Mercedes-Benz SL500 - REVIEW - classic for the price of a hatchback

Back in 2003 this stunning SL500 was priced around a quarter of a million dollars. Now, having rolled over just 80,000 km's of NZ roads it's cheaper than a new Honda Civic. Put your hair net on and come for a ride alongside CarNut.kiwi
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[@DarkWoodElf63213]

I just purchased a 2003 SL500 under 80k miles. Such a smooth and sweet ride and beautiful to look at.

[@IVANHOECHAPUT]

I have 2 E-350's, a sedan, a coupe and one SL500. Had them for several years. The SL500 is really fun to drive. Handles fantastic. Fun in summer with the top down. Yes, they are expensive to fix, but what the heck, the compliments I get are ALMOST worth it. Quite nice with the top down and the roll bar up. I found a very reasonable mechanic that worked for the Mercedes dealer for 8 years. His prices are about half what the dealer charges.

[@chrispoolton6896]

l bought an sl500 for quality build, looks, loads of power and the only VI with retractable hard top. I have just returned from a trip to southern spain without it missing a single beat, a real delight to drive!!!!!

[@tokyo1469]

The R230 SL500 will be a very collectable car in years to come, it simply has all the design ingredients, such a beautiful looking machine, even now in 2016 these R230 SL500's are a head turner, the new aggressive front styled Sl's will not age nearly as gracefully as these beauties have !

[@jongadsby1623]

going really well!!! had to replace a battery but 14 years Old!!!! took my mate out who lives next door!! He has a McLaren MC12!!!!!!!! He was very impressed !!! So smooth so quiet and really fast!!! You were spot on!!!!!

[@bobmaichin6781]

Mercedes batteries last a very long time! Which Battery? My 2004 SL500 has two. That battery gets worked hard by the ABC and SBC , top etc. Best to keep it on a trickle charger. THe hydraulic systems do lose pressure over several days parked - just opening the doors or trunk starts a whole series of events that need that battery to function. Windows open slightly, pumps operate. I find that so long as that battery has charge car is very happy.

[@cheekybudgie9846]

Had my 2003 SL500 for 3yrs and used everyday in the UK,they are not hard to work on and are reliable machines.If you get any problems with systems going down or going nuts or visit workshop warnings then i would first check that your batteries and alternator are working as they should.This should stop or fix 70% of the problems you come across and another 20% can be sorted by keeping your fluids and filters clean.The other 10% will be wear and tear problems but the cars are well built and if you dont mind getting your hands dirty there is lots of videos and forums to help.You can own these cars on a budget and they are super cheap now, just make sure you get a good test drive and check out everything works and check the rear arches for rust and do a bit of research on what the buttons do so you know what to expect.

[@JohnnyTHolland]

This chap is one of the BEST reviewers I have seen - sets the scene, speaks clearly and practically about the car with a good perspective. I do a few films with Petrolicious and know that to be engaging and do these films takes a lot of time and effort. CarNut may make it look easy but to keep talking enthusiastically about a car is just not that easy and this gives some useful info on the SL500 - "for less than 30,000 dollars it's pretty hard to grizzle really" - great stuff !

[@CarNutvideos]

Thanks very much for those very kind words Johnny. Much appreciated and cheers for watching.

[@JohnnyTHolland]

@@CarNutvideos No problem Monsieur - I will suggest to Afshin Behnia that they look at doing a film on you sometime - so long as you have a persona classic you like ?

[@thedoo777]

I have a black one in it has not aged a bit a bit other than theentertainment center! every time I drive it it puts a smile on my face! and the best thing about it it's a convertible hardtop! it takes a little bit breaking in. I guess around six months to learn that car and you don't have to turn on the abC mode much,you get plenty of power driving in sport mode and the ride and the handling it's just golden! it is a sports luxury car my previous R1 29 was a luxury luxury sports car! the r230is definitely the best of the bunch I think I will keep mine forever

[@jongadsby1623]

Gary loved it!!!! so quiet and smooth he has a super car but still was impressed with my old SL500

[@nc2988]

after driving 4 cyl Japanese cars my entire life, I got the 2004 SL500....omg, the smooth power of this car feels heavenly; everything about this car exudes tremendous quality, and yes it is a head turner. The car is now 20 years old but the styling is timeless art; I predict it will be deemed a collectible classic soon and, due to depreciation, a pretty nice bargain at today's prices. Thanks to consumer reports for their fanatical dislike of European cars, we can get these at tremendously depreciated prices so...take advantage, I say. My SL500 has 68k miles on it and runs better than new; I plan to maintain it till the cows come home; daily commute it with the top down; road trips to national parks thousands of miles away. Let the peons in traffic think I'm rich with me with the top down, and maybe I am; I certainly feel rich driving this undeniably upscale convertible thru town. If I wasn't already happily married, I't be picking up gold-diggers left and right by the university and have them buy me happy meals at the drive thru, among other delightful offerings.

[@w140chris]

I found one for $13k..! No accidents, 85k miles... I want it

[@siphotos3282]

W140 Chris the w140 is a classic and I always wanted one , I used to have a 2007 w221 s550 . Love s classes .

[@johnmarsh2252]

Driving this car makes me feels like American Gigalo era with a smirk on my face

[@jongadsby1623]

Magic car If goes wrong wont be cheap but as you said!!! What a bargain!!!! 30 years ago was a part time motoring journalist in UK as had a proper job too!!! Loved you excellent presentation My son who works for Aston Martin was also impressed at the quality!!! 14 year old motor only 59,000 miles ( 95,000 K) Has AMG brakes and 18 inch wheels Love it John

[@robertrogers499]

Hey Bill, I love the Naples weather updates and the gun and ammo storage capabilities in your reviews--your answer to road rage! Just joking! But seriously, thank you for such an honest and candid overview of MB maintenance requirements. Pluses and minuses. That realistic overview is hugely important. (I know what you mean. My BMW dealer thinks it's a privilege for me to pay his house mortgage for an oil change!) Thank you again.

[@jongadsby1623]

Hi There I am another middle aged idiot with fine hair!!! and now proud owner of SL500!! Feel 30 again!!! ' your only as old as the woman you feel' hahahahahaha excellent review

[@TheLe016]

I'm 28, and I'm sold!

[@grxengine]

3:52. Ha! Yes! The penultimate review quote for the SL R230!

[@jongadsby1623]

Magic motor have a 1966 PORSCHE 911 AND A 1964 SAAB 96 RALLY CAR BUT LOVE THE SL500!!! AS AN EVERY DAY CAR

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

Finally affordable until you Get the check engine light

[@dang8961]

Bmw M3 e46 Says the guy with the E46 M3 haha

[@georgelamas9563]

M3 affordable until you get vanos fault code 😂 or msg transmission fault code 😂

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

These are usually pretty reliable. The AMG models are the ones which can throw up monster bills. You have to remember these V8s are running at way less than 100hp per liter, which means they aren't very highly strung and have an easy life.

[@azmike3572]

Just put a piece of electrical tape over the lit "Check Engine" light!

[@daveriley6310]

@@BlatentlyFakeName When highway cruising st 75 mph/120 kph, it's around 10 hp/liter, loafing along under 2000 rpm. The '03 - '06 are rated at 302 hp or about 60 hp/liter. Basically detuned for reliability and longevity. I have an '04.

[@90boiler]

Thank You for great review! I am 28 years old at the moment, but I loved this car since it appeared on the market and I still love an want one. I definitely will do my best to purchase one in 2017.

[@MaximeSourbeer]

well, did you get one?

[@georgelamas9563]

90's Boiler Room me too

[@k889k89]

A classy ride indeed, albeit the rather under powered engine of the r230 given the technology of the time, the vehicle is nevertheless a perfect cruiser/GT. Top of my Convertible to buy list and thankyou for your review!

[@nigel.w]

Only out of the ordinary maintenance issue on the 500 is the ABC hydraulic suspension. On the 350 it was an option that I have not seen fitted. Yes, the 350 is significantly slower, but arguably still quick enough for the type of car. Only real downside is the 350 uses almost as much fuel, at least until you get to the 2008 facelift. If you can find an 05-06 500 that has had the ABC overhauled at the right price, that is probably the sweet spot. The early 3.5 engines had problems. So did the early 5.5 engines. But you can find the safe engine numbers online. The 2008 facelift cars are definitely safe to buy, as are the 5.0 and 3.7 litre engined cars. So it is really only 06-07 cars that are in question. However, in NZ where expensive new cars can easily take a year to sell, and where there are a lot of imports, it is best not to rely on the year too much. Do your research and you will avoid the problem cars, ie, the early 3.5 and 5.5 litre cars. Must admit that for me the 5.5 is the way to go. The extra 80bhp takes you in what was almost supercar performance a dozen years back, at least in a straight line. The great benefit of the R230+ SL is the retractable hard-top. A proper coupe and convertible in one. No stupidly small rear seats. Really comfortable. Not too big. Plenty of luggage capacity for two for a long weekend away. Useable power. Ideal for all sorts of road conditions. There are better cars for the Autobahn and for the track, but for the public roads in most Western countries, the SL is very had to beat, even with the least powerful 3.7l engine. You can of course get a 600 model with V12 twin-turbo, as well as AMG V8 and V12 versions. The newer SLs have turbo V6 and V8 engines that are relatively fuel-efficient, at least on paper, but the R230 facelift 350 and 500 (or 550 in some markets) cars are another sweet spot.

[@bladerunner6282]

the looks of that car with retractable hardtop up OR down is intoxicating. it's got me second guessing the purchase of my 2007 vantage v8. of course, no manual transmission, but that top... ummm that top. not to mention the price is way less than half of the aston (jan 2020).

[@michaelbaka4777]

How true, how true! I ALMOST bought a newer one, but my 2005 is a wonderful vehicle. And so darn S E X Y, top up OR down!! [Mine's black with blond interior and chrome AMG wheels.]

[@paultaylor5626]

Awesome weekend car and great value.

[@TheKing-pr9sb]

William Crawford is it really

[@michaelbaka4777]

@William Crawford Sorry you got a beat one. Had mine for over 3 years now; had to put a few bucks in her, but she's been trouble-free since. Plus, I don't FLOG mine, I EXERCISE her! Beat on any car, it will break.

[@jongadsby1623]

AND AS YOU SAY A WONDERFUL CAR

[@Motorcitymadman-Det]

Awesome car man

[@Outrageousevil2010]

awesome car love the video of it great job on the review thinking of actually buying one next month been wanting one but always buy something else think this is the year for one!!!

[@silverarrowslk]

Yes beautiful looking machine. I used to own a SLK 350 AMG. Absolute road rocket and in my view even better looking than big brother SL

[@terrystratford1235]

I'm lookin at 03/04 years! Today, £7.500 with all the toys and buttons! The only reason I haven't yet, is a repair bill if one of the components breaks! 3k if the breaks need replacing, 3k suspension fail! And the roof! How much do u think that would cost to repair!? Could be a massive money pit! Yet I still want one!!!!!

[@tedbeemer2352]

If you can DIY and have the time to work on one . With so much info. on the net today . You can be walked threw most of the repairs on any car .Most of the cost is in Labour. Just have to get your hands dirty...Just love it...Cheers

[@donaldcarter4324]

Well did you get one? 🤔 I have an 04. I got it from someone I new for decades and he only drove it on Saturdays when the weather was nice. I do the same. Mine had been sitting in a garage Unused for almost 2 years so I had some maintenance to catch up on. I had all the fluids replaced especially the ABC/power steering system. The British recommend that regularly every few years. Had some steering components, motor mounts,2 front struts, that stupid plastic leaver in the gear shifter that MB should have recalled, deck lid latch and a fogged Sideview mirror. So approximately $9000 US. Many of these parts should be good at least 10 or more years.

[@radmansa5514]

cool, they are great cars, I want one... but still not ready to trade the R129

[@mrkongsimr]

Very nice thanks Would you buy this car over the 2000 (r129) with maintenance cost in mind ??

[@mrkongsimr]

Thanks

[@disturbed250]

haha great lil' vid... depreciation is a car nut used dream

[@llamamanism]

Is that NZ ? The views are not too shabby over there eh? The only NZ’r I’ve ever met said he lived at a town called “ whykickamoocow “ but I couldn’t find it on the map

[@jongadsby1623]

my SL500 is magic !!!!!

[@yayyay7076]

Jon gadsby is it very expensive maintenance and repairs?

[@philnleblanc6664]

Yay Yay, maintenance is pricy but what do you expect from a car that was roughly $80k when brand new. I purchased a 2004 with 39k miles and haven’t had too many issues. Although, when issues do come up they aren’t cheap.

[@hohum9001]

Hi, good on you for doing such great videos .But, i think the lighting it some of the shots is not up to it though. The flaring from the sun, the backlit shots, the shadowing is spoiling what could be a great series. Keep working on them . Once the technical side of things have been improved, you’ll do well.

[@CarNutvideos]

Thanks for your feedback John. Yes, part of the downside of filming in NZ is the air is so clean that the sunshine is extremely severe. If I had a cameraman on it they'd be able to manage all the variables but as it's just me banging on to a windscreen-mounted GoPro I'm afraid I've got to spend the time I have with the cars thinking up worthwhile things to say about them. Cheers for watching John.

[@zaidsaadabduljalil4759]

I love your video

[@azmike3572]

A quarter of a million dollars? Well, not in the US. The suggested base retail price on my '05 SL 500's window sticker was $91,300USD.

[@michaelbaka4777]

That's before options! Mine was just under $103k with select AMG stuff. Don't care, got my lady used with 79k miles on her. She is SOOOO sweet!!!

[@TransitAndTeslas]

Even in New Zealand people still take these to the golf club lol!

[@azmike3572]

He's right about the thinning hair requirement part. Mercedes salespeople make you remove your hat nowadays before you can buy an SL. Can't get around it.

[@PeterTessensohn]

Looking Good Sputnic..

[@jongadsby1623]

PS you do need the Mercedes Benz cap and classic Porsche design folding sun glasses!!!

[@sporadic692]

How much did the SL 65 AMG cost in NZD back in '05?

[@GNXClone]

Can't speak for NZ, but my 2005 SL65 retailed for $194,320 USD in the US. That's a base MSRP of $182,100 plus $12,220 in options/fees (KeylessGo, Pano roof, Distronic, Parktronic, TPMS, etc) Just for fun I ran a conversion of 2005 dollars into 2019 -> "$194,320 in 2005 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $256,054.66 in 2019". Which means I picked this car up for very nearly 1/10th of it's original retail.

[@josevillegas9618]

every car gives you issues

[@georgelamas9563]

Jose Villegas exactly

[@jongadsby1623]

should join the real world!!!!!!!!

[@just1lifexx11]

nice

[@liukang3479]

I want one, but I'm scared

[@johnpiggins4288]

Oh, do try not to shout "WooHoo!" when there's nothing else to say.

[@CarNutvideos]

I’ll try but can’t promise.

[@TylerTV04]

this or a 2001 porsche 911

[@daithilacha1]

@tacfoley IMS failure ???

[@tberg3156]

Price of a hatchback if you don't count the $5k a year in repairs.

[@jongadsby1623]

other car a 1966 Saab 2 stroke Rally car!!!! ans 1966 Porsche 911 R

[@Mrtweet81]

Mircidis isl :)

[@MrAllie-bf6zt]

Steering wheel is on the wrong side.

[@CarNutvideos]

Not if you drive on the wrong side of the road too.

[@MrAllie-bf6zt]

@@CarNutvideos Agreed, lol.

[@kenrussell7348]

three letters......SBC

[@laugeabildgaard8636]

Another three letters...... ABC

[@liltony514]

Three letters ABC................

[@stevejones1318]

An SLK is a far better buy - costs less to buy and run, is 400kg lighter, more sportier to drive, better looking, and doesn't have the sure-to-fail complicated and very expensive to fix suspension.

[@A5hTriX]

MX5 Anyday of the week...

[@elekkr]

You can get these in the states for less than 10 grand but you are way better of with a brand new kia soul for 13

[@quantumphaser]

Etyere Petyere Haaaaahaaaaahhaaaaahahahahahahahha!!!! And then you drive a Kia Soul. It's almost the same car right?

[@tokyo1469]

haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!!!! of course you are better off (ps not "better of") Etyere Petyere mate !!!! you'll look super cool in your Kia & have soooo much more fun...... Ha ha ha haaa !!!! you couldn't make a comment like that up !!........no wait a minute... you did ......haaaaaaaaaa !!!!!

[@Robripslibs]

The SL 500 cost new around 100K..not 250 K...unless there 150 K in gold bars in the trunk or the 2017 Sports Illustrated front cover model.

[@daithilacha1]

@@CarNutvideos The taxes you Kiwis and Aussies pay is quite insane. Enjoyed the video a lot and one of my all time faves there. Love that V8 growl. I drive a 2006 Porsche Cayman S myself that I bought a year ago for E18000 euros with 68k miles and loads of pricey extras. Love it to death. Greetings from Ireland.

[@puryakiani1145]

quarter million for a new sl??

[@Mike-zf4ev]

ONLY 30K. LMAO

[@idsfxtm5759]

That car for nfs

[@lightsurfer5721]

Garbage, if is not reliable is GARBAGE

[@georgelamas9563]

Light Surfer reliable only Toyotas 😂 but I don’t like them 😂

[@tedbeemer2352]

@jo camble Take a test drive in SL500 ...It is a ride you will admire..