Mercedes-Benz SL R230 Buying Guide
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- An overview, review and buyer's guide to the Mercedes-Benz SL R230 - the fifth generation of SL - what different models are there, what to look for, what to pay, SL350 V6 or SL500 V8 and where I think the sweet spot is for the R230.
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00:00 Intro
01:04 R230 variants and styling differences
02:19 Engines and gearboxes
03:55 Innovations
05:09 ABC (Active Body Control) issues
06:05 Other potential issues
08:05 Facelift engine improvements
08:57 Early model prices and choices
09:52 V6 or V8?
11:02 My recommendation
12:35 Facelift model prices
13:55 Colour choices
14:45 Cost of ownership
16:20 Satnav disk
17:44 Interior equipment
18:41 Roof down options
19:56 Should I sell it?
20:55 Summary recommendations
21:31 Outro & link to "Which SL?" video 
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I own a 2007 SL 55 AMG with the P030 option (F1). It is highly collectible with only 500 or so produced world wide. My car is white with grey interior and with the P30 option is is apparently the only one in the world. I love it and have enjoyed every minute driving it.
Wow - that’s a keeper then. I bet it sounds awesome too.
I Bought my 2010 SL 350 in 2016 from Brooklands Mercedes, trading in a 2013 Jaguar XF diesel which gave me a superb exchange deal. It is in Iridium silver with a glass panoramic roof and red leather upholstery and trim. The car had only done 9250 miles at the time and had been used mainly as a leisure car. The first two services were with the main dealer because they had given a no quibble warranty as part of the purchase deal but from 2018 I have used a specialist who only use genuine parts and the Mercedes star diagnostic system and service record. It’s a joy to drive and when you consider how expensive it was when new it is only a bit more to run and insure than a newer standard everyday car mainly to do with lower annual mileage. Road tax is at the high end but if this became a financial issue I would sell it. To be fair it is only similar to buying new car. The car has now achieved 30,000 miles and is as good as the day I purchased it. I also own a classic 1990 V12 5.3 litre Jaguar XJS convertible and I just love the comparison in performance and driving style of driving both cars which are 20 years apart in age. Both are a joy to own, if not a cheap hobby.
Having now sold mine, I do miss its versatility - and oddly (having not been that keen on it when I had it) my wife and daughter miss it more because they don't like the classic Esprit that I bought to replace it.
Excellent report, many thanks. Putting my beloved 1992 400E up for sale next week, and I was just looking for something to take away the pain. An '07 SL350 might just do the trick. Thanks for the V6 / V8 contrast, you helped me there, as well.
Thanks Steven. Wanna buy a blue one? 😉
Great video! I recently bought a SL 500. Absolutely love it!
Thank you. Enjoy it!
Thank you for all the good details. Very good job !!!
Cheers, thank you for watching.
I am due to collect a 2004 SL500 at the end of the month here in Spain. I used to drive for Mercedes, and for me, there is a world of difference between the V6 and V8. The V8 wafts you along when the V6 is working hard. It's not about about the marginal speed increase, its all about the driver experience.
First thing I will do is study the service history, but I expect to give the car an immediate gearbox oil change and ABC fluid change in order to start with an established baseline.
And yes, I will be garaging the car and obsessively looking after it. I think it will only appreciate in value. But I will be using it weekly for all journeys over 30 mins.
You're going in with your eyes open and pre-empting the likely issues. There's no doubt the V8 is lovely - if there'd been an ABC-delete option I'd have tried to find one. Sounds like it will suit you well in Spain - A/C for when it's really hot and top-down for the rest of the year! 👍
@@SportsandGT There is an ABC delete option...
@@TheHitman- yes, when new but I couldn't find one which had been specified without it and I've only since learned of the retro-removal option
@@SportsandGT retro removal option. ?? Edify moi, si vous plais
@@TheoSmith249 I can’t find it now but another comment mentions taking the units out and replacing them with standard shocks.
Nicely done! Some good and helpful info!
Thank you and thanks for watching.
Great video! I love the R230 and the V6 is certainly the car to go for as the all-rounder.
Cheers Todd. I was surprised that there was such a small performance difference to the V8.
I’d go early sl500 if your practical or have a good mechanic. Rebuilt ABC shocks are available at sensible money. A lot of the other troubles with the ABC are fairly straightforward fixes. Valve blocks etc usually just need new o-rings. The suspension system is absolutely sublime and is a major factor of the driving of an SL. If you go running to your local MB dealer with problems you’ll soon find yourself in big trouble. The big difference with the V6 and V8 is the torque, that kind of lazy power is what you want in a GT type car.
Good review, keep up the good work.
Cheers Dave good advice.
Very true!
I just replaced the AC condenser (which was holed) and dryer on my SL350 myself. I paid £94 for all the parts new from a specialist AC supplier and another £85 to my local AC guy to refill the system and clear the fault code.
AC now works perfectly (down to 4.8 C !!!!) and down for a grand total of £179. God knows how much an MB dealership would have charged me!
Mine is only an SL350 without the ABC and at times I do really wonder and think how it might be better with ABC? That said, since I’ve never experienced it, I don’t really know what I’m missing.
For me, the engine is ‘ok’ for the purposes I use it for and I do have cars at home that are MUCH faster than the SL500 would have been anyway. The big question for me remains the ABC question…because the SL350 without isn’t the greatest handling thing, to be honest! 😂
Thank you. I found it very informative 👍
Super - thank you for watching
Nice video mate!
Thank you.
Brilliant review im looking at an 07 350 , might just get it now
Thank you. Perfect choice - go for it.
Nice review. I bought an SL500 2003 last year. I was very particular about ABC service history and so far (touch wood) it's been perfect. I'm observing 6000 mile service intervals with Liqui Moly fluids. My car had done 58000 miles when i bought it and its now done 71000. I absolutely love the car. The V8 is super responsive and sounds great, especially after i had the secondary cats deleted.
By all means buy the V8 but buy a good one
Yes, others have said that well-serviced ABC is less of a worry and I’d have loved a trouble-free V8.
I also deleted the secondary cats (resonator) and now it sounds like a real V8
Give me a 5.0 V8 R230 SL500 all day long …. Good review, very nice car & colour you have there… but you just can’t beat the sheer perfect blend of the V8 engine & timeless design of the R230
Thank you. When everything is working properly, I agree the V8 is immense.
The ABC system in the SL500 is a fully hydraulic system and provided the filter and oil is kept clean then for the most part it is trouble free. Later models had the valve blocks upgraded and these can be fitted to the earlier models should you wish to upgrade. The ride quality of ABC suspension is absolutely fantastic and well worth the cost when it comes to having worn out parts replaced.
Thanks - yes one or two other folk have mentioned that good maintenance and/or upgrading the ABC makes for fewer worries. Cheers.
Dreat review, great recommendations!
Thank you
Nice review, I have a r230 SL600 and a R129 SL500, me personally minimum V8’s for these cars, don’t think the USA got the 3.5 V6 model either. Nice review thou, lovely colour 👌
Thanks. The USA was made for V8s though! A nice pairing you have there. Yes, the colour is pretty much the main reason I bought it but have since learned that other factors make it a good choice too. 👍🏻
wow, what a great review. I'm giving some serious thought into buying one, but I don't know enough about them.
Thank you. Go 2006-2008 3.5L V6 and you won’t go far wrong. If you can’t resist a V8 there are others commenting here on how to mitigate the ABC risk.
@@SportsandGT I'm definitely looking towards a V6. I've been driving Bmw's for years and I love them. I went to look at a 6 series and didn't like it but there was a 350 SL in the showroom, 2006. I couldn't take my eyes off it. I took it for a drive and it felt brand new. No rattle's or squeak s. But I just don't know anything about Merc's, so I bottled it. 😔 I was gutted the day after when it was sold.
Great advice…..thank you
No problem- thanks for watching
Gr8 car and review 👍😁
Thanks Robert
Thanks for the review, I bought my R230 2005 SL350 in February 2021, when you buy this type of vehicle you're not clutching at the purse strings, though purchasing the facelift 2006 model does hike up the road tax as Rebel69rock states, plus I love the Tellurite Silver which I don't believe was available from 2006 (I also have a CLK 280 in the same colour and age). The performance of the car is not something that concerns me over a V6 or V8, there is plenty of power with my V6. The auxiliary battery you mention is a real pain, as I alternate my cars and don't drive much distance investing in a trickle charger is my advice too, more so during the winter time if it's not been driven for a while. I had a new aux battery installed which has made little difference, but at least I have a 5yr guarantee should the battery fail.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes the hike in VED annoyed me a bit but I enjoyed owning and driving it. If it weren’t for space necessitating a one in one out policy, I’d have kept it.
Great video! I'm looking at this model so the information was very useful
Thanks Amin. This one’s for sale if you’re UK based?
@@SportsandGT thank you. That would be great however, I have already put a deposit for a sl.
@@aminislam9150 great stuff - hope you enjoy it
@@SportsandGT thank you! The car came last week and love driving everytime. Many thanks for a brilliant video.
@@aminislam9150 brilliant - wishing you many happy miles
Good review. Thanks. I'm looking to buy a v6 sl in the next few months. As said the 2006 to 2008 car is the better. Something not mentioned is in the UK, Road tax for the 2002 - 2005 model is £340. The 2006 on, it jumps to £600 , which is the same for the v8 models. Something to consider before committing to a 2006 onwards model.
Yes, it’s a little crazy the difference in tax. I guess there was a change in its measurement or application because the newer engines are surely cleaner. A few hundred quid a year isn’t too bad for a better car with fewer issues.
Nice video, am after a similar model👍👍
If you’re in the UK I’d be tempted by this one - same spec but black www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307239985212
I have one. It’s only a 2008 SL350. However, I bought for the spec, mileage, condition and perfect service history: Silver with black leather and dark wood interior, ventilated seats and panoramic roof.
I bought it 5 years ago with only 29k miles on the clock and paid significantly more than the going rate for one in the UK at the time. It’s now got 40k and I only use it for long European road trips. It’s been to Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany several times, Denmark and Sweden. In fact, I’m in Germany with it now and going to northern Denmark in it next week! And then from there all the way down to Angouleme in SW France before returning to the UK.
Even though it’s only the 350, on trips like this, it’s fast enough (I have other faster cars at home). The only thing that I wonder is how much better it would be if it had ABC? Mine just has normal springs and shocks. At the time, I wanted a car without ABC because I got scared by all the stories about the repair costs.
Spot on. I thought the same and got the V6. I feel it likely I’ll have another one day.
I had a CL500 with ABC. You didn't miss much. Very good in corners, but probably cost me £2,000. Must be serviced by an expert with the rodeo test.
Nice cars looked at a few and the CL
500 .. I liked the drive. . And was very tempted on a later model
But drove a Porsche Cayman S. and fell in love with it …so bought that instead.
Can’t blame you on the Cayman S - much more of a sports car. The SL is a bit of a cruiser.
Thanks for a good review. I went through my own evaluations some 9 months ago and came to the same conclusion as you, and went for the 2007 SL350. V8 low rev torque is unmatched by the V6, but the fuel consumption is also a factor where the V6 is quite a sensible choice.
There is apparently also a material issue with the timing chain sprocket on the V6 that was upgraded on the '07 produced after mid Octorber 2006 or so.
Thank you Ketil. Yes, the timing chain issue - or more accurately the chain guides - was raised by other commenters. I checked my engine number and it was well after the upgrade.
Excellent excellent review. I drive a black one the Mercedes paint holds up and looks like it's brand new. I would be willing do a 2008 black V8 or white.
Thank you very much.
Useful review thank you. Previously had my beloved R129, but now back on the SL scene and would be great to hear your review of the 2008 facelift too as new engines, electronics, interior and modern styling. Fingers crossed.
Anyone know if the 2008+ comes with 7G-TRONIC as standard and is that paddles, or was that an extra, also was this on the sport version as standard?
Cheers
Thank you very much. If you like the 2008+ facelift I’ve not heard anything bad about them. In fact I started out looking at those but decided the quad headlamps were sufficiently retro to get my vote! Definitely a 7G-tronic but I’m not sure if they continued the Sport option for the paddles or whether they were standard. There were a few interior extras like the air scarf neck heater/cooler in the headrests. Good luck with your search.
Excellent review. I've had the same SL350 (2003) for seven years and as suggested use a specialist Merc garage. Really don't want to get rid of it - how many cars can you say that about after so much time? And yes the price has started appreciating. Regrets I've had a few, but not getting this SL350
Thank you. Glad you’re still enjoying yours. I sold mine earlier this year because I bought a Lotus Esprit. Wasn’t allowed to have two weekend cars!
Keeping the ABC hydraulic fluid exceedingly clean and fresh, goes a long way to inhibiting problems. Check regularly. Should be bright green.. if brownish... change.
Yes a few others have commented on changing it regularly. Thanks for watching.
I would also mention the plastic timing chain guides that fail . Less so on the later cars but they all do it
Yes others have mentioned it. Luckily mine was after an upgrade was implemented to improve things.
the m112 245ps engine is bomb-proof if properly mantained, AND easy to work on for a do-it-yourselfer, while the M272 used on '06 facelift is much more finiky and trouble-prone. M112-113 are rated among the best 5 mercedes engine family ever.
yes I understand there have been problems with the M272 prior to around 2007 - luckily for me mine was a later build not affected by the issue
The 2006 onwards second generation R230 SLROO has a 0-62mph time of only 5.4 seconds not 6.1 seconds that was the SL 500 first generation time. So 1.2 seconds quicker than the v6. Quite a lot quicker.
Thank you, you’re right of course. I’d still maintain that the R230 SL isn’t really about 0-60 times though.
I see you recommended the 2006 onwards with the 3.5 v6 over the earlier 3.7 v6. Unfortunately,cat on engine choice I disagree! The 3.5 was plaqued with cam gear problems etc that could distroy an engine if not fixed - and this was very expensive. The earlier 3.7 m112 engine had none of these problems and is virtually bulletproof - one of the best MB v6 engines ever made, alongside the latter m113.
Others have also mentioned the problem - was it mostly an issue in the US? It was also solved within about a year as I checked my engine number and it was made after the fix.
With the roof up or down could you fit a set of golf clubs in the boot?
Stsndard size carry bag.
One set with the roof down, probably two with it up.
Thanks... was there the rust issues with the 2nd generation??
I don't believe so - 2006 onward doesn't seem to suffer the same.
Super colour.
Isn’t it just - chief reason that I bought it
I'm looking for one, and took your advice to buy from 2006, but, have heard of serious issues with the m272 engine, 2006/2007 regarding the shaft balancer? Apparently loads of issues with these engines suffering failures due a weak balancer.
There are some problems I’ve heard of with chain guides but I checked the engine number and mine was ok. Merc engines are some of the best and most reliable out there - The biggest issue is that forums only point out the negatives and only people who have the problem post something, so it gives a very skewed view. Worth googling and looking at a few different views though.
Thanks for the video.
I’ve had two of these - a 2002 SL500 and I currently have a 2010 SL350 (which is 315bhp - more powerful than the series 1 V8)
Not sure why you’re so dismissive of the facelift model - it looks a lot more modern now, there were evidently quite a few improvements with electronics etc and you get stuff like air scarves - not to mention the twin bulges running down the bonnet 😎
Agreed on the ABC - I cannot stress enough the potential pain this can cause - mine was shocking and cost me probably in excess of £10k in 3 years. Shocks, tandem pump, valve blocks…. Oh and when the ball joints on the bottom of the fronts wear out it’s a whole new shock at £1130 plus vat. It’s pointless - a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Avoid.
The early ones - electronics, rusty rear arches (entire body aluminium except rear wings and pillar covers) and the ABC.
I’d go as late as you can on an R230 - only bummer is the road tax which is a joke at £600.
I guess I ruled it out from a modern classic standpoint. It looks very much like the R231 so seems almost current. A great car for sure, just not so retro as the quad headlamp variants. Thanks for watching.
@@SportsandGT I’d also say that the R230 with all that curved, sweeping leather dashboard has a far more opulent feeling interior.
Useful post thanks. I'm looking at the 2008 350 facelift for styling, new engines, new interior and electronics, hopefully all the issues resolved. Will certainly avoid ABC, I had a Discovery, never hydraulic suspension again! Did the 2008+ ditch the SBC in the end?
Bought a 2003 SL 500. First ABC leak in one month. (96k miles). With no hesitation, immediately did a coilover . 15,000 trouble free, sports car ride, and zero dollars spent on suspension nightmares.
15000 trouble free miles
What's the difference with the ABC system on a 2003 and a 2007?
Good question. Mercedes updated and improved their ABC system in 2006 and it is likely that this was one of the facelift changes to the R230 although I am not certain. Having spoken to others since making this video, some of the ABC issues can be mitigated by ensuring that the hydraulic fluid and filters in the system are changed - I don’t know how often this would need to be but worth factoring into the purchase of a V8. Merc forums are a good source of info on this kind of thing - although by their nature they tend toward the problem areas rather than what’s great about the cars. I couldn’t see many reports of ABC issues on cars after the 2006 update. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 👍🏻
I drive an older V8, 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds. You periodically have to reset the transmission go on the internet to reset the transmission it's very simple
Interesting tip about resetting he transmission - I’ll give it a Google
At least for engines, the M112 and 113 engines are definitely the ones to have. Rather depressingly I note that MB factory parts are beginning to disappear.
I should add in addition to the SL, I have a ML with the M112 3.7 V6, and its still running very smoothly at 154,000 miles.
@@felawes wow - that’s a good endorsement
A good review and I agree with much of what you say, effectively buy the best, paying the extra for a full service history etc, a well cared for example will pay dividends over buying the cheapest which will almost certainly cost you more in the long term…….. I’m biased towards the V8 SL500 as I just love the engine! Also the earlier 5speed auto box is much stronger and more reliable (which is why it is used for the high powered AMG models) and I think the ABC suspension, if properly maintained, (and that is the key!) is worth the potential extra cost in terms of how it controls the handling. Basically, for around £10k you can buy a great spec SL500 (and I think the quad headlamps are the best looking) and if you put aside £2-3k to cover any maintenance, you have a car that will turn heads and take you across continents in supreme comfort and performance for less than the cost of a basic Ford hatchback…. What’s not to like 👍
You’re right. And if you go in well informed with your eyes open, the V8 is a lovely motor.
As sat nav discs go out of date and are superceded by any mobile phone why pay more for a genuine disc.?
It's a fair question - but the fake disc that came with the car didn't actually work and it was useful to have mapping at times
Any thoughts on the 2008-2011? Heard they were more reliable after the facelift.
Yes, more reliable and more powerful and more like the subsequent R231 visually. I think I said it would be the one to go for if you wanted a modern exterior look.
I’ve had a facelift model 2009 For a few years now and I’ve come to realise there are some slight improvements technically on the car that make it more reliable. It would be nice if someone released a video about all of these
We didn't get the SL 350 in the US, so I'm stuck trying to decide between the 2006-08 V8 or a later 2015-16 (550) with the 4.0L twin turbo.
By all accounts a great engine, but only sold them for 2 years apparently.... ??
HATE the Silver, Grey, Black thing!! The few nice colors I see for sale all seem to be rode hard and put away wet. (horse analogy)
I’ve been told that the 2006+ V8 suffers less with ABC issues than the earlier one but worth making sure the system is serviced properly and regularly. I wish I didn’t have to sell mine - there are very few in blue or red to be found now - but I wanted an Esprit and couldn’t justify both (well I could but it wasn’t popular domestically!).
@@SportsandGT LOL, totally understood.
I hate when people compare v6 against v8 just in terms of performance. V8 has so much more character.its like having full fat milk instead of skimmed.V8 rumble makes you feel like your life has Been a success.
My advice would be to buy a bargain 500 like I did with abc issues,and when the ABC goes wrong which it will delete the system and its done for life.The engine and gearbox are bullet proof when maintained.
You’re right of course, you can’t beat the rumble of a V8. That’s a good idea to replace the ABC - presumably with the same setup as the non-ABC cars? Is it a DIY job or expensive?
anyone with sense including those with plenty o'money will not be using dealer for the services. Naturally.
A good independent garage is ideal but if you’ve got a low mileage car with a book full of Merc main dealer stamps it is probably worth continuing if you can.
The road tax price is ridiculous and has just put me off the whole idea.
Sadly the facelift year does put it into different VED rules but it was worth it in my view.
does that roof come down remotely
Haha - it does if you have a small boy in the passenger seat to lift the switch!
@@SportsandGT 😂tricks of the trade !
@@matthewdavidpope yep - you can see his red baseball cap as the roof comes down!
Wrong...avoid 3.5l engine type M272 and M273 5l had a real problem (check history of Mercedes) ,just between 2006 -2008 later been improved ...
There were balance shaft problems I believe but this didn’t seem to be a particular issue in the UK. I checked the engine number on mine and it was much later than those with potential problems.
@@SportsandGT I had an S500 (2006 same engine) a few years ago and that suffered from a worn sprocket on the end of the balancer shaft. The sprocket on the V8 can be changed, but the V6 needs the whole replacement shaft. My Merc specialist quoted about £86 for the sprocket, but said very difficult to do in situ and the engine and gearbox would have to come out! Car only had about 75k miles from memory. UK car, 2 owner full MB main dealer history as well.
@@stevelaming9223 Hello Steve, how did you recognize the worn sprocket?
@@stevelaming9223 ouch, sorry to hear that
@@renerack7233 My Merc specialist diagnosed the issue. There are some caps you can remove from the end of the camshafts (on the outside of the motor) and inspect the timing marks visually. I first new something was up when the EML came on. I think, from memory, it said " Bank one and two timing out" or something like that.
Looking at a very late one in the morning with just about every option available. What the hell, you only live once…..
I don’t think you’ll regret it - they’re lovely cars. Good luck.
@@SportsandGT Thanks mate and thanks for the insights.
I’m six feet four….. will I fit in an SL?
Well I’m 6’6” and I did, comfortably.
@@SportsandGT brilliant. I’ve been working up to buying an SL but up here in Aberdeen haven’t been able to access one to try. Just watching the video again. I take it a 2nd gen model is the best to go for. I’m leaning towards a 500.
@@pauldiplock205 post facelift (2006+) would get my vote. The 500 V8 is nice but make sure the ABC has been properly serviced recently - or allow for it in the costs.
@@SportsandGT thanks. I’m not against a 350 but it seems a bit like buying a 3 Litre Ford Mustang and not a 5 Litre 😂 I was in the US for five years and am a bit of a fan of V8’s but get your cautionary approach to the choice. The video is great advice and help.
@@SportsandGT did you sell the SL eventually? Have you got a view on mileage considerations.