SL-Class (R231) [Official] Mercedes-Benz SL (R231)

[Peame]

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Read an interesting article in 'Motor' magazine Australia. They claim that Gordon Wagener very privately 'blamed' Peter Pfeiffer for the challenging looks of the SL, at the Detroit Motor Show. Apparently the car's design was completed and frozen well before even the SLK. Because of the challenges they faced with the production methods, the car actually sat on ice for over 2 years, so the design had been Frozen many years back.

 

[Carmaker1]

Thanks! Do you know which model that is?

 

[Carmaker1]

Read an interesting article in 'Motor' magazine Australia. They claim that Gordon Wagener very privately 'blamed' Peter Pfeiffer for the challenging looks of the SL, at the Detroit Motor Show. Apparently the car's design was completed and frozen well before even the SLK. Because of the challenges they faced with the production methods, the car actually sat on ice for over 2 years, so the design had been Frozen many years back.

Do they say when it was frozen? It looks to me the SLK R172 was frozen in 2007-2008, so does that mean this is currently a 7 year old design? Oddly enough the last facelift in 2008 to the R230 had been patented on January 13, 2006, just as the first facelift was being introduced. My head is seriously spinning with all these mismatched timelines.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Do they say when it was frozen? It looks to me the SLK R172 was frozen in 2007-2008, so does that mean this is currently a 7 year old design? Oddly enough the last facelift in 2008 to the R230 had been patented on January 13, 2006, just as the first facelift was being introduced. My head is seriously spinning with all these mismatched timelines.

I have no idea. It would be incredible if the current SL is in fact a 7 year old design. Wolfgang might be able to clarify when the SL design was frozen and the SLK.

 

[K-A]

Wow, interesting stuff. This isn't the first time we've heard a "quiet discontent" from Wagener and team toward a model that was released under Pfeiffer.

.... However, the first was the SLS, which led me to believe that future M-B's are in trouble if they're unhappy with the clean purity of that design. However, now them being upset about the new SL instills some hope that maybe they aren't as "disjointed" currently as some of their new models might allow us to believe.

At the same time, the SL looks nothing like a lot of new crazy-lined M-B's coming out, which would explain why it's purportedly so much of an older design. At the same same time again, it looks much better than them, so who to instill faith in? Pfeiffer or Wagener? Lol.

 

[Gianclaudio]

Dear K-A, which cars Wagener designed and which Pfeiffer? I'm completely lost

Thanks in advance mate!

 

[K-A]

Pfeiffer was the guy who was Sacco's top guy, and then took over after Sacco resigned. So he was an M-B designer during the latter Sacco periods, and through the 2000's. In 2008, he resigned, and his top guy, Wagener took over. Wagener I have always perceived as the perhaps overly-ambitious character who is probably responsible for all the craziness going on with newer M-B models, but I don't know for sure.

Wagener designed the W221 under the helm of Pfeiffer, and I'm sure many great M-B designs, but his leadership which took over in 2008 is what puzzles me, as maybe or maybe not due to him, that's when M-B designs started getting "panicky" for better or worse (I guess depends on the individual model in question).

When I heard Wagener and team disliked Pfeiffer's baby, the SLS, it gave me levity toward them in assuming they indeed are not into the pure, classically timeless looks and want to shove their ego's all over "revolutionary" designs.... but then they say this about the SL..... However, maybe they're just pissed because Pfeiffer didn't let them slash stupid squiggly lines over it?

Who knows.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Dear K-A, which cars Wagener designed and which Pfeiffer? I'm completely lost

Thanks in advance mate!

I think Wolf would be able to provide some sort of timeline about when designs were frozen and who was responsible.

 

[Vivaki]

Didn't really think I needed a new thread for this, but I noticed that in some other recently resurfaced R231 patent images is an alternate headlight system. Has anyone seen these? They seem to differ from the LED headlight system on the SL500/550, the SL63 and SL65 AMG models:

I thought it had been mentioned before but if not, here is the story from what i was told. These patent lights are the lights that were meant to make it on the SL R231 but because of LED supply problems (something like that) Mercedes pulled those lights on the last second and had to change the design of the lights to what they are now. There is a photoshop picture of the SL in white before it was unveiled, maybe someone can find it, but that photoshop had the C shape LED in them like these patent lights

 

[Carmaker1]

I thought it had been mentioned before but if not, here is the story from what i was told. These patent lights are the lights that were meant to make it on the SL R231 but because of LED supply problems (something like that) Mercedes pulled those lights on the last second and had to change the design of the lights to what they are now. There is a photoshop picture of the SL in white before it was unveiled, maybe someone can find it, but that photoshop had the C shape LED in them like these patent lights

You mean this one?: http://www.benzinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/mercedes-benz-SL-rendering-illustration.jpg

 

[Carmaker1]

I have no idea. It would be incredible if the current SL is in fact a 7 year old design. Wolfgang might be able to clarify when the SL design was frozen and the SLK.

Okay, thanks. I'll see if he knows.

 

[Wolfgang]

The design team assembled to take on the new SL starting back in 2007 included project manager Hans-Dieter Futschik with Mark Fetherston on the exterior and Hans-Peter Wunderlich overseeing the interior. The project was signed off in 2010.

CAR DESIGN NEWS -- Mercedes-Benz SL


As far as I know it usually takes about 2 to 3 years between design freeze and market introduction at Mercedes. It might be faster elsewhere. So the SL design started under Peter Pfeiffer's direction in 2007 and then continued under Gorden Wagener when he became director around mid 2008.

 

[Carmaker1]

CAR DESIGN NEWS -- Mercedes-Benz SL


As far as I know it usually takes about 2 to 3 years between design freeze and market introduction at Mercedes. It might be faster elsewhere. So the SL design started under Peter Pfeiffer's direction in 2007 and then continued under Gorden Wagener when he became director around mid 2008.

Thank you! It's good to know these things as to me that is where the heart and soul of the design lies, its conception period. Do you know anything about the SLK? I figure W222 would have been signed off in 2009-10, as the promotional photo taken on October 19, 2010 has the color scale models and to date I'm surprised that no one has studied the reflections that show the front fascia.

 

[klier]

Thank you! It's good to know these things as to me that is where the heart and soul of the design lies, its conception period.

Wolfgang doesn't know, he's merely guessing.

 

[Wolfgang]

new wheels became available

Mercedes-Benz Passion eBlog

Stuttgart. High-sheen bichromatic wheels and large wheels up to size 53.34 cm (21-inch) continue to enjoy great popularity. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is expanding its range of these light-alloy wheels. Just in time for the changeover from winter to summer tyres, the new models are available for numerous model series. In all, the diverse product range from Mercedes-Benz Accessories currently comprises around 170 different wheel designs, including two models for the new Mercedes-Benz SL, that is available at Mercedes-Benz dealerships as of 31 March.

High-sheen bichromatic light-alloy wheels derive their additional appeal from the interesting contrast between the apparently bare metal surface and the painted areas. They lend the vehicle a yet more exclusive appearance and are considered by the designers at Mercedes-Benz to be more than just a passing fad. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is now extending its range of bichromatic wheels. The popular wheels in single-tone painted finish also remain available.

The trend towards larger wheels fitted flush with the outer body contours is also continuing in all categories of vehicle. This design style signals power, dynamism and driving stability. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also has new products to offer in this area – such as the 5-twin-spoke wheel in bichromatic design in size 53.34 cm (21-inch) for the M-Class.

For spring 2012, Mercedes-Benz Accessories is offering new light-alloy wheels for numerous vehicles including the following model series (situation as per March 2012):

SL-Class

incenio 5-spoke wheel, 45.7 cm (18-inch)
Surface finish: matt satin silver / high-sheen
Wheel size: 8.5J x 18 ET 35.5 (A231 401 2902 7x34)
Wheel size: 9.5J x 18 ET 47.5 (A231 401 3002 7x34)

incenio multi-spoke wheel, 48.3 cm (19-inch)
Surface finish: palladium silver / high-sheen
Wheel size: 8.5J x 19 ET 35.5 (A231 401 2702 7x19)
Wheel size: 9.5J x 19 ET 47.5 (A231 401 2802 7x19)

M-Class

incenio 5-twin-spoke wheel, 53.34 cm (21-inch)
Surface finish: Himalayas grey / high-sheen
Wheel size: 9J x 21 ET 53 (A166 401 2707 7x21)

GLK-Class

incenio 5-spoke wheel, 48.3 cm (19-inch)
Surface finish: tremolite metallic
Wheel size: 7.5J x 19 ET 47 (A204 401 8902 7x28)
Wheel size: 8.5J x 19 ET 52 (A204 401 9302 7x28)

C-Class

incenio 5-twin-spoke wheel, 45.7 cm (18-inch)
Surface finish: Himalayas grey
Wheel size: 7.5 J x 18 ET 47 (A204 401 9102 7756)
Wheel size: 8.5 J x 18 ET 54 (A204 4019 202 7756)

E-Class (Saloon and Estate)

incenio 5-twin-spoke wheel, 48.3 cm (19-inch)
Surface finish: Himalayas grey / high-sheen
Wheel size: 8.5J x 19 ET 48 (A212 401 4802 7x21)
Wheel size: 9.5J x 19 ET 48 (A212 401 4902 7x21)

E-Class (Coupé and Cabrio)

incenio 5-twin-spoke wheel, 48.3 cm (19-inch)
Surface finish: Himalayas grey / high-sheen
Wheel size: 8J x 19 8 ET 44 (A207 401 1902 7x21)
Wheel size: 8.5J x 19 ET 48 (A212 401 4802 7x21)

Highest quality standards

The same high safety standards apply to all the light-alloy wheels on offer – there are no differences in quality between the models belonging to the standard and optional equipment and the versions available from Mercedes-Benz Accessories. All wheels are required to meet the same high standards. Neither certification nor registration with the TÜV technical inspection authority are required when fitting the light-alloy wheels from Mercedes-Benz Accessories, as they all form part of the vehicle homologation. The customer always receives a product which is tailored perfectly to Mercedes-Benz vehicles: it supports their exemplary ride comfort and high driving dynamics and fulfils the high requirements of the design idiom, additionally combining high performance with an outstanding service life.

These merits result on the one hand from close collaboration between the vehicle development staff and the wheel development specialists. In order to win their Mercedes stars, wheels additionally have to pass a comprehensive test programme which goes well beyond the statutory licensing requirements for use in road traffic. This includes effective testing procedures geared towards the toughest service conditions encountered in real driving conditions, even extending to tests in cutting-edge x-ray systems and computer tomographs.

Care and handling tips

Even the best development programme, the most innovative production technology and a perfectly coordinated test programme are unable to influence how customers treat their vehicles, including the valuable light-alloy wheels. The manner in which wheels are handled continues to have a major influence on their value retention and the safety of the vehicle. Useful tips:

• 
  
  • 
    Clean the winter/summer wheels thoroughly after changing in the spring/autumn, regardless of whether steel or light-alloy wheels are fitted

• 
  
  • Do not use aggressive cleaners. Products recommended by Mercedes-Benz are gentle agents which will clean the wheels effectively

• 
  
  • Do not clean with sharp or rough sponges

• 
  
  • Observe the specified wheel tightening torques. Wheel bolts which are too tight or too loose will damage the wheel in the long term

• 
  
  • Do not oil or grease wheel bolts, as at the specified tightening torque this will result in excessive pre-stressing, which may cause damage to both wheels and bolts

• 
  
  • Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts

• 
  
  • Check the wheels after they have taken heavy knocks, e.g. when driving through deep potholes. If deformation is visible, be sure to have the damage checked at a dealership

• 
  
  • Fit only the size of tyre approved for the wheel

• 
  
  • When carrying high payloads and/or towing a trailer, adjust the tyre pressure accordingly and be sure to observe the permissible wheel loads

Information on changing wheels or tyres as well as storing wheels is available at every Mercedes-Benz partner.

New light-alloy wheels from Mercedes-Benz Accessories: Into the spring on new wheels | Daimler Global Media Site > Mercedes-Benz Cars > Mercedes-Benz P. Cars > Accessories > Accessories

 

[Merc1]

SL550 at U.S. Dealer

http://www.benzblogger.com/


M

 

[klier]

^ Looks good in honest real life shots.

I have to drop by at the dealership soon too to see it and sit in one! Still haven't done that, but none of my friends want to go because the sales guys are a$$holes over there, and I don't want to go alone

 

[Tarek]

^Lol..

 

[Human]

LMAO! Klier

Wear your best Armani collar shirt with pants and shoes to match + briefcase and be you...stubborn and straight forward and get your bottom in the SL's plush seats, demand a test drive and humor us with the driving experience mate!

This looks really stunning