Description
A very presentable 2003 SL500 in silver with Mercedes multi-spoke alloys. The 5. 0-litre V8 runs beautifully and the car drives extremely well. Folding hardtop, good tyres all round, good brake discs and a long MOT.
A considerable amount of work has been carried out to address the known issues that can make older R230s expensive to own. All front suspension arms/ joints have been replaced. The Battery Control Module has been replaced with a new modern unit, together with both batteries, which are guaranteed.
One significant difference from a standard SL500 is the suspension. The complex ABC hydraulic system has been replaced with the conventional suspension arrangement used by Mercedes on the R230 SL350, using Mercedes components including the correct anti-roll bars. This is not an aftermarket coilover conversion and removes one of the best-known potential expenses of owning an early SL500. I am a trained engineer and carried out the conversion carefully and methodically.
The car has service history to around 9, 000 miles ago and has been serviced by me since.
The MOT advisories have been dealt with apart from the rear subframe bushes, which have been noted on the last two MOTs without noticeable deterioration. Mercedes no longer supplies these and I have so far been unable to locate suitable old stock.
The bodywork is very presentable for a 23-year-old car but not perfect, and I have deliberately shown the imperfections in the photographs. Some corrosion where the rear wings meet the bumper – a common R230 problem – has been treated and the affected areas professionally resprayed. The colour match is good although the finish isn't perfect.
Original Mercedes wheels are also available.
This isn't being sold as a concours SL. It is an honest, mechanically well-sorted example that looks good, drives extremely well and has had considerable work done to remove some of the major worries associated with an older SL500.
A huge amount of V8 Mercedes for under £5, 000 – and a wonderful car to enjoy with the roof down.
