Highlights
- Facelift model
- Excellent service record
- Just 70,834 miles indicated
- Very high specification
The Appeal
The choice between a coupé and a convertible can be a tricky one. Coupés offer all-weather ability and, generally, a more focussed driving experience, but then convertibles are a joy for the senses and give you a million miles of sky to revel in as you whip along.
Not to fear, Mercedes-Benz has you covered - when you want. The R230 SL introduced their folding roof mechanism to the model range, and what a great idea that was. It retains the classically elegant lines of the SL but is much easier to live with day-to-day than earlier models. There’s no cumbersome removable hardtop, just a stab of a button and – voila! – your coupé is now a roadster.
This example is very well presented, having been well specified from the factory and clearly being cared for and cherished ever since. If the idea of a powerful, luxurious and refined sports car that can switch personalities at the touch of a button appeals, then you simply must consider this car.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in May 2008
- Four owners from new
- Current owner since May 2021
- Factory fitted with the Sport Pack
- Early facelift model with more modern styling and enhanced powertrain
- 70,834 miles indicated, confirmed by MOT record
- Current MOT to July 2023
- Very good service record, last service in August 2022 at 68,479 miles
- Complete with the owner’s handbooks, previous MOT certificates and a large number of maintenance invoices
The Interior
- Anthracite leather upholstery with contrast stitching shows very well indeed, with only the lightest evidence of use or wear
- Black carpets and floor mats present nicely, with no damage, threading or staining apparent
- All of the internal trim, switchgear and driving controls look to be in excellent order, with no notable wear or damage we could see
- Electric windows and mirrors
- Automatic headlights
- Electrically operated three-memory seats, with heating, cooling and massage functions
- Dual zone air conditioning / climate control
- ‘Airscarf’ system to keep occupants nice and warm when the roof is dropped
- Premium Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, with radio and CD, DVD player, DAB COMAND module installed
- Satellite navigation
- Hands-free phone connection
- Parking sensors
- Cruise control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Electrically operated rollover hoop
- The boot is well trimmed out with grey carpet, and houses a spacesaver spare wheel, jack and air compressor
- We’re told by the vendor that all of the cabin's features and functions operate as they should, with the only fault being that the Aux connector in the glovebox isn’t working
The Exterior
- Obsidian Black (197U) paintwork looks to be in very good order, with a healthy shine and no notable areas of damage or wear showing, other than a small number of minor stone chips
- The bodywork is in excellent condition, with straight panels, even gaps and no signs of corrosion showing
- Optional Bi-Xenon headlamps
- The retractable hardtop roof is operating just as it should
- All of the external trim, badging and light lenses look to be undamaged and in very fine fettle
- Optional 19-inch double five-spoke alloys, with tyres that look to have good tread levels
- The wheels were refurbished in 2021 and therefore present in superb condition, with no kerbing or lacquer damage that we could observe
- Looking underneath the car, the underside looks to be clean, straight and corrosion free, with no signs of damage showing
The Mechanics
- 3,498cc naturally aspirated V6 “red top” option engine with higher power and better performance
- AMG Speedshift 7G-tronic transmission with paddle shift functionality
- We’re told that new discs and pads have recently been fitted, with Brembo discs being fitted at the front
- The car was serviced in August of this year at 68,479 miles
- We’re assured by the vendor that the vehicle is in excellent mechanical order, with no issues or problems they are aware of
Summary
When it comes to luxurious sporting coupés and convertibles, few manufacturers are as accomplished as Mercedes-Benz. The SL has always been a very fine car, but the R230’s introduction of the folding hardtop really did push it into another league. And we think the facelift model, as seen here, is a very handsome example.
This particular model has been very well specced from the factory and, with low mileage, a good service record and a long MOT, is ready and raring to go. Power, style and the world’s biggest sunroof? Don’t mind if we do…
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