2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230)

This auction has now closed - click 'Register Similar' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Mileage~71,400
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0L
LocationWinchester

AUCTION CLOSED

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230)

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner

The R230 was a leap in modernisation, the star of the show the electronically operated folding hard top.

Originally introduced in 2001, the R230 SL-Class saw a decade long production run ending in 2011. The SL500 is powered by a 5.0L V8 engine, producing ~302BHP and capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just ~5.5 seconds. Alongside its stellar performance, the SL500 also benefits from active body control, allowing for automatic adjustment of the suspension to suit driving conditions.

This particular SL500 comes to us from ~1 year ownership, and has only ~71,400 miles on the clock. Finished in the ever popular colour of "Obsidian Black" and with full heated "Anthracite" leather interior, this example looks spectacular and provides a luxurious cabin space for driver and passenger, with the desirable option of the panoramic glass roof.

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

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.

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

Almost all my journeys with the SL have been with the roof open – it’s a complete joy, add in the burble of a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, it doesn’t get much better than that!

James initially purchased his SL 500 last year in 2021 from the previous owner of 4-5 years. It had been garaged, properly serviced and maintained, he tells us "Too many of them are not…. During my ownership it’s had a major service and a precautionary gearbox oil change (not required by the service schedule but something I’d recommend as a preventative measure) other than that I haven’t had to do anything major to it". He goes on to tell us that the boot was totally dry, again another watch-out for this model, and the hydraulics all operating without issue.

He's enjoyed his time with the SL, but now as he is working from home, and has a few other cars, this one is not getting much use at all and so he thinks it's best for a new owner to enjoy. James will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

James

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

With its curvaceous new design and progressive front end, the R230 was a step-change in design matched across the Mercedes-Benz range of the time.

Wheels and Tyres

Painted in a bright silver, the 18” double spoked AMG alloy wheels are in very good condition with no signs of curb damage to be seen whatsoever.

The wheels are fitted with Falken tyres on the front which are partly worn but in good condition, and almost brand new Kumho tyres on the rear where the power is delivered. View the image gallery to see the detail.

Bodywork

The bodywork looks to be in excellent condition, including the electronic folding hard top which is free of any visible damage. Likewise all panel gaps are even and all panels appear straight and free of any dents, knocks, or scrapes, a well cared for car.

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 at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The "Obsidian Black" paintwork is also very well presented on the whole with the paintwork being free of any blemishes, save for a handful of minor stone chips present on the front end, however these in no way detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle.

Again, we have taken high resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves. 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 windscreen is free of any visible chips, scratches, or cracks and the same can be said for side and rear windows. This car comes with the sought after panoramic glass roof, again in great condition.

Likewise the surrounding trim is all in good condition, including the hard top roof seals which don’t look to be perished or damaged either. The Bi-Xenon headlight lenses on this generation of Mercedes-Benz are known to go hazy, on this car they look in great clear condition.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

With a full leather interior, a long list of optional comforts, the SL 500 both has comfort and luxury in abundance.

Seats and Carpets

The "Anthracite" leather interior looks to be in remarkable condition and, according to James, the only damage the interior has ever suffered was some heavy wear to the drivers side bolster but as can be seen in our gallery this has since been repaired to a good standard. These seats are of course electronically adjustable, and are heated too, with memory function.

The carpets are the usual luxurious pile we’ve come to expect from Mercedes-Benz and they are in matching condition with the rest of the interior, showing very little signs of wear. The floor mats look to have been replaced at some point in recent years too, so these are also in good condition.

Dashboard

The dashboard is very well presented for its age, with no visible signs of wear or damage. Fitted with a factory sat nav system that (whilst probably out of date) still functions as expected along with all radio controls. The dashboard is also ash wood (736) accents that appear to be free of any damage and don’t look to be suffering from de-lamination either.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The factory fitted steering wheel is in great condition too, with the steering wheel controls retaining their original finish and functioning exactly as expected. The leather is untarnished and the stitching is still in good condition with only minimal wear for its age.

Likewise the automatic gear selector is untarnished, being an automatic gearbox the gear stick has seen very limited use and looks to be in all the better condition for it.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Powered by the beefy 5.0L V8 engine outputting ~302BHP, the SL 500 is capable of making 0-60 in just 5.5 seconds and when paired with its 7 speed gearbox this makes for effortless acceleration.

Engine and Gearbox

The 5.0L V8 is a very reliable unit and when speaking with James this example seems to be no different, claiming the engine has never given him a spot of trouble.

During our ‘On The Road’ video you can see the engine start from cold with no bother and also see it in action on the road where it performs without issue. The car has most recently seen a service in July of this year.

Suspension and Brakes

As can be seen in our "On The Road" video, the hydraulic suspension works perfectly, raising and lowering the chassis with ease. The ride provided by the adjustable suspension is also very comfortable under gentle driving, but still retains excellent poise and handling through corners. James recently took the car to his local specialist MBS to check over the ABC system at the start of March, as it is a common issue with these cars. There were no leaks from any of the struts as pictured in the "History and Paperwork" gallery. Close inspection of the near side front ABC line suggested a weep in the past, this area was cleaned and inspected to show no weeping, before and after pictures included. Although there is no leak, James also got a quote for repair of this line which would be £258.60 with MBS so a prospective buyer knows how much it would be should they wish to replace it.

The drilled brake discs and painted calipers all look in great condition too as covered in our extensive media gallery.

The Drive

As to be expected with an SL-Class 5.0L V8 Roadster, the SL 500 offers a sensational driving experience. Pairing speed and power with class and comfort, the SL500 is a perfect blend of luxury and performance, perfect for weekend driving, short trips away, or even just a swift jaunt to the coast.

Electrics and Other

The electrical systems on the car all work as to be expected, during our time with the vehicle we tested the electric seat adjustment, radio, heated seats, lights, and most importantly the retractable hard top roof which you can see in operation at the end of our "On The Road" video.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

With a solid service history, clean MOT, this R230 presents great value with key features such as; 5.0L V8, triple black colourway, glass-pano roof.

Whilst there isn’t stacks of paperwork for this SL 500, the all important service stamps are all present, almost annually with just a few larger gaps. It has most recently been serviced this year in July, all in all a great package considering the condition and desirable spec.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a 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, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high 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 on 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
21.04.2006	Service	8,611
07.05.2008	Service	17,991
01.12.2008	Service	21,108
15.06.2010	Service	28,187
20.07.2012	Service	32,609
20.08.2014	Service	41,097
19.04.2017	Service	50,648
07.05.2018	Service	57,582
15.06.2019	Service	63,401
26.05.2020	Service	63,858
25.07.2022	Service	70,416

VIEW ALL

Key Details

ModelSL 500 (R230)
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date29.09.2004
CC4,966
Mileage~71,400
HistoryGood
ColourObsidian Black (197U)
Interior ColourBlack/Anthracite (201A)
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB2304752F089438
Engine #11396330602584
Last Service25.07.2022
RestoredNo
Engine RebuildNo
MOTYes Exp. 25.07.2023
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers5
Tyre TreadGood
Tyre BrandFalken/Kumho
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~1 year
Key FeatureCondition, spec, keen reserve
Auction ID532855

VIEW ALL

All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Winchester

Delivery Calculator

Auction Closed

Register your interest for similar cars.

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

Ask Questions

Seller : JamesG

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

1 Comment

Kulraj Salh

Admin

1 year ago

Auction Update – The reserve on this auction has been lowered by the seller JamesG. Good luck if you are involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Vehicle Location

Winchester

Delivery Calculator

Thank You

Form Submitted

Your request has been submitted successfully and we'll keep you updated.