MERCEDES-BENZ, The modern SL cars, The R231: From the SL350 to the SL65 AMG

MERCEDES-BENZ SL R231 Updated 2026 Edition LARGE-FORMAT • FULL COLOR • DETAILED 30+ PAGE BUYER’S GUIDE Buying a sophisticated Mercedes R231 without understanding its roof, suspension and electronic systems can become expensive. This updated edition therefore places particular emphasis on its detailed buyer’s guide of more than 30 pages. It explains the areas that owners and prospective buyers should inspect before neglected maintenance or hidden problems result in costly repairs. Introduced in 2012, the R231 brought the SL into a new era of lightweight construction. Its aluminum body, retractable Vario-Roof, advanced chassis systems and powerful V6, V8 and V12 engines made it one of the most technically sophisticated SL generations ever built. This reference combines practical purchasing advice with the complete model history and technical development of the R231. It covers European and North American models, the major 2016 model update, AMG variants, special editions, production information and originality. Numerous recent color photographs document the different models, interiors and important technical details. The book covers: COMPREHENSIVE BUYER’S GUIDE: Bodywork, water intrusion and drains, Vario-Roof hydraulics and front locks, Active Body Control, engines, transmissions, cooling systems, batteries, electronics, interior equipment, originality and documentation. COMPLETE MODEL HISTORY: From the SL350, SL400 and SL450 to the SL500/SL550, SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG, including the important 2016 model update. ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING: Body structure, V6, biturbo V8 and biturbo V12 engines, automatic transmissions, suspension, steering and braking systems. TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT: Vario-Roof, MAGIC SKY CONTROL, Active Body Control, Curve Tilting function, MAGIC VISION CONTROL, FrontBass, AIRSCARF and electronic assistance systems. AMG, SPECIAL EDITIONS AND TUNERS: SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG, factory special editions and selected interpretations by Brabus, Carlsson, RENNtech and other specialists. IDENTIFICATION AND ORIGINALITY: VIN decoding, data cards, production figures, model identification, factory equipment and important production changes. More than a conventional buyer’s guide, this book also tells the complete history of the R231 and explains the engineering behind its many innovations. Whether you are considering the purchase of an R231, already own one or simply appreciate this SL generation, this carefully researched and richly illustrated reference provides the historical background, technical knowledge and practical guidance needed to understand these sophisticated roadsters. Bernd S. Koehling has been involved with classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles since the 1970s and is the author of more than 20 books on the marque. Additional photographs and sample pages from the book appear farther down this product page.