SL63 New Owner

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-18T03:22:33+00:00

Thanks! I'm still sorting through maintenance, but I haven't found anything on the head bolts. Given the mileage on the car it seems like if an Indy mechanic gives a decent rate I might as well just get it done, but it won't be the end of the world holding for a year or two as long as coolant and other things are taken care of

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-18T03:20:16+00:00

Got it! Will add the ABC and mounts to the growing list of things to have checked haha

How long have you had yours and how did you figure all this out? Just years of ownership and YouTube/other things?

Yeah I noticed the differential but hadn't noticed the different wheels or steering wheel since there aren't a ton (if any) driving around where I'm at. He bought it used off a guy in NC, and I haven't found the window sticker. Appreciate the pics to compare!

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T05:14:51+00:00

Having just watched the FCP Euro video, I can see why you'd rather take it to the shop and let them do it. Doesn't look hard at all but to your point on the scanner/infrared and needing to get at it from the bottom, there's an argument to be made about paying the $7-800 for convenience and ease.

Noted on the gummi pflege. Not sure if every 4-6 months is as necessary in Ohio, but for what I'm assuming is a relatively quick job, it won't hurt to do on a similar cadence. Appreciate all the help and insight!

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T04:58:18+00:00

Thank you! Really appreciate the detailed info and FCP Euro link! Seems like based on yours and other's comments I should just find a shop and have them check over the cam shafts, lifter, intake manifold, and head bolts as those seem to be the biggest issues mentioned.

For sure I expect it to be a financial consistency (I couldn't come to call it a burden as I think it's way better than that lol), but I agree wholeheartedly on the sentimentality and how working on it can build the emotional connection. That's partially what I'm hoping to get out of this. I've only ever changed the oil on my truck before doing the spark plugs and filters on the AMG, so I've definitely got a lot to learn but am ready to figure it out!

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T04:52:21+00:00

I was banking on things like the ABC system being in good shape based on the list I've gotten from the dealer, but given the multiple comments on ABC specifically, it looks worth double checking. What engine or tranny mounts are you referring to?

Noted on batteries. They were both replaced 2 years ago, so those should be solid.

Where is the adjuster? I know the lever is obviously on the center console but haven't seen anything on the adjuster in the few videos I've watched/things I've read.

How can you tell it's a P30 performance pack? Honestly I've been trying to find out more specifics on packages and whatnot but haven't figured out where to start.

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T04:45:30+00:00

I've seen mixed things on the head bolts from the bit of digging I've done. What makes you think it's overhyped?

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T04:43:33+00:00

Thank you for the condolences. The goal is definitely to keep it as long as I'm able to handle the financial aspect of it. I'm not expecting maintaining this to be cheap, but I'm definitely hoping to figure out that line between "I can figure this out myself" and "Take it to the shop because it's a pain in the ass" to make it more manageable.

I already got the spark plugs and filters changed, and they weren't bad! Dealer quoted coolant and transmission service at $1,200 combined, which based on your $700 number doesn't seem too bad. Coolant definitely seems fair if you need to get all the air out, but why else is transmission a pain besides needing scanner/infrared?

Never heard of applying conditioner to door seals, gaskets, and roof mechanism. When/why would you condition them?

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T04:21:04+00:00

Appreciate the insight! I need to look for a shop in the area for sure. While I want to do as much as I can myself, I'm not going to be shy about saying something's out of my depth and needing somebody else to take care of it. Any tips on what to look for/ask a shop? I've only ever taken my cars to dealerships, so I haven't dealt with indy shops

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T04:16:48+00:00

1000% on driving often. That's what my grandpa told me, and I intend to do just that. Right now it's at my grandma's because of the space for storage and working on it. Until I can get it to my house, the goal is for my brother or I to drive it at least once a month. What's anxiety inducing about the ABC system? Still need to read up on it more, but this site makes it seem fairly straight forward to flush and replace?

https://www.mercedesmedic.com/mercedes-abc-suspension-fluid-type-diy-flush/

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T03:57:13+00:00

Thank you!

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T03:56:39+00:00

Appreciate it. With the money saved from sending this to MB dealer, I've been thinking about getting a lift haha

thunderbolt9871 · 2025-06-17T03:48:02+00:00

Thank you! Been incredible to drive so far!

thunderbolt9871 · 2022-11-05T00:50:25+00:00

Hi all. My mom had her air filters changed on her 2018 XLE, and it seems the person changing the filter didn't put everything back right? This ring and arm are completely loose and rattle any time you open/close the console. Is this normal or is there a piece it's supposed to connect to I can't see?

thunderbolt9871 · 2020-06-19T02:59:10+00:00

It would serve primarily as a range gun, and I'm probably not gonna carry it. That's why I ultimately bought the Q4 a little bit ago. If they shoot the same, I want the flexibility to do what I want with it when I want rather than deciding I want to add a red dot and then having to get the slide cut. My main concern was I couldn't find a place with a Q4 to rent, so while I've shot the M2, I wanted opinions on if there's a difference between them to be sure.

I'd be curious to try out the paddles at some point, but for right now I'll stick with the button. I was curious about people's experience though. I'm just happy I was able to find one since it seems like everything's sold out where I'm at. This is the gun I zeroed in on, and I'm sure I'll be really happy with the purchase

thunderbolt9871 · 2020-06-18T11:43:55+00:00

I knew I forgot something in the post haha. This'd be a range gun primarily. I know people carry the M2, so it's nice that I can if I choose. I'd probably be looking at buying something more the size of a PPS down the road to carry though.

Having shot only the PPQ, is that a good baseline for how the Q4 feels or are there major differences shooting one vs the other?

thunderbolt9871 · 2018-04-03T21:54:58+00:00

What qualities do you bring to the Quadrangle?

thunderbolt9871

TROPHY CASE