Which Is The Best Mercedes SL Generation?

[@erissitone]

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.

[@thatmatty231guy]

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.

[@Earendilvingilot13]

Mercedes has been outsourcing much of their parts from china and with many other cost cutting practices, their reliability just tanked.

[@chino9468]

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

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Absolutely. The cost cutting is glaringly apparent.

[@twfinc6855]

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)...

[@money4385]

R230 Owner…Nothing like that Exhaust Note. And the Downshifts are Brutal. Naturally Aspirated, Pure V8 Madness.

[@KujtimBregu-q4y]

How much would you sell ?😅

[@money4385]

@@KujtimBregu-q4y bout 21 Racks.

[@ahemgee9542]

R129 without a doubt

[@money4385]

R230 SL 63 ///AMG…..FTW

[@lewdecker1442]

Only problem is the hydraulics and electronics going on to 30 years now. Sometimes simplicity can be better.

[@pierson5788]

I have my 03 SL55 “All Money Gone” for 3 years now , just turn 60k miles, still loving it!!

[@ibrahimalkan4799]

All money gone lol😂

[@BobBenz55]

My little boy actually thinks that’s what AMG means 😂😂😂👍🏼

[@RavenSL65]

This list is in correct order. R129 all day

[@exceptionallife4768]

First time I saw the r129 I fell in love with Mercedes Benz

[@AAdab77]

Couldn't stop myself giving this vlog a thumbsup when I saw my fav R129 topped the list.

[@ZKhweziN]

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.

[@jean-marcducommun8185]

As an owner of a similar car (SL 65 AMG, 2004) I like to report just one expensive issue with SBC some years ago but otherwise no problems. But frankly I’m a bid shaken by the many comments on problems and non availability of key spare parts but so far so good after 18 years and 70k km. The V12 with 650hp and 1000 Nm is addictive impossible to quit.

[@jackmarston2515]

Whatever you need to tell yourself to make it easier driving an old car. This reviewer obviously wasn't given much access to the new SL. 😂

[@PeterMercedesSL550]

Great cars I have the 2007 sl 550 AMG and a 2011 sl 550 AMG ones white and ones black love them

[@yentsch]

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.

[@jonathanairey9123]

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.

[@lewdecker1442]

I agree, makes sense !

[@adventuresofbabyleonardoth5953]

I definitely agree.

[@Nice_Person7379]

Bro this is literally the fastest I clicked a video

[@JettaRedIII]

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.

[@money4385]

Well Said.

[@ZKhweziN]

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.

[@jean-marcducommun8185]

@@ZKhweziNOwner of SL 65 AMG (2004) here. Owning it for 18 years and still in love like when we first met. Somewhat rattled by the various comments on costs, reliability and availability of key spare parts. Any comment?

[@richardcatherall2098]

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. ❤

[@mrbenz2392]

Me too I have a Silver Arrow and I love it!🎉

[@jgonzalesm6]

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.

[@RansfordDove]

I agree with your assessment. That's why I am keeping my R 129.

[@jackmarston2515]

That's not why lmao😂. You people are funny.

[@premierlocksmith4716]

I own a r230 and i love it. I almost got a r129 before that but the seller backed out. Nice video.

[@mauisuzuki7857]

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

[@sidneyhill7834]

What year do you have

[@TheAMGSL63]

I am pretty happy with my pre-facelift R231 AMG SL63 … great video, not enough SL content here on YT

[@thatmatty231guy]

The 231 is beautiful, they look brilliant - wide and low :)!

[@chrisnicklas8097]

The M157 is crap. extremly subsceptible

[@thatmatty231guy]

@@chrisnicklas8097 crap? Far from crap but definitely not Mercedes-AMG best

[@mauisuzuki7857]

@@chrisnicklas8097 you clearly know nothing about this engine!

[@chrisnicklas8097]

@@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.

[@detonator2112]

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.

[@nick.w140]

The W140 and C126 are both a dream on four wheels, love this era of Mercedes.

[@timjones143]

​@@nick.w140Don't you find the W140 rather cumbersome, and very prone to electrical faults?

[@detonator2112]

@@timjones143 They are not bad at all. You just need the skills to use the STAR-reader. Many old school Mercedes mechanics don't understand those cars. That's why they say it's a difficult car. Of course it's more difficult because it has so much more technology than the old ones. However all that technology is very simple compared to ANY new car. Even a cheap new A-class is way more complicated than the old W140.

[@broad405]

I remember being the first to get the SL55 AMG model when it was first introduced in 2003 white with light grey interior,,, it was definitely a show stopper,, everyone would stop and stare..

[@feg3akatrey144]

Respectfully, I think the R107 deserves the top spot. It was iconic, and it was frequently used in movies and television shows for key characters, product placement before that was a big thing. The yellow 450SL in “Hart to Hart” and the red 380SL Bobby Ewing drove in “Dallas” come to mind. I got to drive my mom’s new ‘87 charcoal grey 560SL in my jr./sr. HS years - my dad got it for her as a “fun” alternative to her Lincoln TC, but she preferred big cars so she gave me the keys. Damn I was lucky, but I used to get some disapproving frowny-faced looks from adults when I was tooling around in that awesome convertible! Of course, now at age 54 I get it… I didn’t have any appreciation for how obnoxious it was for a 17yr old kid to be aggressively driving around in what today would be a $150k car 😮😬

[@dscott113]

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.

[@JohnRE]

Yet, Chris Harris ended up buying the R129 as his personal car.

[@dscott113]

@@JohnRE He's owned both.

[@pobinr]

R231 a significant improvement on the 230. Its lighter as mostly aluminium, no dodgy electric brakes, or complex suspension, or corrosion issues. So I'd rate the R231 higher on the list. But then i guess I'm biased. I just bought one 😉

[@justinchan1887]

Finally, waited for the SL ranking for a long time

[@bernardwarr4187]

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.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

The R129 is super-simple to (owner) service too!

[@twfinc6855]

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

[@zahemi914]

Me too, yellow SL and also when watching Bobby Ewing driving his red SL,

[@ccookla]

Great video! I have owned the R107, R129 and finally the R230. I loved all three but my favorite is the R230. The convertible hardtop made it the best in my opinion. No more dealing with removing the hard tip, etc. in which I needed a hoist. Now, I just push a button and its design is so smooth. The R230 integrated class, luxury, sports and modern features But, all three cars are classics but the R129 was a bit square and I always felt like I was sitting in a bucket. LOL So, I would say it was my least favorite. 😊

[@SamAbraham]

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!

[@dougantelman2369]

R230 all day long. The last of the Bruno Sacco designs. The 231 looks like the front and rear had two different design teams.

[@Prestigiousguy]

I’ve had my r230 for 4 years. I’ve replaced many parts, including swapping to coilovers. Modified to a preferred look with amg sport package stock. It has SL600 ‘Alfred’ wheels, carbon spoilers, and updated amg lights all around. Best thing about r230 is being able to go widebody, just like the black series, and keep your folding hardtop. Best of both worlds and that makes it one of the truest modern day ‘hotrod’ you could ever find. Just need to know what do with it. I also have r129 :) the video is right about how the car is, but I much prefer r230 as an impressionable car.

[@gorylatko]

I love the famous Pagoda, W113, that was not mentioned. The prettiest SL.

[@colinratcliffe4402]

Strange how this video has overlooked it, by far the finest SL made

[@mikebaker8667]

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...........

[@glen7201]

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.

[@pegcity4eva]

How do you keep the Wiring from disintegrating?

[@glen7201]

@@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.

[@DoAsYouWish]

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.

[@johnhyoutube]

I bought an R129 300SL. It was admittedly a cheap car and I liked it, but it was a disaster. I kept it for a year and it spent the majority of the time in a local mechanic's garage having one major repair after another. It was such a frustration that I sold it. I then looked at various mid priced R230''s but every one that I saw had very obvious hidden gremlins and I did not want another experience like the R129 had given me. I then found a low mileage facelift R231 SL400 for sale in my local MB dealership, and I arranged to borrow it for a day, just to see what it was like. Almost within the first mile of driving it I realised that this was the car I had been looking for all along, and so I bought it. It was of course in a different price bracket to the others I had looked at, but 2 years on now I love it, and think that it is a hugely under rated car, especially the 3 litre twin turbo V6 version which is fast enough when needed, but smooth and economic for cruising. I have since test driven a couple of R232's which frankly left me cold, as they no longer have the classic "SL" vibe. Good video ... but the R231 would be my number one!

[@wfifa199]

I used to own a Pagoda but sold it before my first child was born. In my opinion, it's the best looking SL of them all. It's just so damn pretty (and a lovely cruiser). Sadly, price increases mean that i will never be able to afford to buy a Pagoda again, but i do want to buy another SL. Whilst the R129 is probably the best bet for reliability and maintenance, i would probably have to go for a facelift R230 from 2006-08. From a design perspective it feels as close to the Pagoda as you can get, and is the work of Mr Bruno Sacco.

[@rickshempoilaustralia6574]

I had the r129 and after driving the r230 and now owning the SL55 I can never go back.

[@larrye827]

Very interesting, I learned more details about my R231 P30 SL63.

[@youngp4116]

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.

[@timjones143]

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.

[@wtzarcher]

Hey from France R230 is an absolute masterpiece and my favorite car all time with the SLR. All the next generations are lame. Wrong choise of design, I don't understand how Mercedes could ruin such an iconic and perfect car... The R230 amg black series was the best Mercedes all time I also i'm a big fan of the R129, I didn't know that there were a 525 7.3 version, daaamn 🔥🔥

[@Jaf1304]

Tu as tout dit, on a les mêmes goûts et la même analyse 👍🏻 Par contre j’ai eu le plaisir de conduire une SLR, en plus édition Crown ( la plus belle de cette série en plus 😍), lorsque le propriétaire m’a dit « le soucis avec cette voiture c’est qu’il y a que 2 garage en France qui sont équipés d’un pont spécifique pour les révisions, réparations, etc… » ça m’a complètement refroidi. Il me disait du coup que déjà ça coûte cher à entretenir mais vu la rareté des ponts les 2 garages abusent complètement 🤷🏻‍♂️ J’ai conduit également une CLK DTM, j’avoue j’étais complètement sur le cul…quelle bagnole ! Vive Mercedes-AMG 👍🏻

[@jackmarston2515]

Nonesense.

[@stolkmercedes]

Yes i love my r129 sl500,I would love a upgrade to a sl55. In the future I will buy a nice r230 sl55. I love the sl55 engine! Great list!!

[@chrispenn715]

I've owned the R107 and currently have a R230. My son has an R129. I think the 107 is the best looking - but the separate hardtop is a bit of a pain. I alway felt the 129 looked a bit heavy. Happy with my R230 as a second car for sunny days and holidays. Biggest issue with Mercedes is the rubbish availability of parts. They used to be excellent, but don't seem to care any more....

[@carlabbott300]

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.

[@LoLeQ88]

how is 2007-8 version year better than let say 2003? they fixed something?

[@commasNculture]

Fellow r230 driver here :) got rid of the hydraulic suspension

[@rayblackard1974]

Replaced ABC in my 04 500sl with AMG pkg 5 yrs ago. Wish I has done away with it. No problem since new ABC, but......just tripped 63k, but unfortunately will be selling due to back injury, very hard & painful to get out of. Car was special to me because I didn't want SL55 engine, but the AMG look. Enjoy your baby Benz!!!!

[@LoLeQ88]

@@rayblackard1974 why u didnt want sl55 engine? its the best

[@ryanpatterson9526]

You've chosen well. The R129 is the king of SLs

[@jackmarston2515]

😂😂😂😂 if you're senile

[@BobBenz55]

Lucky enough to own a R129 and R230… but I do love the R232 what a shape and the SL63 E… amazing power 👍🏼👌… one day I hope to get that shape

[@sonykroket]

I just got hypnotized. Benz 4 life.

[@teakcore5261]

R230 SL 63 AMG is my favorite SL model!

[@caglassc]

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

[@BobBenz55]

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 😇

[@fredsalfa]

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

[@Jnglfvr]

I had an R129 (1999) for seven years. Build quality was exceptional. Never had a mechanical issue. But when I went to replace it I was disappointed at the build quality of the R230 and went with a 911 instead. This was the first generation 997 which had its own teething problems. Since replaced with a 911 turbo which has been exceptional.

[@BillCurry-o6h]

I’ve owned my 1999 SL 500 for a couple of years now and I think it is the most Beautiful Design Mercedes Benz ever made. It’s triple Black with 39,000 original miles on her. An absolute pleasure to drive and the comfort is hard to beat plus it handles like it’s on rails. The last Mercedes for this guy!

[@sgoody1]

A V8 R107 all day long. Euro spec of course. Most beautiful car, plenty of power, and recognised as a classic, appears to be going up in value. Many are over 40 years old or close to, so considered a historic car for the UK at which point other benefits kick in like no ULEZ charge. What’s not to love!

[@michaelmonina]

I am partial to my 2013 SL 550 (R231)

[@dit.p2598]

the r107 is still the most beautiful convertible ever built

[@petermcgibney]

cannot disagree great video

[@asharkhan2114]

I fkn love your channel dude 🎉 can’t wait for the next amg video 🎉

[@jamesbambury]

🤯 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.

[@antoniomerida-perez676]

Respect the R129 just a tat too square, contemplated it for a while but it’s just not for me as beautiful and powerful as the 2007 R230 55 or 65………..absolute timeless elegance.

[@jobskinner833]

I completely agree with the order you chose. Exactly how I would have placed them ❤

[@michaelwoolcock5600]

The "Bobby Ewing" is my favorite

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

Yes latest Bobby Ewing was an R129

[@danedaniels3686]

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.

[@andersekstrand2028]

Always interesting content. Thanks

[@RyeitOut]

The R230 is giving me SLR AMG vibes. Thats why I love it so much! And I’m a fan of circular headlights. R129 is always go be top though.

[@tunakiller72]

Man I thought R230 would be on top

[@armantonapetyan]

I totally agree with the ranking list!

[@jpv1239]

R107 hands down! Classic, reliable and timeless.

[@nunosousa4689]

I owned an R230 just because it's the most beautiful car ever made... sold it 7 years later. I just wasn't driving it enough :( Turned electric meanwhile and never went back.

[@antny109]

💯. Great analysis!

[@Matt_3535]

@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?

[@algeniscorrea187]

This list is spot on.

[@edwardrivera206]

R129 all the way 🥇🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@zactormak]

you think higher mileage m113k cars good to buy?

[@BobBenz55]

Mine has over 200K now. 👍🏼 and prefer it over my R230 SL600 👍🏼… always loved the M113/K engines

[@shaunkoger8096]

I guess a SL73 will not be under maintenance tree this Christmas but I might have to enjoy my R129 a little bit more is the R230 black series under 100k yet ?

[@RadFox1320]

I overall agree with your order, but the 2009 SL65 Black Series is da bomb!!!

[@MARKBORDE]

R231. My car and awesome pal for years. I’m complicated daily.

[@ralph4840]

Totally agree: R129. I own my 1999 since about 13 years, wonderful car, but heavier than I originally thought.

[@augustortiz]

230 or 231 with the V12 are simply dream cars.

[@Kxji]

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

[@szilagyige]

One day I will own a white 2015 R231 SL63 AMG with black & red interior... ✌️

[@Julian-iq9ym]

Yes man i believe in you

[@michelinstarschallenger8626]

I would buy a R129 for collection/car meeting but a R230 to live. I have a c125 600 and a w221 600, it was a peak period for Mercedes. I use them on a very regular basis. SL600 is the next on my list.

[@tipsterbl]

I have always loved the 280 Pagoda SL Roadsters.

[@edsulla1186]

I completely agree the R129 will always(?) be my favorite SL

[@mljm9209]

R230 2007 for me. I love it ❤

[@BLACKROZEROCKBAND]

I had a SL500 R230 , beautiful powerful car but totally unreliable! Hydraulic suspension pump, struts, hoses all blowing due to the massive high pressure, roof seals leaking, blowing roof pumps due to water ingress , loose baffles in the petrol tank clanking , the list goes on im going for a R231 now these seem to be much more reliable

[@sluggosloan]

Love my 2003 R230

[@F.S.111]

I had 2014 SL 63. Had the 5.5 twin turbo tuned to around 800 HP. Had lots turbo lag and didn’t handle very well. I only kept it like maybe two years. Not an SL but I also had 2020 AMG GTC. That car at like 3500 lbs and tuned 4.0 liter over 700 HP was extremely fast. Ride was quite stiff though. I love my current 2022 SL63. Have Renntech tune and they say 725 HP and 765 lbs torque. Feels like it! It’s best handling SL to date. So it gets my nod as best. It’s almost all pros for me but few things I don’t like I’ll mention. I liked the hard top convertible although the new soft top is fairly quiet. Still not secure in bad neighborhoods. I also liked the power windscreen on the 2014. Now it’s Manual. I think the pop out door handles are dumb. I don’t know if it’s even an option but my car with an almost 200K sticker doesn’t have soft close doors? Lastly the biggest issue to me is this car is a battery killer. Mercedes knows they have a problem and are working on software etc fixes. I had my local stereo shop install 4K Dash-cam and check why battery can die in driveway just from having it detailed 30 mins. It pulled 12 amps when key is near car and engine off for short period they said even pulls 20 amps! The fix for now double click lock on key fob and keep key 40 feet from car or put in faraday signal blocking bag or your battery will die.

[@AssassinBeef]

Videos about CL?😎

[@Nice_Person7379]

He made one about the s class, cl class technically included

[@bjs4291]

I really enjoyed my 1977 and later 1979 450 SL's. Disliked my 1990 500SL .... traded in very quickly. But I currently have a 2015 400SL. This one handles well, but I've had some issues. But like the looks and so much easier with retractable hardtop.

[@jeankloot1]

The Pagode for me is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. This comes from a BMW driver speaking.

[@klausziel3392]

Wie ich es erwartet hatte, der R 129 auf Platz 1. Ich habe selbst keinen, wollte aber immer nur genau diesen Typ, der Optik, Zuverlässigkeit und (fast schon) Alltagstauglichkeit genial vereint. Fast schon, weil ich mehrere Hunde habe, womit dieses Auto für den Alltag leider ausfällt

[@rip4273]

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.

[@witsend008]

Absolutely : R 129 !

[@twfinc6855]

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.

[@kurtkaster5666]

I had no idea SL meant super light. Perhaps the last trait I would associate with one of these cars.

[@yves2075]

A break down into value/price, reliability, sportiness would have been better. I own a R129, and will keep it (got it all except sportiness). But I'd go Ferrari Portofino if I could, sorry MB.

[@206EOS]

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.

[@jackmarston2515]

Kid you're so full of it. Your dad owned 1 pre-owned SL and since then they're been out your families price range. Btw the "trash" r232 will smoke all those cars you lied about 😂 in every category other than probably comfort. It's either gonna be a sports car or not. No more of this soft hair dresser car. 😂

[@TidalSnow1]

You should do a video like this on the Cl class

[@DolleHengst]

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.