The hard roof is the key feature and means this car shouldn't be compared with soft top rivals. It means you have the security and comfort you just can't get with a fabric roof, plus the fact you don't have to worry about it being faded by the sun! It's an all year around car that can be used in all conditions, with a drop-roof at the touch of a button. Still the classiest of all the GT convertibles in my opinion :)
I bought a SL500 I try to get the roof down as much as I can, the heated scarf makes it very useable all year round, I did go for a grey one with an almost white interior which goes with my grey hair. The best thing with an SL is that you feel very much at home, comfortably wafting around, knowing full well you can stick your foot down and woosh your gone. I am planning a trip to Austria with mine this year, stopping off in Germany to enjoy the local beers and a blast on the autobahn, as I feel every time you stick your foot down it wants to get there. Love it.
as a citizen of a country where we drive on the right side, you can just imagine the panic i had at 12:29 WHEN THE OTHER CAR COMES ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD. Here I am, thinking it's a one way road thanks to how narrow it is and you're just on the side to prepare for the corner and get a bit of racing line and then the other one car comes head on. thought it was the end of this gem of an SL. thanks for the review, was awesome to see all the features this things got and all the numbers are also nice to hear to compare to other vehicles
Top down in the AM - motor down to the marina with your favorite lady and lunch in the trunk - sorry, boot - and out on the water for the day... followed up by a quiet, wind free drive home after dark... what a CHARMED life you live my friend. Thanks for sharing it with us mortals. 👍😁😎
What if you start reviewing alcoholic drinks? 🥃 Cannot wait for the name of that new channel 😇😂 Congrats to you for your new ride! I‘m quite impressed by the V6 sound!
Just recently sold my SLK after several years ownership, wrong decision ! Great to see your car and of course your boat, only just recently found your channels, thank you very enjoyable and informative watching.
This is my absolute dream motor, timelessly elegant though with the modern touches to make it perfect as a daily driver in today's world - perfect choice! Can't wait until a few years down the line when I can look to get something similar! Thank you for the in-depth review!
As usual a very informative review.All you need to know.Very professional and knowledgeable Gentleman Reviewer.Strange to see you on Dry land.👌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I've decided that I hate you!! You have made me feel something I have never felt before, JEALOUS of another man! Seriously though, ever since the video of you picking the car up, I have been really looking forward to this video and it hasn't disappointed. In the first video I said that the only thing my Niro Hybred has in common with your car was the colour, but I have the autonomous driving as well believe it it not and I also think it's brilliant, although mine doesn't have the double tap on the foot brake to hold it. Oh yeah, mine has electric windows as well, not like yours though LOL. Great video Nick and I'm not jealous really (yes I bloody am!)
Gorgeous car, filled with tech. Just a tiny bit jealous. But, good for you. Nice video, just a bit disappointed that there is no toy storage, or crew cabin. 😆😆 Thank you Nick xxxx
Hi Nick, thanks so much for this tour. Because of your enthusiasm for the SL400 I started to look seriously at them and I am buying one today in Florida. It is a pre facelift 2016 but with only 6000 miles. Over here the car you have came out in 2017 as the SL450 and, unfortunately they are out of my price range .Thanks so much for this really helpful review!
I note that you went from a SLK R171 straight to a SL, skipping the SLK R172, which in my view is alot more refined and comfortable than it's predecessor. I also see that amazing as this SL is, you now another one! Very nice videos, I want an SL 😂
Congrats! I bought a brilliant blue SL400 "edition" back in 2016. It was my second SL after a very brief unhappy foray with an SLK (which I have to say doesn't compare to the SL). I have loved every minute of my 400, it's been a simply wonderful car which I've taken all over Europe. I liked it so much that on the 1st Sep it's getting traded in for... yet another SL! This time though, as they'll never be another hard top SL, I went for the "grail" version. An SL500 V8, Grand Edition Premium with the Driving Assistance pack. A few options you should consider for yours: A SmartTop remote roof control, let's you open/close the roof and windows from they key with one touch and one touch up to 40 mph even when moving. Also, if you ever feel the need for a bit more power, google TrueTune, 420 Bhp is still a breeze for that engine. Enjoy.
If I had the money I would be doing exactly the same as you. I can't think of a car I'd rather own and, as you say, the next one will have a tent on top of it. So one of the last of these as a 500 with the Driving Assistance would be the car to keep forever!
@@MOTAHOLIC I actually tried to get another 400, but there are none left in the country with the Driving Assistance Pack, so I "reluctantly" agreed to the v8 :p. With a mild tune, you never get used to how fast the V6 is and it's lighter on the nose than the V8. DAP is a must though. Saved me a small rear-end collision once when a car cut in front of me and braked hard on a slip-road just as I was distracted by something. Car braked for me and saved me a world of grief. Also, did you know that in a jam or slow traffic under 25 mph, the autopilot doesn't cut off - you can take your hands and feet off the controls and take a nap (kidding obvs - but you could). Yours is an awesome spec. Great find.
It staggers me that no one specs the DAP. I searched lots of used SL s and the only ones that had it were the Edition cars that came with it as part of the spec. I think most people haven't experienced it so literally don't know what they're missing and what it does. Regarding your near rear end - was it switched on at the time? I believe there is a second (standard) system that is always on that uses radar in the grill badge (which is why it's flush fronted) that alerts you to potential collisions and then brakes if you do nothing, but I've never been brave enough to try it! :D
@@MOTAHOLIC It's on all the time. You might experience it as mine was fooled a few times. For example, if there is a car waiting to turn left in front of you, you can see it's starting to turn and will be gone by the time you reach it, but the system sees it as stopped, you might find the car suddenly brakes for you. It's only happened to me 2 or 3 times in 4 years, it can be startling but doesn't cause any problems unless the person behind is driving too close... and hasn't got it!
I don't know how I missed this one - especially this one! Fantastic thorough overview, Nick. My convertible journey also started with an Audi, a 2003 Audi A4 3.0L Cabriolet, hell of a car it was, too. We took it all throughout the Canadian Rocky Mountains while we lived there. I also got into Mercedes after that, but opted for the practicality of the GLKs. I think it's time I picked up another convertible...you may have persuaded me!
@@MOTAHOLIC definitely. I never saw myself as a convertible type, but damn...there's just something special about hitting that button and opening everything up to the world. The views are better, the air tastes sweeter...you'll just never quite understand until you own one.
I’ve been watching lots of your yacht videos and your motor home ones, and I now need a lottery win to get a boat, motor home and an SL :) I’ve always been a petrol head, I’ve had cars from Ford ST’s to BMW E46 M3’s but wow that SL is something else! I no longer have fast cars as sold the last one to build a T5 camper, keep up the good work 🤙🏻
Great review. I've always loved the SL and fulfilled my dream when I picked one up, to the same spec as yours, on Friday...it's a great car and everything I hoped it would be!
You know what’s quality! 😀 and you bought a nice Mercedes SL. I like it very much. Even the V6 sounds great, better than the V8. So no reason to go on the bigger engine. Enjoy your car. Good job and well done.
Great 24 mins of viewing, I currently drive a mini coupe cooper s but did have an slk350 and am looking at what to get next..was thinking about returning to Mercedes Benz & a slc but after watching your video perhaps an SL could be on the cards - great review!
@@MOTAHOLIC had my 350slk for 2 years and loved it, sadly sold due to starting a family. That was 11 years ago now but watching this and seeing your slk has brought back some great memories - ty
What a fantastic car Nick. You deserve it. Great channels and hard work paying off. I never liked the SLK. Always thought they were a bit of a ladies car. This I like! The fact you can do a car tour and make it interesting. Well it says how engaging you are. Keep up the videos!!!
My 3.2 litre V6 1996 Honda legend Coupe Super stage had the auto closing doors as well,it's a great feature if you're in a hurry to get inside while it's raining,use to love showing that off. :-)
@@gregsmith1070 Yeah,they are rare,mine had a Honda Formula 1 chip in it,it had 255 Kilowatts,and I dragged a Porsche 911 and beat it to the 200 metre mark,until the driver changed gears and flew past me like I had stopped.😊
Back up cameras are standard stateside on all vehicles after 2014. Not even considered a 'feature' anymore. But good luck with the car, it looks good on you
A stunning vehicle, Nick, and well deserved. I'd take a coupe/roadster (or estate!) any day, over an SUV. The SL and S-Class the pinnacle of motoring and technology. A real beaut! Enjoy! 👍😎👌
Great review Nick....great car and love the 007 pose against the car.....I agree with the other chaps comment.....private jets next..... it's great to see style is still in fashion...keep up with the good work.
Was originally looking at SL63/SL55s. The ABC suspension scared me off because they were a bit older. I think this might be the right model for me. Your one is a fantastic spec.
So, another great presentation Nick, nothing more than I would expect from you. I hope you will review other makes, like Alfa Romeo, Jaguar and maybe a Rolls or two, Bentley would also be very acceptable. But above and beyond all, and I know its going to be very hard, Keep you and all your family well, take great care and no risks, we will all still be here (Hopefully) whenever, wherever, your loyal followers.
That looks like the car park next to the Coombe Cellars I think? There used to be a big wooden pirate ship for children to play in there when my parents used to take us there (late 90's or so). Beautiful location. EDIT: D'oh you mentioned it later in the video :D
The way the bonnet just hides away could be done on a yacht. That would be cool. Really love the car. So many things that car can do. It would take a long while to learn them all.
I stumbled across this after looking at your other channel. I know I will never be able to afford a super yacht, however this is more my league. Just looked on Autotrader at a 2017 model for around £30000. I own a Lexus now and will will change it next year. There is just me and the wife, so a car like that may be ideal. Thanks for a great review.
Woow only 30.000 in the UK? Here in Germany the good ones are up to 60.000.- Euro. Jesus, I am in the wrong country. By the way, I love Lexus too. I actually drive both brands in the family, Mercedes Station Wagon and Lexus Sedan.
Beautiful car and spec, I also looked at a slc 43 thinking it was a completely new car but it's only a slk with a facelift, got me looking now for a sl 400
That was exactly the conclusion I came to, it felt like my old SLK with a new nose and dashboard, and the R171 SLK came out in 2004! The SL was a ground up brand new car in 2012 and face-lifted in 2016 so felt a lot newer, quite apart from being bigger, more refined, better equipped etc (most SLC 43 AMGs I looked at had air conditioning, but not climate control for instance).
Nick, I also have a 400 Edition, which I bought as a demonstrator, in Sep 16, and which I still have. The marketing of the car was very odd. They made a total of 130 cars for the UK, available in either Black, Silver or Blue at a retail price of £74,995. However, included in that number we 42 fitted with a 'Luxury Pack' of which both yours and mine are fitted. This included, above and beyond the standard 'Edition Model' ABC Suspension, Dynamic seats with Massage , soft close doors, cooled seats and the upgraded stereo. No other options we available with the lux pack. This all added up to £7,015, but Merecedes charged £2730 for it. I believe the idea was for dealers to register them to demonstrate the features. So your car actually retailed for £77,725, a bit of a bargain. You will also have noted that it has 18 inch wheels, to improve the ride quality, and non AMG instrument cluster. If you have an email address you can let me have, I can send you a PDF copy of the original sales leaflet for the Edition Model, which I eventually got out of Mercedes, as even they seemed confused about the details. Enjoy the car, I have been out with mine with the roof down, around the Brecon Beacons today...Fabulous
Hi Nigel, thank you so much for getting in touch! That's fascinating, I've been looking everywhere for details of what an Edition SL actually is and can find no trace of it. I even wondered whether perhaps it was a UK specific 'options pack' type thing, but the V5 for the car has it as an Edition, so I realised then that it clearly was an official model. But no matter how much I searched I couldn't find a single mention anywhere, beyond the fact that there were a few of these Edition cars about secondhand. You're right, they were good value at that price! I was working it out based on the price of an AMG Line and then adding the individual option prices and it was a LOT more! (Hence the £12-13K of options mentioned in the video). I'd love to see the PDF sales leaflet (I have several downloaded SL brochures, but again no trace of Edition). I'd prefer not to put my email address on here, would you mind sending me a message via my web site nickburnham.co.uk and then I can email you directly. Cheers, Nick
Nigel, that's really interesting. I bought a blue SL 400 Edition on Friday and it appears to have the luxury pack as well...I didn't realise they were that exclusive! Mine is 3.5 years old but has only done 12,000 miles, I believe it was a Mercedes management car. It's a stunning car and I absolutely love it! I would be really interested in seeing the PDF copy of the sales leaflet if you wouldn't mind sending it to geoffsyrett@hotmail.com , thank you.
Very similar features to my E400 Cabriolet. I do have the lighted Mercedes-Benz logo in the door jamb. Nice touch!! I do not have the soft close doors though. Also, manual paddle shifters if I choose. Great car. I switch from Audi to Mercedes 2 years ago. Much more refined and sophisticated. Buying a new SL 550 in the spring.
Lovely car 👍. Be sure to get the ABC fluid and filters changed every other year to prolong its life. The ABC system on my SL500 has started playing up and it’s a nightmare! I would also recommend getting some seal treatment like gummi pflege and treat all the rubber seals around the roof to prevent them going stiff and letting water in 👍.
That's interesting, thank you! How old is your SL? I must admit, I was slightly concerned when I bought it whether the ABC system was a potential future issue. It does ride very nicely though.
A very good report - I find the sundeck very convincing - but I missed the part with the staff department - you usually try a little harder to show us exactly ;-) Cheers !
Loved this video! This is exactly how a tour of a car should be everywhere! Amd also my eyes noticed the Miele cap or bag... Is there something fun coming up on aquaholic? And also, what is the story behind the licence plate number? Again, thank you for your amazing work! Really enjoy these videos!
Congrats to your new car, very good spec! But in the beginning I heard some rattles. I heard the same before on my car, they're coming from the roof mechanism. This isn't normal. Normally the SLs are very quite inside with the roof up. So if it bothers you, it is fixable. Also the care of the rubber sealings are very important on these cars.
Your review is on par with those three blokes on the grand tour, tough more like their early days in beeb car show.... You should've review their boats in vietnam special.....👍
I'm in the market for 2016/17/18 Facelift SL 400/500 model and want to know all the options on the various models. Is there an easy way to find this out? I love the options you have choosen and want to get it right. Thanks for any help.
Nick, awesome car, and great review. I think you did an excellent job getting an SL with all the bells and whistles, and also the facelift. However, if I may suggest something; please get nicer rims! The ones on it currently just do not suite the beauty of that machine.
All I'd change is the headliner and windscreen surround to the black one so it matches the rest of the car, but I could probably get used to the white one. I'd be happy for now with that MX5 at 12:03 lol. Gotta sort me life out :-( I can't believe Mercedes is the only car with the brake hold feature. At least I haven't seen it elsewhere. They must have a patent on it because all cars should have it. I've heard that you can prod the throttle a bit with the brake hold engaged and the car will nudge forward and when you come off the accelerator pedal it will automatically brake again, perfect for stop-start traffic. However when I tried it in a 2017 S500 I rented for my birthday, it wouldn't do it. The brake hold alone was super useful though, but the brakes were really jolty, even when I tried braking super smoothly. Methinks it needed a looking to.
Nice Motor Arfur ... The 3.0 V6 certainly makes more sense then the V8 Nick .... But sorry, I couldn't live with Black & Black ... unless your Butler cleans it??
I bought one of these new in December 2015, the prefacelift version. I ordered it painted Designo Mystic Blue with Porcelain leather. I still own it and just can't bring myself to sell it. However I initially went to buy an SL500 but none were available to test drive, so I drove the SL400 and it felt way fast enough for whatever I was going to use it for. With hindsight that was a mistake, I should have ordered the 500 (4.7 V8 twin turbo). Not for the extra performance but for the way it drives and the way the power is delivered. I find the V6 a bit to frenetic, it wants to be revved and likes being huslted along. The SL really though is more of a grand tourer/cruiser and the lazy low end torque grunt of a V8 suits that better. I can understand why people would enjoy hustling it along, but my daily is a 4.0TT V8 and it just delivers power in a more comfortable manner that I feel I miss in the SL400. I still love it though. My advice however, is if you're looking for one of these do try an SL500 if you can find one - it really is a different drive. I always felt the AMG versions were a bit too much and if you wanted that kind of car/performance the AMG GT made more sense at similar money. Just a point of note, pretty much no one paid list price for one of these. In their want to shift units, huge discounts and contributions were available on all SL models. I got a little over £20,000 off list at the time for a factory order with special order paint.
Mystic Blue with Porcelain is my perfect colour combo - money no object that's exactly what I'd have! Beautiful. Secondhand I can't be so picky unfortunately, especially if focussed on spec (I really wanted the auto driving function and am very pleased to have it but it's a rare option indeed. Also wanted the power wind deflector, Harmon Kardon, ambient lighting and ABC. I was fortunate to discover the Edition model with Luxury Package as it's about the only way to get all these things). I did look at a Brilliant Blue one, but it's a bit 'sudden'. Black and black is a classic that always looks great however, so I'm good with that. I'm very happy with the power of mine, but I came from a 231hp SLK so maybe a different perspective! I wonder about the additional weight of a V8 in the front too. Haven't heard of a 4.0TT V8, do you mean the Audi TT? Have only seen the RS as the biggest engine but that's a 2.5 litre 5 cylinder.
@@MOTAHOLIC My daily is a 2017 Audi S6 Avant with a 4.0 twin turbo V8. It was the engine I was refering to rather than the model. You can see my SL here from when I originally picked it up. forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/mystic-blue-sl400-new-car-detail-by-divine-detail-surrey.204877/
@@RedC220 Ah, that makes more sense! Your car looks absolutely fantastic - that is exactly what I would choose, down to the wheels and Piano Black interior trim. I like mine very much and it has the spec I want, but if I had free rein that would be it.
@@MOTAHOLIC The wood is dark birds eye maple. It's daft expensive to order non standard colours now. Mystic Blue on an SL now is a £10,700 uplift and a non Mercedes colour is double that (that's if they'll agree to do it at all). That's just daft, it was £5,750 when I ordered it in 2015 and I though that was taking the piss but I really wanted it! Mercedes really don't support their Designo menu well in the UK - it's actually why I bought an Audi (after 6 consecutive MB's) - I could get it painted any colour I liked for £2,500. So I ordered an S6 Avant painted Orange Flame metallic (a Bentley colour).
@@RedC220 you will find the updated version of the v6 completely different to what you have as i have had pre 2017 and now 2019 version of the Sl and i can tell you with my 2019 sl400 im not looking for any speed and it is very responsive oppose to my 2015 sl i had
Youre right!... SL is the ultimate Mercedes Convertible you ever want... I still keep my R230 SL300 2011 in dark blue and R231 SL350 2012 in red... Im happier w the R231 like yours but Pre Facelift
I would just like to say you have made my uncles day he has a 2013 sl that he loves,and you have pointed out things he did not know he had till you pointed them out he's watched this video at least 3 time just in case he missed somthing. He thinks you're great ps he has had his sl 3 years so it made me laugh.
How are the “cooled” seats? My C63’s “ventilated” seats suck...figuratively and literally, they vacuum or ‘wick’ away moisture from your back...really not effective when it’s boiling out! My F-Pace SVR’s cooled seats are like sitting on a massive industrial A/C unit haha. Britain takes the win with that! Beauty SL though - was always my dream car growing up!
The hard roof is the key feature and means this car shouldn't be compared with soft top rivals. It means you have the security and comfort you just can't get with a fabric roof, plus the fact you don't have to worry about it being faded by the sun! It's an all year around car that can be used in all conditions, with a drop-roof at the touch of a button. Still the classiest of all the GT convertibles in my opinion :)
What a beautiful car. It has such a lovely sound, and it really handles those corners. Cheers Nick, and thank you for uploading
Thank you for watching! 🙂
I bought a SL500 I try to get the roof down as much as I can, the heated scarf makes it very useable all year round, I did go for a grey one with an almost white interior which goes with my grey hair. The best thing with an SL is that you feel very much at home, comfortably wafting around, knowing full well you can stick your foot down and woosh your gone. I am planning a trip to Austria with mine this year, stopping off in Germany to enjoy the local beers and a blast on the autobahn, as I feel every time you stick your foot down it wants to get there. Love it.
Totally agree! And that sounds awesome, enjoy! 🙂
Well thats done it for me thanks
as a citizen of a country where we drive on the right side, you can just imagine the panic i had at 12:29 WHEN THE OTHER CAR COMES ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD. Here I am, thinking it's a one way road thanks to how narrow it is and you're just on the side to prepare for the corner and get a bit of racing line and then the other one car comes head on. thought it was the end of this gem of an SL. thanks for the review, was awesome to see all the features this things got and all the numbers are also nice to hear to compare to other vehicles
U Sillyhé Bhilléy
Nick, if someone were to ask me "why buy an SL?", my only response would be "why not?!". What a beautiful roadster!
Top down in the AM - motor down to the marina with your favorite lady and lunch in the trunk - sorry, boot - and out on the water for the day... followed up by a quiet, wind free drive home after dark... what a CHARMED life you live my friend.
Thanks for sharing it with us mortals. 👍😁😎
You are doing a great job whatever it is that you do. Up next- private jets!
That would be awesome!
Next, commercial spacecraft with Virgin Galactic!
@Debs JETAHOLICS!!
Motor yacht for Nick will be next.
@@MOTAHOLIC How about Mieleholic? Just reviews of Miele appliances.
What if you start reviewing alcoholic drinks? 🥃 Cannot wait for the name of that new channel 😇😂 Congrats to you for your new ride! I‘m quite impressed by the V6 sound!
I couldn’t think of a good name for it! 😄
Just recently sold my SLK after several years ownership, wrong decision ! Great to see your car and of course your boat, only just recently found your channels, thank you very enjoyable and informative watching.
Good to have you aboard! :)
Had my Z4 E89 hard top convertable for 9 years now, wouldn't change it.
That's a pretty car.
This is my absolute dream motor, timelessly elegant though with the modern touches to make it perfect as a daily driver in today's world - perfect choice! Can't wait until a few years down the line when I can look to get something similar! Thank you for the in-depth review!
You're very welcome! :)
As usual a very informative review.All you need to know.Very professional and knowledgeable Gentleman Reviewer.Strange to see you on Dry land.👌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You're very kind 🙂
Amazing SLK video’s you made, you deserve the updrade!
I appreciate that!
I've decided that I hate you!! You have made me feel something I have never felt before, JEALOUS of another man!
Seriously though, ever since the video of you picking the car up, I have been really looking forward to this video and it hasn't disappointed.
In the first video I said that the only thing my Niro Hybred has in common with your car was the colour, but I have the autonomous driving as well believe it it not and I also think it's brilliant, although mine doesn't have the double tap on the foot brake to hold it. Oh yeah, mine has electric windows as well, not like yours though LOL.
Great video Nick and I'm not jealous really (yes I bloody am!)
Just Googled it - that's a neat looking car!
I have a sl550 not jealous at all
Gorgeous car, filled with tech. Just a tiny bit jealous. But, good for you. Nice video, just a bit disappointed that there is no toy storage, or crew cabin. 😆😆 Thank you Nick xxxx
Hi Nick, thanks so much for this tour. Because of your enthusiasm for the SL400 I started to look seriously at them and I am buying one today in Florida. It is a pre facelift 2016 but with only 6000 miles. Over here the car you have came out in 2017 as the SL450 and, unfortunately they are out of my price range .Thanks so much for this really helpful review!
That's awesome!! It's a great car, I hope you enjoy it
I note that you went from a SLK R171 straight to a SL, skipping the SLK R172, which in my view is alot more refined and comfortable than it's predecessor. I also see that amazing as this SL is, you now another one! Very nice videos, I want an SL 😂
The R172, if you look closely, is basically just a facelifted R171. Nice enough car of course, but the SL is in a different league.
You're a proper nerd with those power doors Nick! Haha I love it! Car looks awesome
Thanks I've been searching for a decent video on the SL400 for ages!
Glad I could help!
Congrats! I bought a brilliant blue SL400 "edition" back in 2016. It was my second SL after a very brief unhappy foray with an SLK (which I have to say doesn't compare to the SL). I have loved every minute of my 400, it's been a simply wonderful car which I've taken all over Europe. I liked it so much that on the 1st Sep it's getting traded in for... yet another SL! This time though, as they'll never be another hard top SL, I went for the "grail" version. An SL500 V8, Grand Edition Premium with the Driving Assistance pack. A few options you should consider for yours: A SmartTop remote roof control, let's you open/close the roof and windows from they key with one touch and one touch up to 40 mph even when moving. Also, if you ever feel the need for a bit more power, google TrueTune, 420 Bhp is still a breeze for that engine. Enjoy.
If I had the money I would be doing exactly the same as you. I can't think of a car I'd rather own and, as you say, the next one will have a tent on top of it. So one of the last of these as a 500 with the Driving Assistance would be the car to keep forever!
@@MOTAHOLIC I actually tried to get another 400, but there are none left in the country with the Driving Assistance Pack, so I "reluctantly" agreed to the v8 :p. With a mild tune, you never get used to how fast the V6 is and it's lighter on the nose than the V8. DAP is a must though. Saved me a small rear-end collision once when a car cut in front of me and braked hard on a slip-road just as I was distracted by something. Car braked for me and saved me a world of grief. Also, did you know that in a jam or slow traffic under 25 mph, the autopilot doesn't cut off - you can take your hands and feet off the controls and take a nap (kidding obvs - but you could). Yours is an awesome spec. Great find.
It staggers me that no one specs the DAP. I searched lots of used SL s and the only ones that had it were the Edition cars that came with it as part of the spec. I think most people haven't experienced it so literally don't know what they're missing and what it does. Regarding your near rear end - was it switched on at the time? I believe there is a second (standard) system that is always on that uses radar in the grill badge (which is why it's flush fronted) that alerts you to potential collisions and then brakes if you do nothing, but I've never been brave enough to try it! :D
@@MOTAHOLIC It's on all the time. You might experience it as mine was fooled a few times. For example, if there is a car waiting to turn left in front of you, you can see it's starting to turn and will be gone by the time you reach it, but the system sees it as stopped, you might find the car suddenly brakes for you. It's only happened to me 2 or 3 times in 4 years, it can be startling but doesn't cause any problems unless the person behind is driving too close... and hasn't got it!
I don't know how I missed this one - especially this one! Fantastic thorough overview, Nick. My convertible journey also started with an Audi, a 2003 Audi A4 3.0L Cabriolet, hell of a car it was, too. We took it all throughout the Canadian Rocky Mountains while we lived there. I also got into Mercedes after that, but opted for the practicality of the GLKs. I think it's time I picked up another convertible...you may have persuaded me!
Once you've had a convertible, I think it's hard not to have one.
@@MOTAHOLIC definitely. I never saw myself as a convertible type, but damn...there's just something special about hitting that button and opening everything up to the world. The views are better, the air tastes sweeter...you'll just never quite understand until you own one.
@@chadruppert Precisely so 🙂
I’ve been watching lots of your yacht videos and your motor home ones, and I now need a lottery win to get a boat, motor home and an SL :)
I’ve always been a petrol head, I’ve had cars from Ford ST’s to BMW E46 M3’s but wow that SL is something else!
I no longer have fast cars as sold the last one to build a T5 camper, keep up the good work 🤙🏻
Awesome, thank you.
Great review. I've always loved the SL and fulfilled my dream when I picked one up, to the same spec as yours, on Friday...it's a great car and everything I hoped it would be!
It's a fantastic car! I hope you enjoy it :)
I'm a Wagon kind of person, but really Nice car indeed. Those seats look reeeeeaall comfy! A true GT. Cheers, Nick!
Many Thanks, brought one yesterday (2015 model), arrives next week! Peace From London. 🙏🙏
Congratulations! Lovely car! I’m a big fan of Mercedes, had a few, but never SL. I have driven a few though, really good cars - best of the best!
You know what’s quality! 😀 and you bought a nice Mercedes SL. I like it very much. Even the V6 sounds great, better than the V8. So no reason to go on the bigger engine. Enjoy your car. Good job and well done.
Great 24 mins of viewing, I currently drive a mini coupe cooper s but did have an slk350 and am looking at what to get next..was thinking about returning to Mercedes Benz & a slc but after watching your video perhaps an SL could be on the cards - great review!
I had a Mini Cooper S, great fun car! The Mercedes SL is in a different league though (as indeed it ought to be given the price difference!)
@@MOTAHOLIC had my 350slk for 2 years and loved it, sadly sold due to starting a family. That was 11 years ago now but watching this and seeing your slk has brought back some great memories - ty
What a fantastic car Nick. You deserve it. Great channels and hard work paying off. I never liked the SLK. Always thought they were a bit of a ladies car. This I like! The fact you can do a car tour and make it interesting. Well it says how engaging you are. Keep up the videos!!!
Thanks 👍
My 3.2 litre V6 1996 Honda legend Coupe Super stage had the auto closing doors as well,it's a great feature if you're in a hurry to get inside while it's raining,use to love showing that off. :-)
Always thought that Honda particularly nice. Was rare then...extremely rare now. Saw a tatty one in Budapest earlier this year
@@gregsmith1070 Yeah,they are rare,mine had a Honda Formula 1 chip in it,it had 255 Kilowatts,and I dragged a Porsche 911 and beat it to the 200 metre mark,until the driver changed gears and flew past me like I had stopped.😊
Back up cameras are standard stateside on all vehicles after 2014. Not even considered a 'feature' anymore. But good luck with the car, it looks good on you
Wow Nick that is a beautiful SL you have. You definitely have sold me on it. As Janice would say say "Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz".
Thank you :)
I am a new owner of a SLK 250...love it...Bur...having watched your gr8 vid...thats me hankering after a 400...ta mate..costing me money...LOL
Gorgeous car Nick!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Glad you liked it!
Wow!! I love how you wait for the door to close itself
I love your life!!!
A stunning vehicle, Nick, and well deserved. I'd take a coupe/roadster (or estate!) any day, over an SUV. The SL and S-Class the pinnacle of motoring and technology. A real beaut! Enjoy! 👍😎👌
Great review Nick....great car and love the 007 pose against the car.....I agree with the other chaps comment.....private jets next..... it's great to see style is still in fashion...keep up with the good work.
Thanks 👍
Its all in the storytelling. This chap could talk about a cardboard box and it would be interesting! Great car BTW! That exhaust note!
Was originally looking at SL63/SL55s. The ABC suspension scared me off because they were a bit older. I think this might be the right model for me. Your one is a fantastic spec.
Congratulations
Beautiful SL and she really is well appointed.
EnJoY in Good Health my man.
Hope she serves you well for many years to come.
👍🏻
#kamisukaturbo
So, another great presentation Nick, nothing more than I would expect from you. I hope you will review other makes, like Alfa Romeo, Jaguar and maybe a Rolls or two, Bentley would also be very acceptable. But above and beyond all, and I know its going to be very hard, Keep you and all your family well, take great care and no risks, we will all still be here (Hopefully) whenever, wherever, your loyal followers.
I'm very much hoping to. This Covid-19 situation is making it pretty much impossible at the moment.
That looks like the car park next to the Coombe Cellars I think? There used to be a big wooden pirate ship for children to play in there when my parents used to take us there (late 90's or so).
Beautiful location.
EDIT: D'oh you mentioned it later in the video :D
The way the bonnet just hides away could be done on a yacht. That would be cool. Really love the car. So many things that car can do. It would take a long while to learn them all.
There are a few tenders with folding hard tops
Great choice Nick, it has a fine bow and stern
I stumbled across this after looking at your other channel. I know I will never be able to afford a super yacht, however this is more my league. Just looked on Autotrader at a 2017 model for around £30000. I own a Lexus now and will will change it next year. There is just me and the wife, so a car like that may be ideal. Thanks for a great review.
Woow only 30.000 in the UK? Here in Germany the good ones are up to 60.000.- Euro. Jesus, I am in the wrong country. By the way, I love Lexus too. I actually drive both brands in the family, Mercedes Station Wagon and Lexus Sedan.
❤️ your cap on the center console..😉 Mielé 👍
Beautiful car and spec, I also looked at a slc 43 thinking it was a completely new car but it's only a slk with a facelift, got me looking now for a sl 400
That was exactly the conclusion I came to, it felt like my old SLK with a new nose and dashboard, and the R171 SLK came out in 2004! The SL was a ground up brand new car in 2012 and face-lifted in 2016 so felt a lot newer, quite apart from being bigger, more refined, better equipped etc (most SLC 43 AMGs I looked at had air conditioning, but not climate control for instance).
Nick, I also have a 400 Edition, which I bought as a demonstrator, in Sep 16, and which I still have. The marketing of the car was very odd. They made a total of 130 cars for the UK, available in either Black, Silver or Blue at a retail price of £74,995. However, included in that number we 42 fitted with a 'Luxury Pack' of which both yours and mine are fitted. This included, above and beyond the standard 'Edition Model' ABC Suspension, Dynamic seats with Massage , soft close doors, cooled seats and the upgraded stereo. No other options we available with the lux pack. This all added up to £7,015, but Merecedes charged £2730 for it. I believe the idea was for dealers to register them to demonstrate the features. So your car actually retailed for £77,725, a bit of a bargain. You will also have noted that it has 18 inch wheels, to improve the ride quality, and non AMG instrument cluster. If you have an email address you can let me have, I can send you a PDF copy of the original sales leaflet for the Edition Model, which I eventually got out of Mercedes, as even they seemed confused about the details. Enjoy the car, I have been out with mine with the roof down, around the Brecon Beacons today...Fabulous
Hi Nigel, thank you so much for getting in touch! That's fascinating, I've been looking everywhere for details of what an Edition SL actually is and can find no trace of it. I even wondered whether perhaps it was a UK specific 'options pack' type thing, but the V5 for the car has it as an Edition, so I realised then that it clearly was an official model. But no matter how much I searched I couldn't find a single mention anywhere, beyond the fact that there were a few of these Edition cars about secondhand. You're right, they were good value at that price! I was working it out based on the price of an AMG Line and then adding the individual option prices and it was a LOT more! (Hence the £12-13K of options mentioned in the video). I'd love to see the PDF sales leaflet (I have several downloaded SL brochures, but again no trace of Edition). I'd prefer not to put my email address on here, would you mind sending me a message via my web site nickburnham.co.uk and then I can email you directly. Cheers, Nick
Nigel, that's really interesting. I bought a blue SL 400 Edition on Friday and it appears to have the luxury pack as well...I didn't realise they were that exclusive! Mine is 3.5 years old but has only done 12,000 miles, I believe it was a Mercedes management car. It's a stunning car and I absolutely love it! I would be really interested in seeing the PDF copy of the sales leaflet if you wouldn't mind sending it to geoffsyrett@hotmail.com , thank you.
wow quite an allrounder. i certainly understand why u bought it. great review
Very similar features to my E400 Cabriolet. I do have the lighted Mercedes-Benz logo in the door jamb. Nice touch!! I do not have the soft close doors though. Also, manual paddle shifters if I choose. Great car. I switch from Audi to Mercedes 2 years ago. Much more refined and sophisticated. Buying a new SL 550 in the spring.
Awesome, you'll love it I'm sure!
Once again Nick your narrative is interesting leaving me wanting more, however how about some info on the running costs, fuel economy etc?
Looks a lot of fun - happy for ya!
Nick that’s a splendid ‘Car’ it’s a bonnet. It doesn’t have an engine bay:-)
Nice motor 👍🏻
Paul
Lovely car 👍. Be sure to get the ABC fluid and filters changed every other year to prolong its life. The ABC system on my SL500 has started playing up and it’s a nightmare! I would also recommend getting some seal treatment like gummi pflege and treat all the rubber seals around the roof to prevent them going stiff and letting water in 👍.
That's interesting, thank you! How old is your SL? I must admit, I was slightly concerned when I bought it whether the ABC system was a potential future issue. It does ride very nicely though.
A very good report - I find the sundeck very convincing - but I missed the part with the staff department - you usually try a little harder to show us exactly ;-) Cheers !
Maggie at 6:18! Sweet ride Nick. I’m super jealous.
All buttons, very nice:) looks stupid when buttons are blank. Very Nice car!! Love the sound!!!!
Loved this video! This is exactly how a tour of a car should be everywhere! Amd also my eyes noticed the Miele cap or bag... Is there something fun coming up on aquaholic? And also, what is the story behind the licence plate number? Again, thank you for your amazing work! Really enjoy these videos!
You're very kind, thank you! The number plate is just my personal plate. Miele cap was sent to me by Dr. Miele!
Very nice! Congrats 👍🏽
Can't wait for your next channel. Aeroholics
Hmmm...
Congrats to your new car, very good spec!
But in the beginning I heard some rattles. I heard the same before on my car, they're coming from the roof mechanism. This isn't normal. Normally the SLs are very quite inside with the roof up. So if it bothers you, it is fixable. Also the care of the rubber sealings are very important on these cars.
Thanks! I think the rattle might have been from the GoPro bracket mechanism - it's normally very quiet.
Love this car. Looks great. Now looking on Auto trader!
Your review is on par with those three blokes on the grand tour, tough more like their early days in beeb car show.... You should've review their boats in vietnam special.....👍
You're very kind! 🙂
Hope you're loving this SL, quite possibly my favorite cars. Fell in love with the brand when I got to drive an SLR
It's a great car! 🙂
I've heard that the air coming through the seats is really just ambient air, not air-conditioned air from the air conditioning system.
I think you're right
Beautiful Car Good Video Excellent Job Like Always Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Excellent review. Thank you.
My pleasure!
I'm in the market for 2016/17/18 Facelift SL 400/500 model and want to know all the options on the various models. Is there an easy way to find this out?
I love the options you have choosen and want to get it right. Thanks for any help.
Nice one! I am from Belgium, but I have a car from your country😊 . A jaguar F type S. Same size of engine, 3L V6 but it is a kompressor.
Very cool!
@@MOTAHOLIC Your retractable windscreen is very practical. It gives a nice line when stored.
Just found your motoholic Nick greatly enjoyed the sl400 thanks
Welcome aboard!
Beautiful car mate, SL in my opinion is the ultimate GT. Keep up the good work..you have slight James May about your style
Much appreciated!
Wow! Sorry mister Shmeee, you are in the shadow now :))). Great video!
y am i only just seeing this i saw your car in the last vid and wanted to see a review and got you again nick are you following me lol nice1
Nick, awesome car, and great review. I think you did an excellent job getting an SL with all the bells and whistles, and also the facelift. However, if I may suggest something; please get nicer rims! The ones on it currently just do not suite the beauty of that machine.
that is a very sweet ride
You are here too! Links are great!
Does the wind deflector pop up automatically if the car starts to roll over? I remember the SL 500 from the 90s doing that as an accident protection.
What a stunning car Nick! Should I upgrade my SLK to a SL too? Haha
All I'd change is the headliner and windscreen surround to the black one so it matches the rest of the car, but I could probably get used to the white one.
I'd be happy for now with that MX5 at 12:03 lol. Gotta sort me life out :-(
I can't believe Mercedes is the only car with the brake hold feature. At least I haven't seen it elsewhere. They must have a patent on it because all cars should have it. I've heard that you can prod the throttle a bit with the brake hold engaged and the car will nudge forward and when you come off the accelerator pedal it will automatically brake again, perfect for stop-start traffic.
However when I tried it in a 2017 S500 I rented for my birthday, it wouldn't do it. The brake hold alone was super useful though, but the brakes were really jolty, even when I tried braking super smoothly. Methinks it needed a looking to.
Nice Motor Arfur ... The 3.0 V6 certainly makes more sense then the V8 Nick ....
But sorry, I couldn't live with Black & Black ... unless your Butler cleans it??
True, but it looks SOO good when it's clean! :)
Black with sand/beige would be even more difficult to keep clean lol.
An SL should be black, red, blue or silver. And maybe dark green. Never white!
I bought one of these new in December 2015, the prefacelift version. I ordered it painted Designo Mystic Blue with Porcelain leather. I still own it and just can't bring myself to sell it. However I initially went to buy an SL500 but none were available to test drive, so I drove the SL400 and it felt way fast enough for whatever I was going to use it for.
With hindsight that was a mistake, I should have ordered the 500 (4.7 V8 twin turbo). Not for the extra performance but for the way it drives and the way the power is delivered. I find the V6 a bit to frenetic, it wants to be revved and likes being huslted along. The SL really though is more of a grand tourer/cruiser and the lazy low end torque grunt of a V8 suits that better.
I can understand why people would enjoy hustling it along, but my daily is a 4.0TT V8 and it just delivers power in a more comfortable manner that I feel I miss in the SL400.
I still love it though. My advice however, is if you're looking for one of these do try an SL500 if you can find one - it really is a different drive. I always felt the AMG versions were a bit too much and if you wanted that kind of car/performance the AMG GT made more sense at similar money.
Just a point of note, pretty much no one paid list price for one of these. In their want to shift units, huge discounts and contributions were available on all SL models. I got a little over £20,000 off list at the time for a factory order with special order paint.
Mystic Blue with Porcelain is my perfect colour combo - money no object that's exactly what I'd have! Beautiful. Secondhand I can't be so picky unfortunately, especially if focussed on spec (I really wanted the auto driving function and am very pleased to have it but it's a rare option indeed. Also wanted the power wind deflector, Harmon Kardon, ambient lighting and ABC. I was fortunate to discover the Edition model with Luxury Package as it's about the only way to get all these things). I did look at a Brilliant Blue one, but it's a bit 'sudden'. Black and black is a classic that always looks great however, so I'm good with that. I'm very happy with the power of mine, but I came from a 231hp SLK so maybe a different perspective! I wonder about the additional weight of a V8 in the front too. Haven't heard of a 4.0TT V8, do you mean the Audi TT? Have only seen the RS as the biggest engine but that's a 2.5 litre 5 cylinder.
@@MOTAHOLIC My daily is a 2017 Audi S6 Avant with a 4.0 twin turbo V8. It was the engine I was refering to rather than the model. You can see my SL here from when I originally picked it up. forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/mystic-blue-sl400-new-car-detail-by-divine-detail-surrey.204877/
@@RedC220 Ah, that makes more sense! Your car looks absolutely fantastic - that is exactly what I would choose, down to the wheels and Piano Black interior trim. I like mine very much and it has the spec I want, but if I had free rein that would be it.
@@MOTAHOLIC The wood is dark birds eye maple. It's daft expensive to order non standard colours now. Mystic Blue on an SL now is a £10,700 uplift and a non Mercedes colour is double that (that's if they'll agree to do it at all). That's just daft, it was £5,750 when I ordered it in 2015 and I though that was taking the piss but I really wanted it! Mercedes really don't support their Designo menu well in the UK - it's actually why I bought an Audi (after 6 consecutive MB's) - I could get it painted any colour I liked for £2,500. So I ordered an S6 Avant painted Orange Flame metallic (a Bentley colour).
@@RedC220 you will find the updated version of the v6 completely different to what you have as i have had pre 2017 and now 2019 version of the Sl and i can tell you with my 2019 sl400 im not looking for any speed and it is very responsive oppose to my 2015 sl i had
Lovely car enjoy it’s on my wish list
You didn’t mention “eco mode”! Lovely car.
I don't think there is one...
Great video Nick - did you say this is your only car? How do you get on with just one vehicle any compromises? By the way what happened to the Tycan?
The Taycan belonged to a friend of mine (the chap in the video).
Nice colour
Youre right!... SL is the ultimate Mercedes Convertible you ever want... I still keep my R230 SL300 2011 in dark blue and R231 SL350 2012 in red... Im happier w the R231 like yours but Pre Facelift
SL always an icon!!!
Stunning car! Last of its kind. In German you say „Allzeit gute Fahrt“ which literally translated means always good drive.
Fantastic car! How many Aquaholic hoodies away are we from the elusive Fairline 38?
About a million! 😄
Stunning car
I would just like to say you have made my uncles day he has a 2013 sl that he loves,and you have pointed out things he did not know he had till you pointed them out he's watched this video at least 3 time just in case he missed somthing. He thinks you're great ps he has had his sl 3 years so it made me laugh.
Awesome, glad it was useful!
Cool car. I like it. Lucky you.
Agree a really nice piece of kit!! Or is that kitt? After Miami, is this your version of Motaholic Vice?
Crockett's black Daytona is a major part of why I wanted a black one!
Really nice car. Hope it provides error free motoring as long as you own it. Keep safe and thanks :) (only just caught up with this channel)
I always preferred the SL models over all the others.
👍🏻🚘that’s the car I’d have if I could afford a car.
Very nice car i wish you that you Can drive this car How Long you want 👍😉
Thank you! :)
I want to upgrade my SLK350 - just worried the 400 is a little long to look and perhaps not as nimble around town
The SL is a surprisingly bigger car. Not just longer but wider too.
@@MOTAHOLIC thank you for reply - I just kinda feel a used 991 soft top would bring me more joy
How are the “cooled” seats? My C63’s “ventilated” seats suck...figuratively and literally, they vacuum or ‘wick’ away moisture from your back...really not effective when it’s boiling out! My F-Pace SVR’s cooled seats are like sitting on a massive industrial A/C unit haha. Britain takes the win with that! Beauty SL though - was always my dream car growing up!
It’s not been warm enough to try them yet. 🥶
In the words of Clint Eastwood 1990 movie the Rookie. “Engineered like no other car”.
Absolutely..!