HIGHLIGHTS
- Very well presented
- 5.0 litre V8
- ABC service in 2021
THE APPEAL
Initially launched in 1954, the SL two-seater roadster has grown in popularity to become one of the most iconic models in Mercedes-Benz history, providing the perfect mix of performance and luxury. In previous years, the SL was available as a soft top convertible, then moved forward by adding a removable hardtop. This was a good idea and perfect for the winter months, with the hardtop making it more like a normal-bodied car, although it was a two-person job to lift off and refit the roof. In 2002, Mercedes stepped up the game with the SL, with a whole host of technological wizardry added to the newly designed sleek grand tourer.
With the new SL, one of the main changes was the fully removable hardtop roof at the touch of a single button. So you could sit at the traffic lights, and within 16-20 seconds, the roof would be off, ready to enjoy the sunshine. This prominent feature alone proved a huge selling point for the luxurious German two-seater roadster. There was also a range of engines to choose from, including the impressive 5.0 litre V8, which is fitted to the one we have here today.
This lovely 2002 SL500 has been with the vendor for two years. The reason for the sale is it was a weekend car, but now with a campervan added to the fleet, the time to use it has been less than he would have liked. When he got the SL, he spent approximately £2,000, ensuring everything was as it should be. One of the main things was an ABC and gearbox service which only needs to be done every four years.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- UK Registered 10th September 2002
- MOT valid until 3rd April 2024
- Service book present
- Owner’s manuals present
- Several previous invoices show servicing work and parts fitted
- Spark plugs replaced in March 2022
- ABC (Active Body Control) Service carried out in May 2021
- Gearbox service in May 2021
- Replacement Alternator and ECU in 2018
THE INTERIOR
- The Interior presents extremely well
- Black/Anthracite leather trim
- Heated seats are in excellent condition with just a tiny amount of colour wear to the driver’s bolster
- Door cards are in excellent order
- Dashboard has no noticeable scuffs or damage to point out
- The instruments are all reportedly working correctly
- Odometer shows a reading of 87,509 miles
- No warning lights are present with the engine running
- Leather and walnut steering wheel is in excellent condition
- Cruise control
- Burred Walnut trim is in excellent condition with no cracking to the lacquer
- The switchgear is in good order with no signs of excessive wear, and everything is reported to work correctly
- An upgraded Pioneer head unit has been fitted, which will connect to your mobile phone to allow music streaming
- The original CD multi-changer is in place but not connected to the headunit
- Original first aid kit in place in the front seat
- The carpets are free from any excessive wear
- A set of Mercedes fitted fats are present and in good order
- The boot area is clean and tidy
- Original air compressor
- Warning triangle present
- Space saver spare wheel
- Wheel brace
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in the stunning Brilliant Silver Metallic (744U)
- The bodywork is in superb condition with no dings or dents
- Looking around the car, the door shut lines are equal and matching along with the bonnet and boot
- The paintwork presents exceptionally well with just a few very small chips, the main one on the driver's front wheel arch.
- The removable hard-top roof operates correctly, going both up and down at the touch of a button
- Bi-Xenon headlights have had a light smoke tint applied and are free from any noticeable chips or cracks
- The rear lights have also had the same light tint applied
- Later style grille is fitted, but the original is included
- Front and rear Parktronic system
- The wheels have been replaced with some multi-spoke AMG style alloys, and these are in excellent condition
- A full set of Toyo tyres are fitted, which haven't covered many miles
THE MECHANICS
- 5.0 litre V8
- Five-speed automatic gearbox
- ABC Active Body Control suspension
- Suspension operates correctly and lowers as it should when put into sport mode
- Rear-wheel drive
- The SL500 fires up without hesitation
- No untoward noises were heard coming from the engine bay
- The car is reported to pull strongly through the gears, and the change is smooth
- The brake discs look in good order, with no lip spotted on the edge of the discs
- The vendor reports the brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal
SUMMARY
The perfect grand tourer; you can have a hard top or, at the touch of a button, the hard top neatly folds away to produce a convertible. The fantastic 5.0 litre V8 has covered just 87,509 miles, runs like a dream and is waiting to be used. But will you be the new owner to enjoy the fantastic Mercedes SL500?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
