Highlights
- Incredibly rare Designo Launch Edition
- Well specified
- Full service history
- USA title and Dutch Import documentation
- All duties and VAT have been paid
- Comes with clean CARFAX report and Mercedes Datacard
- Seller can assist with worldwide transport and shipping
The Appeal
The R230 is arguably the easiest way into SL ownership. Somewhat overlooked for years since it launched in 2001, R230 SL models have now begun to find their place among fans and collectors. Taking over from the previous R129, the R230 was stylish, powerful (especially in V8 guise) and laden with cutting edge tech, including that famous metal folding roof.
That aforementioned V8 featured in the SL500 with over 300bhp was a formidable engine, especially in a diminutive two-door. Fast, handsome and modern, the R230 500SL ticked a lot of boxes.
And speaking of ticking boxes, the options list on this particular car is pretty impressive. The Mercedes Designo Manufaktur Custom Order Program has been around for a while now, allowing buyers to customise their cars to the nth degree, from distinctive exterior paint colours to interior leather stitching, and this example is the incredibly rare launch edition from 2003 featuring a host of stylistic tweaks, including the Designo Silver Metallic paint.
The History and Paperwork
- 2003 model year
- USA title and Dutch import documentation
- All duties and VAT have been paid
- Full service history, with last services done at 82,326, 82,135 and 81,456 miles
- Matching numbers
- Comes with clean CARFAX report confirming the low mileage of 84,053
- Comes with Mercedes Datacard
Code Description
200A LEATHER
212B OP. INSTRUCT. AND MAINT. BOOKLET-ENGL. FOR USA/CAN
221B SIGN COOLANT/REFUELING - ENGLISH
231 GARAGE DOOR OPENER
236B WITHOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE - STATION INDEX
264 SHIFTING GATE FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
289 LEATHER STEERING WHEEL WITH TRIM INSERT
349 PREP. FOR EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM
352 COMAND
401 SINGLE SEATS
404 MULTI-CONTOUR SEAT, FRONT LEFT
405 MULTI-CONTOUR SEAT, FRONT RIGHT
423 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
487 ABC SUSPENSION (ACTIVE BODY CONTROL)
494 U.S. VERSION
524 PAINTWORK - PRESERVATION
614 BI-XENON HEADLAMPS FOR RIGHT-HAND TRAFFIC
634 DELETION - FIRST AID KIT
636 DELETION - WARNING TRIANGLE
660 AMG DOUBLE-SPOKE WHEELS 18" WITH MIXED TIRES
668 PRODUCT PROT. F FREIGHT PACKAG. W TIE-DOWN HOOKS
669 10 LITERS OF FUEL AND MODE OF PACKING VE I
673 HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY
731 TRIM PIECES - WOOD BURRED WALNUT VENEER
7XXL NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
802 AEJ 01/1/X
810 PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM
819 CD CHANGER
875 HEATED SCREEN WASH SYSTEM
M113 V8-GASOLINE ENGINE M113
M50 DISPLACEMENT 5.0 LITER
N98 CONTROL CODE BREMEN PLANT
U27 OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE IN CHROME
U44 LUGGAGE NET SET IN LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT (3-PIECE)
X00 LEATHER, DESIGNO, UNI-COLOR
X11 LEATHER, DESIGNO-BLACK, UNI-COLOR
Y83 DESIGNO ALCANTARA ANTHRACITE ROOF INTERIOR TRIM
Y86 LAUNCH EDITION
The Condition
- Special edition Designo Silver Metallic paint with only a few light marks to the front bumper
- 18” AMG double-spoke black alloy wheels appear to be in good shape
- Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round
- Body panels appear free from damage and shut lines look straight and true
- No signs of corrosion to the bodywork
- Retractable metal roof seems to fit well with no problems from the mechanism
- Black leather interior is wearing incredibly well
- Wooden trim to door cards, centre console and steering wheel looks to be in good condition
- Carpets appear clean and dry
- Boot space and engine bay look clean and tidy
- Spare wheel present and correct
The Mechanics
- 5.0-litre, 306bhp V8 engine (matching numbers)
- Five-speed 5G-Tronic automatic gearbox
- Mechanically standard
- No mechanical issues to report according to the vendor
- Last serviced at 82,326 miles
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.
