Desirable pre-facelift 3.7-litre variant with conventional coil-spring suspension
Recent mechanical work, including brakes, alternator and gearbox service
Includes the owner’s manuals, service book and recent invoices
Same family ownership since 2006
The Appeal
The pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz SL350 R230 hits a sweet spot within the SL-Class line-up. Its 3.7-litre V6 and conventional coil-spring suspension—fitted in place of the complex Active Body Control hydraulic system found on the V8 and V12 models—make it the most mechanically straightforward R230 to own and maintain. Matched with Bruno Sacco’s elegant pre-facelift styling and the Vario folding metal roof, it delivers a more composed grand touring experience with fewer long-term ownership worries than its more powerful relatives.
This Obsidian Black example was delivered new to the UK in April 2005 and shows 38,579 miles on the odometer, a figure supported by its MOT history. It’s finished with a black and anthracite leather interior and is well-optioned, including COMAND navigation, the Parktronic system, xenon headlamps and heated, electrically adjustable seats.
Maintenance in recent years has been thorough, with major mechanical work carried out in March 2022, another oil service in June 2025, and a fresh alternator and batteries fitted earlier this month. The car now has an advisory-free MOT valid until June 2027. Some bubbling is visible on the alloy wheels, and prospective buyers can review the photos for a full feel for its current condition.image.png4.01 MB
Key Information
Mileage: 38,579 miles, backed up by MOT history
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: advisory-free, valid until June 2027
Technical specs: 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 (M112), 242 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, five-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Paperwork: owner’s manuals, service book, V5C, MOT certificate and recent invoices
Visited Hart Motors in June 2026 at 38,509 miles, with both batteries and the alternator replaced
Oil and filter service carried out in June 2025 at 38,203 miles
Extensive mechanical work completed in March 2022 at 37,849 miles, including rear brake callipers, rear discs and pads, front pads, SBC brake pump, four tyres, oil filter, 12 spark plugs, air, fuel and pollen filters, a gearbox service and a full valet
COMAND navigation, Parktronic, dual-zone climate control and CD changer
Electrically adjustable and heated front seats with three-position memory
Xenon headlamps and electric folding mirrors
Aluminium interior trim
Vario folding metal roof
17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels with some bubbling visible
Finished in Obsidian Black (197U) with black/anthracite leather interior (201A)
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