2002 Brabus Mercedes-Benz SL (R230)

Highlights

• Ultra rare example - one of two commissioned

• Brabus modifications believed to total in excess of €50,000

• 5.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 (SLK Black Series spec) fitted by Brabus

• Displayed at the 2025 London Concours

• Extensive documentation

Overview

Back in 2002 we understand that an automotive journalist purchased this R230 brand new. He headed to Bremen to collect the car, and was then personally invited to Brabus headquarters, where they began to work their magic. Not fully satisfied that the car was as good as it could be, the car was returned to Brabus in 2007, when it received further fettling...

The then-owner is said to have been an acquaintance of the CEO of Brabus, and was therefore able to obtain a ‘special price’ on the fitment of an upgraded naturally-aspirated version of the V8 engine fitted to the SLK Black Series. We’re told that this powerplant was fitted with sports camshafts which help up the output to 410 bhp. This impressive combination is almost unique, with just one other example noted: a left-hand drive car in Germany. Lifting the bonnet, we see plenty of Brabus branding, a carbon fibre engine cover, and red cam box covers, which hint towards the mechanical wizardry which is going on underneath. And if you wanted to experience this engine in an SLK Black Series, these are a. not currently available in the UK and b. hellishly expensive.

Talking of expense, even with the special ‘mates rates’ mentioned, the cost of all this work - along with exterior and interior trim improvements - was €19,947.99 back in 2007. This shows just how committed the first owner was to his Mercedes, so much so that he kept it for 22 years, only selling it in 2024. 

Much of the full Mercedes-Benz service history was carried out in the Mercedes-Benz workshop in Marbella, Spain, indicating that the car has spent a good chunk of its life in a dry and sunny environment. 

In all, this is much more than just a low mileage, well-reserved example of an R230. It represents the realisation of a dream, with the very obliging help from the engineers at Brabus. This is a unique opportunity, don’t miss it!

History and documentation

• Registered 12 Aug 2002

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Aug 2004 @ 2,183 miles (3,513 km), Nov 2006 @ 3,167 miles (5,097km), Oct 2009 @ 8,193 km (5,091 miles)(invoiced but not stamped), Dec 2012 2010 @ 9,476 km (5,888 miles), Dec 2011 @ 10,083 km (6,265 miles) , Jan 2013 @ 11,403km (7,085 miles), Dec 2014 @ 12,616 km (7,839 miles) , Dec 2016 @ 14,155 km (8,795 miles), Jan 2019 @ 14,442 miles 9,442 miles (15,195km), Jul 2022 @ 17,340 KM (10,775 miles) , Feb 2024 @ 10,901 miles (17,543km), October 2025 @ 14,306 miles (please note that both miles and kilometres are recorded the service record, having been serviced in both Spain and the UK)

• The first work carried out when the car was brand new by Brabus was their complete styling kit, including interior (carbon fibre centre console, instrument cluster, gear selector, kick plates, door cards, pedals, door lock pins and steering wheel)

• In 2004 the car returned to Brabus for their ECU upgrade to increase the power

• In 2007 owner was reportedly personally invited by the late founder and CEO of Brabus, Bodo Buschmann (note the frequent mentions of ‘special price’ on the Brabus invoices as this was an exclusive conversion offered to a close friend of the business), to be one of just two individuals offered conversion to the SLK Black Series’ naturally aspirated M113 AMG 5.4 V8, replacing the 5.0 V8 already in the car

• This engine has a reworked top end (sports cams) versus the AMG 5.4 found in the likes of the C55 allowing it to produce over 410bhp 

• Recent service invoice at Mercedes-Benz Heathrow for Oct 2025 @ 14,306 miles

• Original document wallet and manuals

• Extensive collection of invoices from Mercedes-Benz and Brabus

• Copy of Brabus price list is highlighted with the selected additions

• Old tax discs

• Mercedes-Benz factory correspondence from new

• The first owner was an automotive journalist who kept the car for 22 years

• Two standard keys, plus two keyless go cards 

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 1 Jun 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• One registered former keeper

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Grey leather upholstery in excellent order throughout

• Brabus carbon trim pieces 

• Hardly any signs of use or wear 

• Multi-contour seats 

• Electric seat adjusters

• Heated and ventilated seats

• Matching grey carpets, with black footwell mats

• Door cards very well presented

• In 2007 the steering wheel was upgraded to a newer Mercedes-Benz item, along with a Mercedes ‘Comand’ unit fitted 

• Cruise control

• Dual-zone climate control

• Brabus branding on door cards, pedal covers, and more

• Original analogue instruments

• Stereo CD changer fitted  by Brabus

• Folding wind deflector 

• Luggage storage behind seats 

• Spacious boot to the rear 

• The seller notes that all the interior features work as they should do

• Original sun reflector included 

Exterior

• Classic R230 styling with its poised stance

• Finished in the excellent shade of Obsidian Black

• The paint has a deep shine throughout 

• Panoramic roof

• Very few signs of use 

• Brabus body kit fitted in 2007

• Body panels also excellent, with no obvious damage 

• Brabus Monoblock ten-spoke alloy wheels

• Continental tyres

• The wheels remain in excellent condition, with no obvious scuffs or damage 

• Brabus badges front and rear 

• Bi-xenon headlights

• Folding hardtop roof

• Underside extremely clean

• Brabus exhaust

• Parking sensors 

Mechanical

• Original 4,966 cc V8 engine replaced with 5.5-litre engine in 2007

• This upgrade and much more was carried out by Brabus

• The replacement engine is a naturally-aspirated V8 

• The seller notes that ‘this engine has a reworked top end (sports cams) versus the AMG 5.5 found in the likes of the C55 allowing it to produce over 410bhp, aided by a carbon Renntech airbox, 200-cell sports cats and a Brabus exhaust’

• The conversion was carried out at around 5,000 miles, so the vendor notes that the new engine has covered around 9,000 miles

• Brabus ECU upgrade in 2004

• Five-speed automatic transmission 

• 6-Piston Brabus brakes made by Alcon

• Rear-wheel drive

• Engine bay very clean

• Distinctive carbon engine cover and red cam covers 

• Transmission and brake fluid replaced in 2024

• An unused OS Giken differential is included in the sale 

• All the suspension and running gear is exceptionally clean

• The seller tells us that the car has a ‘deep growl’

• It is said to run well, with no mechanical issues 

• No warning lights reported 

Summary

To the untrained eye this SL 500 may look almost unassuming. In fact, you could probably park on many a high street without attracting much attention — until you pull away and that naturally-aspirated V8 fires into life. But to those in the know, this is something unbelievably rare, having been extensively re-engineered by Brabus. We can see why the first owner kept it for so long. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.