition from the interior to the exterior my favorite SL are the R129 the W230 and the R231 the only thing I don't like about the R230 is the ABC suspension
Excellent production. When all around performance matters most, the SL65 is peak SL for me. Only today on modern state of the art Michelin Cup2’s can its true acceleration be achieved and experienced, which render them the quickest SL’s in the real world. A quick RENNTech ECU reflash cuts 0-60 down further to 3 seconds. Most people don't grasp the effect of modern tires on tight R230 sized AMG's. It’s the only SL with hydraulic rack and pinion steering for the most articulate road feel. Last SL’s with fog lights and spare tires. The first SL's with Brake-By-Wire. Its active ABC suspension has been demystified with modern maintenance techniques. Its aerodynamics and feature set remains unmatched as of 2024: at 100 mph; top down and windows/roll bar wind deflector up -moderate conversation is possible. Try that in any other generation. Just a technological testament to Mercedes-Benz turn of the century balls to the walls virtuoso engineering. ㉦
The 300SL engine and its derivatives is a GM license build of the 218 cid I6 truck engine dating from 1928. All Mercs are overweight, underpowered and…worst…as plain and boring as their drivers. From my engineering point of view - they are pointlessly complicated and thus unreliable.