2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500

With a launch line up of three models, this R230 is widely considered the “Goldilocks” version. Firstly, it sat between the SL350 and the SL55 AMG, but it also represented, for many, the sweet spot between mild and fairly bonkers. The M113 5-litre V8 power unit walks a desirable line between power and economy whilst retaining relative mechanical simplicity.

First registered on the 4th January 2003, this is a UK specified and supplied SL500. A total of eight previous keepers came and went before current owner and, David, acquired the SL in November of 2022. With around 91,000 miles recorded at that stage, David has added a further 3,000 miles or so in the intervening years. With this SL500 now 22 years old both mileage and number of keepers are entirely commensurate with a moderately used example of this fine breed.

Be it in roof up or roof down configuration, this SL500 certainly looks the part in its Brilliant Silver Metallic livery. It’s a hue that suits the much curvier persona of the R230 really well. The key features of the design all seem to help emphasise the sporting, perhaps in an attempt to differentiate the new, more overtly sporting R230 model from the golf club cruisers of the past. The faired in twin headlights, straked wing vents and modest but obvious chin spoiler and side sills suit this car’s status as the considered but scrupulously effective pick of the initial range.

Given the SL’s age there are inevitably a few blemishes here and there. A hole “the size of a 50p piece” is reported in the front bumper as is a scuff on the rear wing. Bruno Sacco’s nuclear winter- proof hard top can’t be blamed this time, of course. These are both photographed for your review.

This eminently agreeable demeanour is nicely rounded off by a set of 19-inch, five spoke, monobloc style AMG alloy wheels. These appear very well presented and apparently free from dings, dents or the dreaded curb rash. The rear pair do exhibit a minor degree of deterioration to the finish around the centre caps, however. A matching set of good quality Falken tyres are fitted and the Mercedes inscribed callipers can just be seen betwixt and between the spokes.

It should be noted that the DVLA record a colour change from red to silver for the SL in October 2012.

If you recoil at the sight of the familiar Germanic “50 shades of black” interior treatment then you will love what’s going on here. This SL features a superb Flamenco Red cabin treatment with the leather combining with red carpets and door panels to provide one of the most delightfully vibrant Germanic cabins you are likely to find. Even the seat belt tongue covers and buckles are red! The upper sections of both dash and door panels feature more sober black accents, however, just to stop us all getting too excited.

What it seems appropriate to get excited about, however, is the condition of the leather upholstery. Even the traditionally vulnerable driver’s seat outer bolster only exhibits a very minor degree of wear with all other visible areas appearing excellent overall. The seats are multi-stage heated, electrically adjustable and feature three position memory functions for both driver and passenger.

By the advent of the R230 even Mercedes-Benz had tacitly classified the R129’s rear seats as instruments of torture by doing away with them entirely. In their stead they fitted a pair of neat and useful storage lockers. Other premium features in here include satellite navigation, multi-function steering wheel, dual zone climate control and cruise control. The surprisingly deep and commodious boot is more soberly trimmed in black carpet and is reported by the vendor to be entirely dry, a feature not always offered as standard with a 22-year old R230.

In this application the erstwhile M113 5-litre V8 engine was originally rated at 302 bhp and 339 Ib-ft of torque from just 2700 rpm. This is paired with the five speed, 5G Tronic automatic transmission. This combination was originally good for a 6-second 0-60mph time as well as it making it easy enough to test the effectiveness of the 155 mph electronic limiter.

It seems clear, thanks to the healthy proportions of the paperwork archive, more of which shortly, that this SL500 has been diligently cared for. A good example of this attention is the replacement of the two front active suspension units in current ownership.

The under bonnet presentation of this example looks to be good overall and pleasingly original. Clearly an area of the SL that has not been neglected. The original under bonnet insulation, so often a casualty in modern classics, appears alive and well. The underside of the SL is mostly obscured by plastic but what can be seen looks to be commensurate with this R230’s age and mileage.

The aforementioned paperwork archive accompanying this R230 appears generous and well organised. The current V5 registration document is present in the name of the owner. The current MoT is valid until September 2025 making this SL ready to use and enjoy immediately. A selection of earlier MoT copies are also present.

The remainder of the archive consists of numerous invoices relating to service and maintenance work undertaken throughout this car’s history. These originate from a number of well known independent specialists as well as from the official Mercedes-Benz dealership network.

The meandering path of the Mercedes-Benz SL lineage took another hairpin bend with the arrival of the R230. The R129 had been much admired and revered but the R230 bought some much needed modernity and increased efficiency to the party. It also meant that never again would the SL driver be trapped in a tin-topped coupe on a sunny day, due to the decapitation process being just too arduous to attempt.

This is a cracking example of the breed. It is especially notable for its very cheery cabin of the sort not too often associated with the usual sobriety of Mercedes-Benz. It’s tremendous! The remainder of this fine car will not leave you feeling short changed, either. It presents well and offers the sort of under-stressed mechanical specification that should continue to serve you well for many a year to come.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £7,000 - £11,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Winchester, Hampshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.