Highlights

Much improved facelift car with 385bhp 5.5L V8
Smart Tanzanite Blue with recent polish and ceramic coat treatment
Current keeper since 2020
Well maintained by main dealers and marque specialists
Recent service by Mercedes specialist T M Services
Recent new ABC pump, rear folding screen, front screen and four tyres
MOT valid until April 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

Good as the original R230 ‘Sport Liecht’ roadster was, from 2008 it got considerably better. All models got revised steering, improved COMAND technology and sharper ABC suspension, but the SL500 also got a major power hike thanks to its new 5.5L 385bhp V8.

Here is a very early example, finished in smart Tanzanite Blue metallic with grey leather and walnut trim. The car presents well, thanks in large part to the attentions of its current keeper who has owned it since 2020. He has invested in paintwork polish and ceramic coat treatment plus mechanical and comfort improvements. Aside from regular servicing by main dealers and marque speiallists notable highlights include new ABC pump, costing £2,000, and replacement front and rear screens. The car has also been fitted with four replacement Michelin tyres.

The service history shows regular attention by main dealers and marque specialist T M Services, with the last service in May 2026. The current MOT runs to April 2027 with no advisories. A very tidy and nicely specified facelift SL500.

The vendor says:

“It drives magnificently, it glides along, it irons out all of the bumps effortlessly, the cabin is so quiet when the roof is up & pleasure to drive on the brighter days with the roof down.”

Key Information

Mileage: 96,861 miles indicated (suppported by MOT and service history)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until 8th April 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 385bhp 5,461cc V8 petrol, 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic
Paperwork: Handbooks, V5C, Service history invoices and receipts for recent work reportedly present

Service history:

05/26 - 93,698 miles - T M Services (Mercedes specialist)
04/24 - 84,121 miles - T M Services
04/23 - 80,770 miles - T M Services
05/22 - 75,945 miles - T M Services
11/18 - 58,805 miles - Mercedes-Benz Retail
11/17 - 58,805 miles - Mercedes-Benz Retail
04/16 - 56,282 miles - Star-Tec Engineering
01/15 - 49,824 miles - Mercedes-Benz South
02/14 - 41,287 miles - Mercedes-Benz South
01/13 - 33,320 miles - Mercedes-Benz North London
01/12 - 26,913 miles - Mercedes-Benz North London
06/09 - 7,067 miles - Mercedes-Benz North London

Notable recent maintenance:

10/23 - £2,007 - T M Services - ABC pump
08/23 - £663 - T M Services - alternator
08/21 - £464 - T M Services - electrical repairs

Summary of recent work provided by seller:

ABC control unit - £2,500
Rear folding windscreen - £3500
Front windscreen
Updated ICE Apple Carplay - £2500
Four new Michelin Sport Pilot 5 tyres
New auxiliary rear battery

The Detail

List of recent maintenance and servicing provided above
Smart Tanzanite Blue metallic paintwork in good order with some marks to note
Light scuffs and frontal stone chips visible in photos
Age-related marks noted by seller on the front bumper at lower level
Very light scuff on the offside front, described by seller as barely visible
Minor age-related chips on the driver's door edge
Professionally detailed and ceramic coated approximately two and a half years ago
Five spoke factory alloy wheels some some kerbing and scuffs
Nearside front and rear wheels have scuffs according to seller
Recently fitted with new Michelin tyres
Repairs to screens as detailed above
Slight lacquer peel on nearside front wing near the windscreen, described as minimal
Slight misting visible to nearside headlight in photos
The vendor reports the underside is in good order
No structural or other advisories on MOT
Grey leather interior with walnut veneer trims
Interior seats were fed during the detailing process we are told
Some light wear to usual interior high traffic areas such as driver’s bolster
Fitted with expensive Apple Carplay system as detailed above
Stored under a breathable cover when not in use
Vendor states interior has no rips, tears, or stitching issues and carpets in good order
Vendor states the engine starts first time every time and runs without faults
Factory-standard engine with no modifications we are told
The roof can be operated remotely from the key fob up to a speed of 25mph 'for convenience if it started raining while driving on the move' at a cost of £500

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