NO RESERVE - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)
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Highlights
- Packed with luxury features
- Equipped with a mighty 5L V8
- Excellent grand-tourer for the summer
- Just 2 former keepers
- Gorgeous interior
The Appeal
As the successor to the R129 generation of SL vehicles, the R230 had rather large shoes to fill and did so rather valiantly. The new lineup of SL cars was packed with luxury touches, impressive technology, and was available with a multitude of engine configurations.
The SL500 sits towards the top end of the range, packing a mighty 5L V8 engine, and all of the modern comforts you would come to expect from Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle also features a rather impressive electric folding hardtop, which neatly folds away in a rather timely manner, leaving you pondering over the intricate mechanics.
Today, the SL500 represents impressive value for money, providing passengers with top-end Mercedes quality for a very respectable price, even when compared to the likes of modern entry-level vehicles. Although this particular example requires mechanical attention to return to its former glory, the sheer level of performance and luxury available for the price shown here today is mightily impressive. If you’re looking for a seldom-seen, sporty tourer to enjoy this summer, this SL500 is a perfect candidate.
The History and Paperwork
- Just 2 former keepers
- Plenty of maintenance history
- Main dealer & independent service history
- Original Mercedes-Benz handbooks included
- V5C document present
- 2 keys included (only one remote key functions)
- Private registration plate not included
Rather impressively for its age, this SL500 has been enjoyed by just 2 former keepers, and now shows just shy of 88k on the odometer. Over the years, the vehicle has accumulated a fair collection of invoices detailing previous maintenance and servicing. Notable items from recent history include both new batteries, brakes, and a full service.
Also included with the vehicle is the original Mercedes book pack, complete with a stamped service booklet, and even the navigation system and Linguatronic discs. The paperwork also includes previous MOT certificates, and the V5C document ready to sign over to the lucky new owner.
The Interior
- Red leather interior
- Electric, heated massage chairs
- Excellent condition
- Gorgeous colourway
- CD disc changer
- Display screen & navigation
- Bose sound system
- Multi-function steering wheel
The interior of this SL500 is absolutely gorgeous, no doubt one of this vehicle’s standout features. The red interior is just colourful enough to provide a welcome amount of contrast but remains a rather muted, tasteful shade of red in keeping with the car’s classy nature.
Perhaps one of the greatest examples of “bang for your buck” with this car, can be found with the sleek red leather seats. The seats are electronically adjustable with memory features and offer both massage and heated functions. Both seats are in excellent condition for their age and mileage, although signs of use can be found on both, with the driver’s side showing more wear as pictured.
The red finish doesn’t end with the seats, instead extending through tidy carpeting throughout, the lower dashboard section, plastic trim pieces, and the door cards. Both door cards are in excellent condition, showing only minimal signs of wear that would no doubt benefit from a dash of TLC. Carpeting, trim pieces, and the dashboard are in an impressive state, and could quite easily suit a much lower mileage car.
In the boot, you’ll find the original Mercedes spare tyre, a relatively new Lucas battery, a jack, and the original toolkit complete with spare fuses. It should be noted that the struts for the boot are a little on the weaker side, but can certainly be replaced for only a small cost.
It is certainly hard to match the number of luxury touches and high-end technology featured within the cabin of this SL500 for the price shown today.
The Exterior
- Silver paintwork
- AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
- Likely the original finish
- Great condition for the vehicle’s age
The R230 SL class certainly showcases a much more muscular stance than its predecessor, yet remains unmistakably “SL”. This particular example does the design proud, retaining its original finish with only a few signs of age. Most notable perhaps, are the pictured signs of corrosion to the rear wheel arches, and a mark on the bonnet. Should you wish to return the silver exterior to its full glory, it certainly shouldn’t take too much to do so if desired.
The car also sits on a gorgeous set of 5-spoke AMG alloy wheels, which suit the convertible perfectly. The wheels are in great condition for their age, showing the expected signs of age-related corrosion and brake dust buildup. With the availability of modern wheel refurbishment services nowadays, these 5-spokes are likely only a few hours away from achieving a perfect finish once more. Each wheel is also wrapped in a Pirelli P-Zero tyre, certainly a respectable choice to put down the V8’s power.
All exterior trim pieces, lights, and brightwork are seemingly also in excellent condition for their age, and could quite easily suit a lower mileage example.
Overall, this Mercedes-Benz SL500 has stood the test of time and mileage, and would certainly still fill the lucky new owner with pride as it currently sits. As mentioned above, if you seek a perfect finish, this example seemingly shows fewer exterior defects than other examples of the same age.
The Mechanics
- 5L V8 engine
- Distronic cruise control
- Recently serviced
- Well maintained example
- New batteries
- Recently changed brakes
- ABC system requires attention
Prior to delving into just how addictive the smooth V8 can be, it should be noted that the ABC system currently requires attention, as suggested by the pictured dashboard warning. This has only become a fault for the current keeper somewhat recently, after storing the vehicle for quite some time, perhaps suggesting lack of use to be a contributing factor. To reap the full benefits of this clever bit of kit, it will require a professional’s touch to return to full working order. On similar lines, there is also a warning light for the battery, but as both batteries have been replaced within the last few years, this could also be a symptom of lack of use.
Otherwise, the vehicle happily fires up and purrs away, ready for its next adventure. As the included paperwork will reflect, this car has certainly been well maintained over the years, with regular servicing and parts as required. According to the current keeper, the car has previously performed admirably on multiple long journeys, making its current troubles a true shame.
Otherwise, the vehicle happily fires up and purrs away, ready for its next adventure. As the included paperwork will reflect, this car has certainly been well maintained over the years, with regular servicing and parts as required. According to the current keeper, the car has previously performed admirably on multiple long journeys, making its current troubles a true shame.
The current owner genuinely wishes to see the vehicle go to an enthusiast, who will hopefully repair the ABC fault, show the car the TLC it always deserves, and keep this mighty SL on the road for many more years to come.
Summary
Although this SL500 requires a dash of mechanical attention to return to flawless working order, the car still presents fantastic value for money. For the price of a used, entry-level hatchback, you’re getting a superb V8 engine, gorgeous luxury interior, more electronic gizmos than you can count, and a beautiful reminder of Mercedes-Benz’s attention to detail.
If you’re looking for a rare beast to enjoy this summer, this SL500 is only a few steps away from being the legendary V8 tourer it once was.
If you’re looking for a rare beast to enjoy this summer, this SL500 is only a few steps away from being the legendary V8 tourer it once was.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 2003
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL500
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 87,913 Miles
- Engine size 4966
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Wigan
- Location Lancashire
- Country United Kingdom
67
bids
- P4•••• £6,600 26/07/22
- Tu•••• £6,500 26/07/22
- P4•••• £6,400 26/07/22
- P4•••• £6,300 26/07/22
- Tu•••• £6,200 26/07/22
- P4•••• £6,100 26/07/22
- Aa•••• £6,000 26/07/22
- Aa•••• £5,900 26/07/22
- Tu•••• £5,800 26/07/22
- Tu•••• £5,700 26/07/22
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