Hi David
A short Post Script fot the saga!
Somebody paid $81K for my car in June 2012, without parking sensors can you believe!
I bought it 2 yrs later for $45K with only 10,000 kms on the clock so with that I am comfortable.
Hence I was prepared to spend $1500??? to improve the sound. At least that was the plan. Like you, I'm hoping with low kms etc it will be reliable for the next 4 yrs, I will drive it into the ground counting the days down.
Because mine is an F Sport with larger tyres than your SL I suspect that's part of the noise problem, BUT, as I previously said BMW and VW appear to have that problem solved.
I'm also surprised just how far behind Japanese technology is comparing the ease I had in using hard drive and USBs for music in the German cars vs having to switch to Ipod and ITunes for the Lexus.
I have to admit that, fuel consumption aside, if everyone could build smooth engines and transmisssions like Lexus, that would be a plus. The engine and transmission are definite plusses. And once I fit that Recaro.......................
My family says I am just getting too old and set in my ways------they are probably right.
Regards
Peter