2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230) |

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2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)

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

Sold Price

£6,360

Mileage~56,690 at MOT
TransmissionAutomatic 7-speed
Engine5.0L
LocationEaling

SOLD

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

A premium grand tourer with a V8 punch - the fantastic SL500.

The R230 generation of SL Mercedes was the 5th in line of succession as Mercedes Benz's halo model. Unveiled in 2002, the sleek purposeful roadster with a metal folding roof genuinely offered the best of both worlds, adding a dash of style, refinement and pace. Never considered an out-and-out sports car, its chassis set-up, steering and balance lend it perfectly as a tourer on the grandest scale. The subtle badging and detailing hint at the power contained within, there is 302 bhp and a devastating amount of torque on tap. The V8 5.0-litre has a knack for offering a silky smooth delivery with a genuine sporting burble at its top-end revs.

We previously sold this car a few years ago and it now makes a return sale after being enjoyed by the current owner and him keeping it in top condition with ~£3,000 worth of spending.

It's a well spec’d car with ABC Sport suspension option, Parktronic, Bi-xenon headlamps and heated leather seats - this 5.0-litre V8 2004 SL500 is finished in Cubanite Silver and comes with a decent level of service history.

Beautifully presented inside and out, it comes with a fresh service and MOT valid until 29.08.2025.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Brian 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

I was genuinely shocked by how much power this car produces - it's an amazing machine and I've loved owning it.

Brian was tempted by the car on our website two years ago and decided to take it on as a replacement for his beloved E-Type Jaguar.

Brian tells us he was impressed with the quality of the car, almost as much as the performance - he has used the car occasionally, covering around 2,000 miles during his ownership.

Brian has taken the car to the next level, as its fair to say it is indeed a better car than when he bought it in 2021 - the only reason for sale is due to a lack of use.

Brian

Vehicle Owner

Brian saved £1,080* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Well cared for by successive owners, this richly hued Cubanite Silver example is neatly presented throughout.

Wheels and Tyres

The 18” alloys are well presented, with just mild corrosion and light signs kerb contact.

The Goodyear tyres are from 2016 and all have good tread.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in excellent condition - the panel fit is flush with even panel gaps and he doors open and close with ease - all of the struts and hinges well up to task.

No signs of panel damage was observed asides from two minor corrosion marks, spotted on the bottom of the offside front wing and the nearside front top edge of the boot lid - nothing major.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Cubanite Silver finish is very well presented, with a consistent hue and a healthy lustre.

As to be expected, there are a handful of minor marks on the front bumper, with a minor scuff on the nearside corner of the same bumper.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is commensurate with the age and mileage of the car, some minor signs of de-lamination was spotted on the bottom edge of the rear glass panel.

The trim is well mounted, with no immediate issues noted.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Lavish with quality materials, the cabin retains its air of sumptuous luxury.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats are in excellent shape, with nothing more than a little light scuffing noted on the driver's seat bolster.

The carpets, mats and boot carpet are free of wear - all bone dry too.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console are great condition, with very little to suggest the cars age - the leather, high quality plastics and veneer have lasted well. The switch gear and controls are in very good shape, everything is said to work too.

The cabin's plastic trim reflects the careful ownership profiles, with no significant marks or signs of damage on the door cards. The headlining is in good shape, with mild surface marks noted above the drivers side.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The multi-function steering wheel and gear lever is very neatly presented, displaying precious little in terms of age.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

With the confidence of its smooth yet powerful V8 powerplant, the SL500 never fails to deliver.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start was an effortless task for the car, with no unwanted engine noises or dashboard warning lights. Brian has not reported any problems with the gearbox, it kicks down with no hesitation.

The car idles smoothly with no undulations. No fluid leaks were spotted on the day. The engine presents neatly with no signs of damage spotted on the exhaust pipes.

Suspension and Brakes

The ABC Sport suspension option appears to be in good working order, and performed without any observations of knocks or vibrations.

The front discs and pads have been replaced, not much more than 1000 miles ago, so operate perfectly.

The Drive

An ideal touring car, the SL500 is deceptive brutal in its power delivery, however Brian rarely tested the acceleration to its full potential, preferring to enjoy its smooth V8 flexibility and cruising ability. Like all performance Mercedes Benz cars, engineering comes to the forefront of every example and the SL, considered their flagship open top tourer, is no exception.

As rigid with the roof down as it was with the hardtop up, the car was free of low speed creaks as we made slow but steady progress across the bumpy urban roads. The car clearly shines on longer journeys, where Brian has occasionally opened up the car to show it true potential. He has not experienced any issues with the cars reliability, with no warnings of engine temperature or oil pressure woes.

Electrics and Other

The roof mechanism has seen a recent parts replacement, with it receiving new electric motor flaps (along with boot struts) shortly after he bought the car. As a result the retractable 'Vario Roof' operates perfectly, with a no strains or creaks heard from the operation. The rear roll bar function also works as it should do.

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History and Paperwork

Evidence of over £10,000 worth of invoices over its ~56,000 miles suggests careful upkeep.

The car comes with a good selection of previous MOTs as well as evidence of previous servicing. Historical work includes a new Active Body Control Module, CDL Pump, ABC Module, PAS Pump, Geabox valve and PSE Pump renewal prior to 2020 totalling £7,500 pounds.

Since Brian took the car on, he has also added over £3,000 of spending which covers new electric motor flaps and boot struts, new front discs and pads and repairs to the audio system. The car was last serviced in July of 2023, a service is booked for Friday the 2nd of August, and he also replaced the water pump in 2022. It will comes with a fresh MOT valid until 29.08.2025

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
03-08-2024	MOT	56,690
01-08-2024	Service	56,676
30-08-2023	MOT	56,177
20-07-2023	Service	56,111
01-11-2022	MOT	55,988
06-08-2021	Service	55,039
13-08-2020	MOT	53,904
12-08-2020	Service	53,904
21-01-2019	MOT	53,497
25-06-2018	MOT	52,475
15-05-2017	MOT	51,180
12-04-2016	MOT	48,624
23-04-2015	MOT	45,421
28-01-2015	Service	44,580
23-04-2014	MOT	42,287
25-04-2013	MOT	38,030
06-04-2012	MOT	35,732
05-04-2012	Service	35,731
29-02-2012	MOT	35,654
26-04-2011	MOT	33,005
21-04-2010	MOT	29,647
10-06-2009	Service	25,947
27-04-2009	MOT	25,543
23-04-2008	MOT	20,626
26-04-2007	MOT	17,446

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Key Details

ModelSL500 (R230)
TransmissionAutomatic 7 speed
Reg. Date30-04-2004
CC4,966
Mileage~56,690 at MOT
HistoryYes
ColourCubanite Silver
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB2304752F081092
Engine #11396330579309
Last Service20-07-2023
RestoredNo
Engine RebuildNo
MOTYes Exp. 29-08-2025
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes All Clear
Former Keepers4
Tyre BrandGoodyear
Tyre Age2016
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~3 Years
Key FeatureCondition
Auction ID1626

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Vehicle Sold

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I WANT ONE

Ask Questions

Seller : Brian Sale Date 15.08.2024

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

4 Comments

Kulraj Salh

Admin

3 months ago

Auction Update – The seller Brian has removed the reserve on the auction, it is now “on sale” with no reserve and will sell to the highest bid. Good luck if you are involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

DenisPT

3 months ago

Hi Brian. Your in Ealing I see, I suppose theres no chance to get to see the car is there?

ColinB

Admin

DenisPT

3 months ago

Hi Denis,
We can help organise a viewing, we just need to do a couple of checks first, if you could email hello@tradeclassics.com we’ll give you more info.

Thanks,
Colin.

ColinB

Admin

3 months ago

*** Auction Update ***

Brian has just sent over the latest service invoice and MOT certificate, you can find them here:

https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mercedes/2004-mercedes-benz-sl500/#gallery5-46

https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mercedes/2004-mercedes-benz-sl500/#gallery5-51

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Ealing, London

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