When Mercedes-Benz replaced the R129 generation of SL in 2001, it brought the model bang up to date and created one of the most desirable cars of the early 2000s at the same time.
The new R230 model was not only sleek and stylish, but it also added new technology, modernised styling and a much more modern cabin. It also introduced the company’s trademark electric folding hard top – or VarioRoof - to the model, which had debuted four years earlier on the SLK.
It was a strikingly handsome car but also a very expensive one. At launch, it was offered only as the 386bhp SL500 but in 2002, Mercedes-Benz introduced an ‘entry-level’ SL 350 – at just under £55,000, the 242bhp V6 was hardly pennies, but it was a more affordable option to both buy and run.
The R230SL set new standards for Mercedes-Benz in terms of dynamics and handling, too. The company was competing in Formula One in conjunction with McLaren at the time and the British company played a hand in helping develop the new SL, which was dynamically leagues ahead of its R129 predecessor.
This 2002 example has covered just 53,307 miles from new and has been impeccably well maintained, with a full service record.
This is a genuine low mileage, backed up by a comprehensive history record. In its early years it generally covered less than 1,500 between annual MOTs and has covered around 4,000 miles a year since.
It has a superb MOT history with no reference to any corrosion advisories or major issues.
The car has a valid MOT. It also has two sets of keys.
There is a fair bit of paperwork available to back up the Mercedes-Benz’s pedigree. These include a full V5C in the name of the vendor and the original manufacturer wallet, containing the owners’ manual, audio manual and dealer directory as well as the service book.
Finished in Ice Silver, it’s by far the best and most popular colour for an R230SL, especially with this model’s optional five-spoke alloys.
All of the paintwork is original and there are no scuffs, marks or dents. Indeed, it has all the hallmarks of a car that had been properly looked after throughout its life. There are no signs of corrosion on top or underneath the car and it still looks bright and clean despite being over 18 years old.
The electric ‘VarioRoof’ is a work of art and folds at the touch of a button, taking just 30 seconds to go from fixed-head coupe to full-on convertible, while it also features an electric windbreak/rollover bar. It’s a wonderful looking car in exceptional order, and with good tyres all round.
The dark leather is smart and well-presented, giving the car an air of upmarket luxury. It’s in excellent condition, the only minor fault we could find being some damage to the plastic side trim on the driver’s seat. Easy enough to replace if it bothers you, but not visible once you’re seated.
All of the dials and controls appear to operate as intended and the factory-standard Mercedes COMAND system operates as it should, controlling the air con, radio, sat nav and a few other of the car’s features. This was the height of technology back in 2003 and it’s still quite impressive today.
While the V8 500 is the flagship of the SL range, the 350 is by no means the poor relation. Under the bonnet, it has a 3.7-litre V6 with 242bhp on tap – enough for 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, so more than enough to keep up with modern traffic.
This one is in fine fettle thanks to its low mileage and impeccable service record. It fires up on the button (quite literally, as it features a start/stop button on top of the gear selector) and settles to a smooth and steady idle. There’s no excessive smoke and it operates smoothly through all of the gears. The vendor reports that the suspension, steering and brakes are all fine.
Critically, unlike the V8-powered SLs, this one doesn’t feature Mercedes’s Active Body Control. The hydraulic system may have given the SL unbeatable dynamics when new, but it is notoriously fragile and expensive to maintain so its absence will help keep the next owner’s running costs down by virtue of it being a much simpler car, yet one that’s still just as rewarding to drive.
We probably don't have to explain the appeal of an SL that hard, as you only have to look at it to appreciate its finer points.
When it was new, it was one of the best cars in the world and in many ways it still is. It looks sensational and is still a delight to drive, while in 350 flavour it’s also going to be the most economical way into SL ownership.
Right now, the R230 SL represents incredible value and we can't see them getting any cheaper . Indeed the colour, specification and maintenance record of this example make it as much of a sensible investment for the future as it is a sports and touring car that you can get in and enjoy every day.
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2003 Mercedes-Benz (R230) SL 350
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