2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 |

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2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£7,200

Mileage~49,974
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0L
LocationWitney

SOLD

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

A perfect combination of a luxury cruiser and a formidable driving machine.

Pitched against the most exotic car manufacturers in the world, the SL 500 Mercedes not only acted as a flagship model for the brand but came with a heritage that combines quality, safety, performance and practicality - with a touch of styling panache. The car used state of the art technology for its braking and suspension systems.

This well-kept example comes with a very good service history, having also had the benefit of being dry stored for five years. Finished in a stunning Obsidian black paintwork and matching ash leather, it was also specified with the optional panoramic retractable glass roof, climate-controlled seats and Bi-xenon headlamps from new which goes some way into making this example rather distinctive. R230 SL500s are literally a steal these days, and taking a chance this well maintained V8 roadster, built by a company of high repute, has to be on many petrolheads checklists.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren Rungasamy after meeting Andrew the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It's a hell of a car, the list prices for these when new make you realise what good value they are currently.

Andrew is a man with a passion for cars and has owned several iconic cars in the past. Having owned this SL 500 for two years, it had been used regularly, serving as a daily driver during the dry summer periods.

With the car hitting a milestone of 50,000 miles and the arrival of a new car, Andrew has elected to sell it with considerable regret, but believes the time is right to let someone else enjoy the benefits.

Andrew

Vehicle Owner

Andrew saved £1,260* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Subtle yet poised, the SL500, particularly in black, looks dateless.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres: the front tyres dated from 2003 and the rears being replaced in 2011. They're in good condition with decent tread remaining. The alloys are in kerb free condition, with only the slightest signs of ageing.

Bodywork

The body presentation is very good, with no issues worth worrying about. The panels are straight throughout, with even panel gaps and a good fit. The doors open and close well, with all the hinges and struts up to the task.

If we had to be ultra picky, the rear bumper is very slightly out on the off-side where it meets the rear arch, this down to a professional repair in the past. The car is free from significant dents or scuffs, it really has been well looked after. The underside and the engine bay are solid, with expected signs of ageing.

Paint

The paint finish shows evidence of being well cared for, with no significant damage to the paint. The lustre is very good and doesn't pick up any swirls or imperfections.

The car has seen paintwork to the front bumper, bonnet and off-side rear quarter panel in 2012. There are no signs of overspray and the finish is good. There are a handful of paint touch-ups with minor stone chips on the lower sections of the front bumper. All of the door edges are chip-free, with just the smallest of blemishes observed on the top section of the boot lid.

Glass and Trim

The car comes with the panoramic roof option and the glass is in good condition, with all the rubbers wearing the years well. The rear glass has typical age-related wear to the edges of the laminate.

There is a treated stone chip on the windscreen that has been on the car prior to the currents ownership - it is flagged up as an advisory but doesn't impede the vision. The front and rear headlamps are in good condition.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The sumptuous quality of the interior build still holds up nicely.

Seats and Carpets

The driver's seat displays the expected but comparatively minor signs of use, but both seats are rip and tear-free.

The light coloured interior inevitably shows up some signs of age, with the carpets, mats and door cards all showing slight discolouration but all treatable and could easily be cleaned up. Both carpets and door cards are in good condition otherwise.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in well-kept condition, with no signs of damage or wear. The switchgear, dials and controls are in good condition and have resisted the ageing process well.

The quality of the plastics means that the numerous cubby boxes and trim are in good condition, with below the expected wear of a car of this age, but in line with the low mileage.

The wood finish is unmarked. All of the controls are said to be fully operational.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in good condition, with no issues with the stitching.

The gear stick shows minor signs of wear but is still very presentable. The gaiter is in good condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

With 302BHP on tap, the 5.0-litre V8 engine offers all the power you’ll ever need.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start represented no problems, with the engine firing up, settling and ticking off with no drama, nasty noises or smoke. The car got up to temperature and no excessive smoke came from the exhaust after the initial condensation.

The engine presentation is good, reflecting on its sparing use.

Suspension and Brakes

Visually the brake and suspension components appear to be in good condition, the pads and discs show decent life and do not show evidence of abuse or neglect.

The Drive

The car drives well, with no issues with the suspension - no knocking or groaning coming from the components. The owner is always careful to avoid the numerous potholes that seem to represent the current state of the UK's road.

The car has plenty of power on tap, but is allowed to warm correctly before it's unleashed.

Electrics and Other

The roof operation is seamless, with no issues with the motors - they operate with no excessive noise.

All of the electrical items tested are functional and have clearly been maintained, impressive for what is a complicated car.

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History and Paperwork

The car has only ~49,974 recorded miles and comes with a good service history, Obsidian Black finish and panoramic glass roof.

The car has a mix of manufacturers and independent evidence of service stamps over its lifetime. The current owner ensured that the car was serviced shortly after receiving it (despite it being sold with one). Bought from a specialist, the car had been in dry storage for five years before it was recommissioned for use in 2019.

Since the current owner became custodian, it has also seen several sundry items, including the replacement of both batteries. Prior to the car being placed in storage, it had seen £2,000 worth of paint, body and mechanical attention, which may go some way to explain the excellent body condition. The car comes with a short prefix A-registered personalised plate and has an MOT until November 2021.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
11-11-2020	MOT	49,349
27-11-2019	Service	47,315
14-08-2019	Service	46,488
25-05-2019	MOT	46,460
08-11-2013	MOT	46,279
17-04-2013	Service	45,909
15-11-2012	MOT	45,679
23-07-2011	MOT	40,924
02-02-2010	MOT	33,405
05-02-2008	MOT	23,666
27-11-2007	Service	22,959
01-02-2007	MOT	19,960
29-11-2004	Service	10,676

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Key Details

ModelSL 500 (R230)
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date2003
CC4,966
Mileage~49,974
HistoryYes
ColourObsidian Black
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB2304752F067266
Engine #11396330537519
Last Service27-11-2019
MOT24-11-2021
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
Former Keepers5
Tyre BrandDunlop SP Sport Maxx
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned2 Years
Key FeaturePanoramic roof

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All Images

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : Andrew M Sale Date 15.04.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

5 Comments

JAMES KEEPING

3 years ago

I notice from the MOT advisories a comment about an oil leak. Do you have any further details please.
Could you also confirm if/when the SBC system has been serviced recently

Andrew M

Seller

JAMES KEEPING

3 years ago

Hi James,
I did check with the garage where the mot was done and they said the leak was very small and it would be ok to leave it to the next service/ Mot. They didn’t actually say where the leak is. I would say the SBC system has been serviced before I purchased the car. But I don’t have any record of it. The SBC system is working correctly.
Thanks
Andrew

Andrew M

Seller

JAMES KEEPING

3 years ago

Hi James,
Just to update you on the oil leak. The oil leak is coming from the Rocker cover gasket.
Thanks
Andrew

JAMES KEEPING

Andrew M

3 years ago

That’s great – thanks

Andrew M

Seller

JAMES KEEPING

3 years ago

You’re Welcome

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Vehicle Location

Witney, Oxfordshire

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