2003 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL

Highlights

• 5.0-litre V8
• AMG quad exhaust system
• Body kit and respray in pearlescent white
• Exuberant retrimmed red leather interior
• Lovely AMG wheels

Overview

The first SL to feature a folding hard top roof, the R230 was launched in 2001 and continued the model’s reputation for class-leading luxury and technology. Active Body Control air suspension and Sensotronic brake-by-wire systems were among the innovations and it’s a fine grand tourer, with the benefit that you can quickly whip the roof down. The addition of a 5.0-litre V8 is generally A Good Thing and here is no exception with the engine making for a lusty, burbling companion.

The foldable hard top and luxury appointments do make it genuinely a car for all seasons, though it’s obviously best enjoyed with the roof down in the summer sunshine. That way you can be at one with the countryside and also make the most of the lovely soundtrack from the exhaust.

While the standard car is a model of restraint in many ways, this one has received some attention to liven it up a bit with the installation of a bodykit, a pearlescent white paint job, gorgeous AMG wheels, an AMG quad exhaust and a retrimmed interior in a vibrant red and black combination. These personalisations combine to deliver a more extrovert take on the SL while keeping it with an OEM look.

Of course, with these levels of technology, it’s important to make sure it’s looked after and the current owner has made sure that the car has had everything it’s needed during his two year tenure, including replacing both batteries and attending to the front ball joints. Everything is said to be in full working order and, looking further back, there’s a reassuringly tame MOT history which only shows warnings for the usual consumables.

In all, then, it’s a distinctive SL500 which is almost worth the price of entry for the deep dish rear alloys alone, and which is ready for the summer sun.

History and documentation

• Registered 17 June 2003
• The car is supplied with a collection of invoices and old MOT certificates which date from 2007
• Recent front ball joints, both batteries replaced, new cats in 2022
• Invoice for service in Sep 2022 @ 101,707 miles
• Current MOT expires 28 Apr 2025 and there’s nothing too scary in the MOT history, just the usual mechanical consumables
• Original book pack and two keys
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• The private plate B15STB is included in the sale

Interior

• Retrimmed interior in red leather with black stitching and stripes
• Seats in excellent condition
• Red carpets with black overmats, red door trims, and hard top cover trimmed to match
• Glass panel in the roof makes it light and airy in the cabin
• Original infotainment system/ phone adaptor which is better for originality than modern day usability; the internet seems to think that aftermarket upgrades are available, however
• Mod cons include Air con, heated memory seats, keyless go and auto lights
• Useful storage bins behind the seats
• The boot is clean and tidy
• In summary, the retrim adds a welcome dash of colour and means that it’s in better condition than one would expect at this age and mileage

Exterior

• The R230 pulls off the unusual trick of looking great regardless of whether the roof is up or down
• Finished in pearlescent white with a bodykit and rear diffuser, this one is a real head-turner
• Body work excellent with a few blemishes as shown in the photos, but overall really nice
• Wheels in excellent condition and win extra points for deep dish rears
• Recent front tyres
• The underside looks to be very clean with nothing more than the usual surface corrosion that we could see
• Overall, it has quite a presence

Mechanical

• 5.0-litre V8 rated at 315hp
• Seven speed automatic gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• Active Body Control suspension
• The seller tells us that the car starts easily and performs impressively
• A key feature is the great sound from the AMG quad pipe exhaust system
• We’re told that there are no issues to report

Summary

Conceived as a luxury grand tourer for all seasons, this R230 SL500 is an attainable slice of how the other half live. Swift, relaxing and with a glorious soundtrack from that AMG exhaust, it will be a fantastic way to waft around in the sun, all in the knowledge that 16 seconds later you can have a solid roof over your head. With a stand out colour combination, this looks like it would be enormous fun.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located near Crowborough in East Sussex.