Should You Buy a MERCEDES SL350? (Test Drive & Review R230)

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The Mercedes SL has been around since the 1950's. It's fair to say it's an icon. The R230 model now looks very tempting. Should you buy one? Let's have a look.
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#mercedes #mercedessl #sl350 #merc #mercedesbenz #highpeakautos

[@johnjulianford]

Saw this video....3 times......went out and bought one off eBay.....what a beautiful car. Drives like dream and makes Huddersfield feel like Monaco.

[@Sierra_mike]

Lmao definitely getting one for London then.

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

Hahahaha. This is the sort of behaviour that is to be applauded

[@derin111]

@@Sierra_mikeYou should because (incredibly) they are ULEZ exempt! But don’t tell everybody….🤫

[@darwenrover8910]

"If you're rich and overweight. You buy an SL." You had me!! 🤣🤣

[@RATTLER238]

“Man bag” and “testes”!! Some people would need the difference explained to them!! 🤣😂🤣😂 Good to see you back kid 😎

[@giuseppe6218]

Absolutely fantastic review. I've had my 2008 SL350 for 18 months and I love it more each day. An excellent car, reviewed excellently.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you. Enjoy it. I have an 02 55 and I love it

[@kernkraft404]

I completely agree with you on going for the 350 or the 55. I used to have a 107 280 straight-six. I regret not buying a V8 then. However, this 350 is such a good package that unless you need four seats, there is no better convertible touring car for sensible money. Well done for another sensible review that completely understood the car from the buyers’ perspective!

[@BradFuzztone]

Upgrading my 21 year old SLK to one of these in the next month or two so this vid was a great find. Cheers fella. Nice to hear a bit of Brit bantz too, as going right mad in the Netherlands with the lockdown.

[@markcarter9476]

Very astute review, reflects my 2007 350SL ownership perfectly. Lovely cars and at this age fantastic value for money.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

This will become a classic in the next couple of years. A lot better looking than its successor.

[@Stemcin]

Completely agree - This shape is the best looking. I think it's the boot that turns me off on the newer models.

[@bluesintirol]

Best looking! [The only much more better than „best looking“ is to have the steering on the other side (😂🤣😅😉)...]

[@Jpcars636]

Dam right it will it’s lovely looking sl

[@RippedTailor]

I like the R230 a lot but this is blasphemy.

[@robbryant52]

Just come out of hospital after a eye operation so in bed enjoying all your reviews you like a breath of fresh air in the packed car review videos..so from me a big thank you ...bob from wales

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks Bob. Hope you recover soon

[@whitemoor66]

Lovely looking cars, with an interior that blends tech and luxury beautifully. Had no idea anyone still used vacuum for central locking though! Right near the end you used the word that always comes to mind when I see one of these - wafting. These cars are proper old wafters👍

[@vx4716]

Ive always struggled in recognizing the different cars/models of Mercedes because they look often similar , compared to BMW and Audi and other makes. But the 2 door coupes/"sports car" style cars they make i always recognize and know when i see one, theres something distinctive about them compared to other cars, this has always made me have a special liking for SL/SLK id definitely have one in my garage if i had money. Great to see another vid matt !

[@markflem]

Great review and so easy to listen too! You are as calming as the SL on a country road!

[@williamlow6925]

One of the best reviews of the SL350 - spot on. Ive had one from 2006 for many years , and will be keeping. In a Timeless Car.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@peterbullen3347]

Good review, I bought clk500 a few yrs back, mainly a weekend runabout as you pointed out, puts a smile on face with roof down in the sunny climate here in Australia,

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly video as always, good to see you back on here.

[@maxfactorone]

Thanks for a brilliant review, I absolutely love your reviews such useful information combined with what it's like to drive and own. Thanks.😊👍👍👍

[@russtrombone]

I think I'll stick to my 2007 CLS 60K miles. It is the diesel and I had it remapped to 310bhp about 5 years ago. It's very similar inside apart from having the two seats in the rear. It will catch pigeons and yet still returns 40 MPG on the motorway. Love it!!!

[@robbey300]

Just sold my 2013 SL 350 and MPG was incredible - build quality superb and very comfortable. Will get another one when I’m a little older!

[@johnstower2449]

Nice video. I did buy a SL350 a couple of months ago and I am not rich or fat. Mine is a 2007, one previous owner, full service history and just 46,000 miles on the clock. It looks like new and drive perfectly doing 26mpg on average. I love the car. It has all the performance and creature comforts I need, with a sensible ergonomic layout without being ruined by unnecessary electronic gizmos. The only issue I have had so far is the lumbar support adjustment not working. This is probably a vacuum pipe leak and I may get around to fixing it but not sure its worth the bother.

[@alchapman1052]

Definitely good to see you back for a drive through the wet peaks , a nice car indeed and wise advice to set some cash aside for the faults which may crop up. Keep up the good work.

[@davidbentley-tate148]

The early 2006 SL350 that I bought 6 months ago is the result of a two year shopping list for one after research with my Merc expert. IT'S BRILLIANT. 50k miles on a garaged 3rd Merc of an elderly family. Bought directly from the family for £4k less than a dealer. I've done 5k miles in the last few months practicing for my plan 'A' of Bucket List, a 18,322 mile round trip of Africa 🌍, 100 miles a day for 6 months. I'm a year ahead of the updated COVID-19 original kick off date 10/10/2020, (should be in Morocco now). BUT, with the sensible delay + positive extra financial savings, I'm also willing to share. ANY ONE WANT TO JOIN ALONG? 🤠

[@simoncowles2426]

I absolutely agree about this being a great looking car. I've fancied one for years, this particular incarnation. Great job Matt. Thanks again. Was excited to see your review come up on KZbin. Thanks mate

[@JoePineappless]

Never considered one of these, but you make it seem viable, I'd go for the SL55 personally. Great review and glad your still alive. Seems like years since your last one!!

[@PhilbyFavourites]

A good friend has an E Class estate E55.... Crankshaft sensor..... Complex suspension failure.... I could go on, fortunately it’s his money not mine.

[@petemartin7589]

A refreshing and honest review. Loved the SL have the same model but 2004. Brought from a Mercedes specialist and goes back every year for mot and service, even though the computer informs me there is still 9000 miles to go to next service. Prevention not cure. Bought this because of higher running costs with the V8. Particularly suspension issues. If I only had one car it would be the SL55. But practical reasons dictate otherwise. Have a 2012 Range Rover Sport Autobiography also and enjoyed your review of that. Fingers crossed we are all correct with these bottoming out and values going up again. Why not? It's true for all the other's. Had mine 4 years now and done about18000 miles including two trips around Europe. Loved every minute of it. Puts a smile on my face every time I open the garage door. Keep up these great videos.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great choice in cars! Perfect two car garage although I'd rather have the full size RR personally

[@LynGriffiths70]

Lovely car, long fancied one, Roof seal problems put me off but would love one for sunny days . Great video. 👍👍

[@wackyrc1394]

Car is pure class! Excellent and good humoured review, perfect weather 'tone' of car and scenery, thank you 👏

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@oliverlondon5246]

Glad you’re back!

[@michaeloshea7360]

Great review...I have the SL 500 ...I've owned it for 5 years and have replaced both batteries in that time.....it really is a brilliantly engineered car....the engine is the V8 is infinitely better than the V6....i spent a lot of time in both before i decided on the V8......my car is 2003 and has done 40 000 gentle miles....as you mentioned it had 5 owners but it makes no difference....I looked at 15 of these before i bought this one....the car is almost without blemish and looks amazing....

[@ESKATEUK]

Agreed. No way would I take the 350 over the 500.

[@andrewgray6360]

From the outside looking in, you have the best possible job as a car enthuaist! Fair play keep up the content very well put together.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks, will do!

[@danielmarshall4587]

Lovely vid cheers, and good point regards the "build up a rapport" with your garage. And yes tell the good folk of Texas how we have to pay tax just so we can park/drive our cars on the Queen's highway. Man alive what an awesome insight into the UK.... pissing rain, high taxes AND road works, your channel brings me such joy.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahaha I'm keeping it real

[@richryan8904]

Hiya. All your output is good but this was a real step up! I like how you confidently say ‘in my opinion’ , and ‘I think..’ . Comes across as confident and reassuring. Great channel! Thank you.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I appreciate the input. Cheers

[@richryan8904]

High Peak Autos Why, thank you!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Feedback I should've said rather than input

[@thedoo777]

Great work guy from high peak! you hit it on the head that's exactly why we drive the SL. Sports luxury car and they are increasing in value as we speak! they have bottomed out In price Over here in America! I had a very knowledgeable insurance agent quote me $14,500,Long story short a fireman's Tahoe screwed me up with the trailer hitch.. It was just cosmetic.. It hit me just right $9750 Worth of damage!Hey I got a whole new front end out of it!

[@Bod1st]

Looking at one this afternoon, made a note of all your tips 😂

[@sspivey38]

Subscribed, I like your no bs approach to reviews. Greetings from Kentucky!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@andiquill8069]

Glad to see you back ive been missing your funny reviews.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks!

[@jonathanholley8043]

Another excellent review of a superb car with great advice on ownership costs especially using an independent Mercedes specialist to service and maintain the vehicle as well as getting them to check it out before buying to avoid potential problems and setting aside a fund for annual costs. They are fantastic cars to own and drive , I know as am lucky enough to own a SL500.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good choice! They're great cars. Largely unrivalled too

[@Bignewshound60]

just bought a 2003 350 sl with just 34,000 miles on the clock. a total gem.

[@petrolhead28]

Almost was tempted with a Honda e. Great review. And winter is definitely convertible buying weather

[@robertheywood5523]

Nearly bought one last year but her indoors complained that we couldn't get the grandchildren in. Bought E350 Cabriolet - bloody brilliant + it's some kind of a boot to get a couple weekend cases in

[@harrymcglade7422]

Yet again, you have sorted my range rover which to get, now SL I totally love this model for me, would go 500 but you've totally made me go for it :-)

[@martingilligan]

Good to see you back mate, 👍👍

[@6547803]

Great video again been looking at these and a Peugeot rcz completely different I know as a daily drive think I’ve made my mind up 😄

[@MilesV8]

I like this SL too. But I still prefer the one from the early 80s. One of my teachers had one in dark blue and I have always liked them since.

[@eugenebarry5376]

Great review again. Love the videos so keep them coming Please! Top Gear or Car Magazine need your skill and way with words.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@burtonization1]

I agree with this review as i own the same 2007 sl 350 but mine has just passed 150k miles and im the second owner since 23k so i can vouch for this being a ideal everyday vehicle and running costs are not as bad as the balancer shaft (130k miles for me) when you get past that experience and rust is only surface rust so nothing too serious and the gearbox is still fine with regular maintenance . So highly agree this vehicle can run for a long time as i plan to use daily and keep til the wheels fall off as this is all original like i remembered when i read the brochure !

[@ElectronicHouseFlash]

Congrats my Black friend. Im happy that you enjoy your German Car. You know what good is. I hope your SL will serve you well and always do its Job.

[@alimuzhussain8394]

🤣🤣🤣😊 black friend??? What are you? A racist 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stephenlane9168]

Nice video Matt as always, benefit of you owning a garage is you get a diverse range of motors to video

[@m3voj]

Good to have you back!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@MrJazzflute]

Absolute belter of a motor , from that era I think Mercedes were the business , I have got a 2.7 CLK 53 plate and Its absolute bullet proof , brilliant to drive just a real pleasure. So a SL could be my next purchase. Cheers Matt great craic.

[@fic15]

this was a great video to watch, i enjoyed it, and it is also my bucket list car too but i love Mercedes and will probably hold it till i get enough money for BMW 850 1992-1996

[@richardsedorski1206]

Good honest appraisal with a lot of laughs well done.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevie007]

Beautiful car and richly deserved Matt👌👌 As you correctly stated, life is too short and it`s no good living with regrets 👌👌 Reg`s as always Steve.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Well said! Cheers :)

[@markmoore6264]

Another fantastic review , always guaranteed a few chuckles .

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers

[@ashleymiskin5284]

Great video I used to have a 94 model great memories, heavy roof two man job !! BMW for me these days, maybe one day I’ll trade my X5 for an 8 series !!

[@SportsandGT]

Picked up a low mileage 2007 Mauritius Blue SL350 in April - still loving it even with the hot summer now long gone.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Nice colour

[@neilbarkeraswell]

As usual Matt a very balanced and informative post. It was like a balloon being inflated and then burst, inflated and burst. Now, where can I find a nice MX5.

[@stefan5218]

lmao no way - i was just searching for a sl500 some hours ago, just to see how much they depreciated as it was one of my dreamcars back then. good choice for a review mate, really enjoyed it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s a coincidence!

[@Jpcars636]

That’s a lovely car definitely a future icon classic it’s up there with the looks of the pagoda

[@robertthrossell4321]

Just put a deposit down on an 06 with full Merc dealer history, can't wait 👍

[@parvinkukar1259]

Great to see you back producing good honest reviews. Although I feel that generation of SL is just not special enough, I do prefer the 1980’s styling

[@HighPeakAutos]

I like the 80’s models too

[@stephenblack7398]

Absolutlely brilliant video and very informative. Im off to find a nice Merc SL500. Steve in Worcestershire

[@johnlane1307]

I bought one of these two years ago, as I thought the SL350 was extremely good value. Having experienced the electrical gremlins early, such as the SRS and roof warning light coming on, I have to admit this caused a degree of concern. But decided to replace both batteries and the SL has behaved very well ever since. The only complaint is the lack of back support on perhaps longer journey's. It's great in the summer with the roof down, and a real pleasure and will put a wide smile on your face. Performance is ok as I only use for summer cruising. If you want power and comfort the Jaguar XK 5.0L is by far a better choice. Overall thought the SL is a great pleasure motor and maintenance is pretty fair to be honest.

[@pedazodetorpedo]

The 5L XK doesn't compare in terms of price though. You're looking at £16k for a 2010 plate vs £8k for a 2004 SL350

[@paulcfyeung]

Very tempted by these with a V8 but the air suspension put me off so I went with the sensible option that is the CLK500 coupe 😎 V8 engine, 80% of the style for 50% of the cost.

[@julesbaby47]

Excellent delivery and information, thanks

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@liamcinq]

"Upturned wok" - good work. Welcome back.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers!

[@grahambansal8192]

RHD R230's came with one cupholder, because if there was a cupholder on the right with a drink in it, it could get in the way of the indicator stalk. Problem's solved with a LHD spec part if you really need the two. And thanks for the upload 👍

[@tberg3156]

Huh? Mine has 2 cupholders.

[@stoft4590]

No testes needed. Great review… thank you.

[@BobMc87]

Just what I needed on a Sunday evening!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers!

[@CyrusTwin23]

You did a fantastic review on this .

[@OatesSteve]

Your problem with the battery light is most likely the 20 amp fuse under the driver side floorboards/seat near the Sam that’s on an American car SL I’m not sure on the SL 350 that’s only made in Europe, might help some people, Of course you need to make sure that both the front and rear batteries are fully charged the rears tend to need a trickle charger on them at the vehicle sits a lot. Nicely done Video, it’s nice to see a beautiful looking SL 350,STEVEOo

[@IIAdnan93II]

Thanks for another great video mate

[@davocc2405]

Love that thing, great review!

[@daniDEE_tv]

Definaely a true Classic Mercedes styling. To this day looks more appealing in my eyes then ALL of the generations of SL to follow after. Beautiful coupe

[@nigelwilliamson5714]

I have a 2016 one with the 367BHP twin turbo engine and 9 speed auto. Fuel consumption on short journeys or around town is terrible, but on a journey from Scotland down to south wales it did 36.7 mpg on the cruise control. The batteries are a pain though, when you hook the the car up to a trickle charger (if you don't use it often) it only charges the main battery and not the auxiliary one hidden behind the drivers seat. Once that battery goes low, the warning message comes on and the stop/start function fails, but recharging the battery does not clear the message and its a trip to the local specialist and a plug into the STAR machine. Lovely cruiser though, especially on a nice day.

[@guvna6520]

Lovely motor and some sound advice. Thanks.

[@peterhall3686]

Love your test drives Matt you should be on top gear mate giving us good advice but the BBC would tell you what to say.. I love really nice cars but your right people are always try to put you off the funny thing is when people go for a ride thay love it I've had some nice cars a 4ltr Vandum plas with a Rolls engine my xj was one of my favourites on the motorway nothing can beat it keep it up mate Best Peter

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks Peter! All the best 👍

[@martel7322]

Buy one for sure....not a sports car but ok for posing. Main issues are a detached baffle in the fuel tank, roof hydraulics, corrosion and gear box leaks.

[@dennisfoster6179]

We need to get your subscription rate up. You the second best car reviewer in the UK and that’s not a bad thing being second.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha Thanks! Who's your number one?

[@dennisfoster6179]

Lol I believe it’s would be Matt Watson

[@subarnosinha8042]

It's been a long time Matt!

[@ifanbates]

Missed you! Welcome back...

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers!

[@pobinr]

I just bought a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. I'm loving my 700nm 430 bhp, 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, 'old man's car' that corners like it's on rails with its very stiff aluminium chassis. I test drove an SLK55. With that the engine felt special. When I drive my SL the whole car feels special. It's S class after all. A lot more car for the money than the Slk55. And TBH I'm 6 foot so the slk felt a bit cramped.

[@lee-wn1ul]

Had a 350sl on a 06 plate for 2 yrs before the mrs got preggers.... then it had to go... that was a very very sad day. Issue I has was the design flaw on the water run off on the boot, which then compromises the gutters and then runs into the boot to the poorly protected roof pump and electrics.... still miss it.... amazing car.

[@D0991N]

Great review again! :)

[@vxrbandit2527]

Really sorry I haven't responded to your excellent upload mate!!!!!!!!!!!!! but like you have been stacked out with work. Great content / Great editing and a truly great guy. Steve. 👌👌👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

VXR Bandit thanks Steve! Take care 👍🏻

[@vxrbandit2527]

@@HighPeakAutos You 2 mate 👍👍👍

[@eeclass20]

Merc have used Vacuum for years, certainly the glorious W123 used a vac system for central locking and to regulate the auto box shift. I bet there was many an autobox messed with just for the want of a vacuum test! A neighbour bought a similar SL500 with his pension lump sum!

[@callelindstrom4789]

Hi. Your reviews are great. You pinpoint so much in ownership. Very enjoying to listen to:) Would love see a review on the wonderful R129 SL, the early ones. And a drive in a R231 2013-. How do you like that model?...Stay Safe!☺️ /Calle 🇸🇪

[@8pmprompt]

I have one of these and I totally agree with his observations. great car

[@davidhorobin1060]

Superb Love the humour and insight. Agree with every word, as usual. Many thanks My dream combo - RangeRover and SL - all bases covered.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thats quite right. Perfect two car garage

[@visionist7]

The 600 would probably be my pick. It's still expensive as they didn't make many, but it has the smoothness & sense of occasion only a V12 provides. The best example of the car's grand touring philosophy. You'll be cross shopping a 600 with some seriously desirable machinery though, so you have to really be an SL fan.

[@markjohnson8352]

Good to see you. Nice review as usual.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@stephenparker5272]

If the repair costs are too scary consider a SLK 350 post 2004, very fast and look at the prices, lots of 14 - 15 y/o cars with less than 80000 miles and fsh....

[@darronian4951]

One of our bosses has a range rover for his daily driver and an AMG63 SL as his fun car, you can definitely hear it coming and going in the car park, he recently had it valeted, polished etc at work, took the guy over half a day to do it.

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Half a day is a quick job. A proper valet inside and out can take two days.

[@print-master]

I'd buy a V8 for every day use and a V6 for occasional. I onw a r129 and trust my I would not want to be w/out the rear seats. When you're on hols they are sooo useful for short trips to give everyone the chance to drive to the beach in open top style

[@mjb1505]

Love the reviews mate, keep up the great work

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks, will do!

[@Bootneck-RMC]

About bloody time you put up a new video 😉 Mercedes are being practical with regards to the cup holders Matt. It's a two seater and the passenger isn't holding on to a steering wheel, so why would they need a cup holder? Makes sense to just put one cup holder in then doesn't it?

[@richardmock3198]

I loved the twister reference 😂👍

[@juliankent8875]

Absolutely brilliant Matt. 👌

[@malcolmgay2206]

In my humble opinion the key to SL reliabilty is regular use. 2006 update has significant engineered upgrades, albeit without the face change. You pay extra for a 2006, but steering, brakes etc are worth it.

[@ShakuntTambe]

Another great review 👍

[@joesmith9216]

They did make the back more aggressive on the refresh, 9 to 12, the refresh(I own an '11) is the best SL ever made, they just nailed it.

[@philipashley1517]

Brilliant pal,,really enjoyed that now to find a decent SL,,,👍👍😀

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tcaudiobooks737]

4:10 You look proper serious when demonstrating the roof, like you're docking a space craft.

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂