A very well presented SL350 in a great colourway – Iridium Sliver over Magma Red leather
A low mileage example having covered less than 4,000 miles per year, on average
Benefitting from a complete service history by various Mercedes specialists
Vehicle will be serviced and have a fresh MOT prior to the auction end.
The Appeal
The R230 SL series first appeared in 2001, debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The final design was whittled down from initial submissions by twelve designers and studios. Only the second Mercedes Benz to benefit from the input of Mercedes’s unique "CAVE" (Computer Aided Virtual Environment), the R230 is a pleasingly curvy design compared to its squared off, R129, predecessor.
Like many new Mercedes Benz models, the R230 was a technical tour-de-force, almost instantly making its successful predecessor seem archaic in comparison. As if to prove the point, the acronym count was off the chart - ABC, SBC, ABS, BAS, ESP, ASR to name a few. The R230 offers looks and talent in equal measure.
The SL underwent a mid-life facelift in 2006 adding some valuable and sought-after enhancements found in this 2007 example. These include the fitment of the 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic with Sport option and an upgrade to the innovative steel and glass folding roof. This reduced the time taken for it to work its magic by a full 4 seconds.
The 2006 SL facelift introduced softer leathers in some new colours
This Magma Red interior is one such example
The bold colour looks striking in combination with the silver paintwork and black cabin accents
The high-backed seats are deeply sculpted for maximum support
The centre panels are finished in perforated leather with smooth leather for the bolsters
The seats feature electric adjustment with a memory function and are heated
The dash top and door card cappings are finished in black leather
The multifunction steering wheel is also finished in black leather
Like the rest of the cabin, the black carpets appear to be in excellent, original condition
The steeply raked centre console houses a satellite navigation system and combined quality, original fit stereo system.
The maple veneer around the gear selector adds a splash of luxury to this sporting cabin
The boot is surprisingly commodious and contains a full tool set and space saver spare wheel
The electro-hydraulic steel and glass roof retracts swiftly at the touch of a button
With many German sports cars of this period favouring “black on black” interiors, this Magma red example provides a breath of fresh air. It really lifts the ambiance of the cabin and helps to showcase the sublime quality of the fit and finish to be found inside this SL.
The interior design manages to pull off that tricky balance between luxury and sporting just perfectly. The sophisticated retractable, panoramic glass and steel roof really makes this a sports car for all seasons too. When the summer skies inevitable cloud over, your airy convertible becomes a cosy coupe in just 16 seconds at a push of a button.
The SL looks great in its bright and shiny Iridium Silver paintwork
The paintwork radiates a deep and lustrous finish throughout
All panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical in true Mercedes Benz fashion
No significant dents, dings or scratches were noted
The current owner reports that the only known imperfection is some minor lacquer peel to one wheel arch
The light lenses all appear clear and free from imperfection
The cabin glass appears free from hazing or delamination
The owner reports that he has replaced the rear window seal with prescribed Mercedes butyl
The five spoke 18-inch Mercedes Benz alloy wheels present in fine fettle all round
The tyres are quality Goodyear Eagles all round in the factory specified size and profile
The R230 SL is a handsome beast. The long, sloping bonnet and engineered-in front biased stance gives the car an eager and imposing road presence. The “gill-style” vents in the front wings and the twin, oval tail pipes help underscore this car’s sporting capabilities and focus. It’s all in great condition, too, and the presentation of the car is excellent for a fifteen-year-old example.
This post face-lift car is fitted with the respected, more powerful M272 engine
This is a 3,498cc V6 engine originally rated at a healthy 268bhp and 258 Ib-ft of torque
This power is fed to the rear wheels via the 7-speed, 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox
The current owner reports that he has had the gearbox ECU replaced
This work is understood to carry a lifetime guarantee
The combination of low, original mileage and full-service history defines the car’s mechanical condition
As a result, the current owner attests to the car running very well and sounding great
For many the post-face lift 3.5L V6 SLs represent somewhat of a sweet spot with an ideal balance being struck between performance and economy. The combination of lusty V6 and smooth shifting 7-speed gearbox makes for rapid yet refined progress in all conditions.f4cplMiD7rY2EDWKNeWcyLCWsxSMrAg83gHKq9re.jpeg1.05 MB
Summary
For many years the Mercedes Benz SL range of cars has provided an unmatched combination of prestige, comfort and performance that has made it very much a car for all seasons and circumstances. This SL350 is certainly no exception to that rule.
It’s in great, original condition and its low mileage and service history should make it a purchase that satisfies both the heart and the head. The colour combination is fetching too. That magma red interior really pops against the classic silver paintwork.
Perhaps best of all, however, the R230 cars represent phenomenal value for money currently, offering a huge amount of accomplished sports coupe at a very attainable price point. This level of value can not prevail forever so be sure not to miss this opportunity to own such a good example of the breed at such an achievable price.
