Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6: the voice of the grand roadster, the exhaust guide

The 3.5-litre V6: the SL350's naturally aspirated six-cylinder

The SL350 R230 from the 2008 to 2011 model years is fitted with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 316 hp and 360 Nm. It is a smooth, refined engine that responds instantly and loves to rev, perfectly in keeping with the SL's grand touring character. Paired with rear-wheel drive, it gives the roadster a fluid drive, geared more towards enjoyment than outright performance.

Without forced induction, the V6 depends entirely on its exhaust to express itself. The factory exhaust is tuned so that you do not hear it rev, which robs the SL of some of its charm, especially with the roof open. The ROG valved exhaust gives you back that pleasure when you decide, and leaves you the factory comfort with the valves closed, without touching the engine or the ECU.

How the exhaust on your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6 is put together

Here is what the ROG exhaust replaces, and where the sound is shaped.

The figures for your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6

On a modern car, an exhaust system first changes the voice, the breathing and the weight at the rear. Power, on the other hand, comes from an ECU remap.

Published manufacturer and Stage 2 figures.

Our exhaust systems work perfectly with or without an ECU remap. On your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6, however, we recommend having one done at an approved tuning centre: that is what lets the engine reach its full potential.

Configuring your exhaust, step by step

3 choices, in the same order as the product page configurator.

1. 1

   Step 1 of 3: Material: stainless steel or titanium

   For your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6, the exhaust costs €2,190 in stainless steel and €2,690 in titanium.

   304 stainless steel

   2 190 €

   Weight

   Baseline

   Sound

   Full and rounded

   The benchmark for high-end exhausts: tough, corrosion-proof, with a full, rounded sound. The choice of most of our customers.

   Titanium

   2 690 €

   Weight

   Around 40% lighter

   Sound

   Metallic, crystal-clear

   Around 40% lighter than stainless steel for the same design, with a more metallic sound that turns crystal-clear at high revs. Its finish ranges from brushed to blued tints.

   Over time, both hold up: 304 stainless steel stands up to winter salt and damp, and titanium does not rust. Stainless steel or titanium: what really changes.

2. 2

   Step 2 of 3: Valves: ROG remote or factory control

   Two ways to control the valves on your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6.

   ROG remote

   

   A small control unit fits in the boot. Two buttons, open and closed: the valves respond at any moment, whatever the drive mode. Simple to fit, and we stay on hand throughout the installation.

   Factory control

   • Only for vehicles fitted with factory valves
   • Controlled by the drive modes

   If your vehicle is fitted with factory valves, the exhaust keeps their existing control. The drive modes decide, just as they did from the factory, with no added electronics.

   On the motorway, with the valves closed, the gases pass through the silencer, designed for cruising: no drone at a steady speed. You open up when you feel like it, not when the motorway decides for you. More about exhaust drone.

3. 3

   Step 3 of 3: Tips: the visual signature

   Match the tips to the style of your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6, understated or bold. A particular finish in mind? Send us a photo and we will look at it together.

   • Stainless steel
   • Black
   • Carbon
   • Blued titanium

   

The ROG sound signature on the SL350 R230

The SL350's naturally aspirated V6 has a clear, melodious voice that grows brighter still as the needle climbs. The factory exhaust contains it almost entirely: even with the roof open, you hear the wind more than the engine, and its climb through the revs goes unnoticed.

With the valves open, the ROG exhaust lets the six-cylinder rev audibly, with a fuller note at start-up and a sound that accompanies every acceleration, roof up or down. With the valves closed, the SL regains the serenity of a great touring roadster.

From order to fitting

1. Configuration

   You choose your exhaust and enter your VIN, found in box E of your registration certificate.

2. Check

   We check compatibility with your VIN before manufacturing begins.

3. Manufacturing

   Your exhaust is made to order, for your car.

4. Delivery

   Free in Europe, insured to your door, tracked from dispatch.

5. Fitting

   No welding or cutting: clamps and gaskets, around two hours on a lift.

20 working days from order confirmation to delivery

Warranty

3 years, parts and workmanship, from the date of delivery

Payment

In instalments with Klarna

Installation

At the garage of your choice

What about the manufacturer's warranty on your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6? In Europe, a manufacturer cannot refuse warranty cover simply because a part from another brand has been fitted: it has to prove that the fault was caused by that part. Our article on the manufacturer's warranty.

Our recommendations for your Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6

• Daily driving

  2 190 €

  • Stainless
  • ROG remote

  The best balance of price, sound and comfort.

  View this configuration

• Enthusiast

  2 690 €

  • Titanium

  A lighter exhaust, with a more metallic note at high revs.

  View this configuration

• Style

  2 690 €

  • Titanium
  • Blued titanium or black tips

  An exhaust is seen as much as it is heard.

  View this configuration

And if you are still unsure, that is perfectly normal: it is exactly why we answer the phone.

Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 V6: your questions

Further reading

• All Mercedes-Benz exhaust systems
• Mercedes-Benz SL500 R230 5.5 V8
• Stainless steel or titanium: what really changes
• Killing motorway drone
• Exhausts and the manufacturer's warranty
• The 22 brands we cover