1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Tweaked styling and new alloys freshen the exterior of the SL roadster. Underneath, ESP keeps drivers on track in lousy driving conditions. It comes standard on the SL600, and can be ordered for the SL320 and SL500. Side airbags are standard across the board. A five-speed automatic is included with SL500 and SL600. Cool gas-discharge headlamps are not available on the SL320.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$251/mo for SL-Class SL320
SL-Class SL320
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
For years, the classic roadster to own was the Mercedes 450SL. From 1973 to 1989, Mercedes peddled so many of these convertibles to the rich and famous that they became as ubiquitous as cocaine vials at high-society social events. Then, Mercedes revamped its classic, upping the technological ante by light years over the old car. The redone SL has been available in three styles since then; 320, 500 and 600 Series droptops.
The SL600 is a whompin' V12 two-door roadster. The SL isn't merely a S600 coupe with no roof. It is lighter, more nimble, and based on the SL-Class of roadsters. The bloodline it shares with the gargantuan S-Class is the 6.0-liter V12 that makes 389 horsepower and moves the car with authority. Stuffed into the SL, the V12 is a better performer and costs less than its big brother coupe, but at a stupendous $120,000, that's kind of a moot point.
The...ahem, lowly SL320 and SL500 are the more reasonably priced and more popular Mercedes roadsters. Prices for the SL320 and SL500 fell dramatically in 1995. The SL320, which was base priced at $95,000 in 1994, is starting at about $80,000 this year. Likewise, the SL500 fell nearly ten grand to $90,000. So, do you get less car for your smaller payment? No. The SL320 and SL500 have gained equipment since then.
This year, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard on the SL600, keeping errant drivers in control in all types of adverse conditions. Also standard on SL600, and optional on SL500, are gas discharge headlamps. Side-impact airbags have been installed in the doors of all SL roadsters. A new five-speed electronic transmission debuts this year on SL500 and SL600 models. Also new for 1996, an infrared remote security system, slight styling revisions, and 12-hole alloy wheels.
We don't think you should go for the SL600. The SL500 is just as good, and better in some respects, than its more muscular brother. And with your savings you could get a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the kids to take to Keg-A-Beer University in the fall. If straight-line acceleration and social status are even less important to you, the SL320 serves nicely, and leaves almost 40 thousand in your pocket over the V12 version, nearly enough to spring for an E320 sedan to go with it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
5 star(75%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(4%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Die hard 4
Nishan, 07/30/2008
1994 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
This is my 3rd MBZ, one of the best, I love it and I intend to keep it as long as I live. Has 210,000 miles now. Engine runs very quiet and smooth. The soft top just gave up. At the same time some electronic parts and sensers are started giving up. All the aging problems surfaced when we had 110 F temperature days this year. I know what the problem was and need to be fixed but the MBZ … test unit never found the problem, the tester always reports as no issue, it is like taking the car in and getting back unfixed. Anyway I told the mechanic just change the part I pointed out and that was it. Runs like a champ, no more heat related malfanction. I want to get at least 300,000 miles life.
4.88 out of 5 stars
AS GOOD AS IT GETS!
alan, 09/12/2009
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
Had this for a year. After investing for minor items [about $3,000] it is a new car. The lines are timeless. Great performance at any speed. Rides like a magic carpet. This is one great vehicle. No regrets.
4.38 out of 5 stars
6 month toy
duck, 02/18/2003
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
The looks this car gets are off the
charts, but they come at a hefty
price. I only drive my SL500 6 months a
year. Therein lies the problem; already
expensive cost of ownership,
exacerbated by spreading the costs over
only six months. That said, I still
keep it, and wait for the spring to
bring nice weather. The thrill of
hitting the accelerator on this 300+ HP
beast … is beyond compare. Driving with
the top down on a nice day is one of
the finest auto experiences around.
Then, pulling into valet parking of a
crowded cafe or club is bound to stroke
the ego of any redblooded American male.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best Mercedes I have owned
Roger M. Gray, 04/20/2008
1994 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
Since 1976 I have owned 8 Mercedes. The first was a 1976 450 SL and the latest being a 2005 E320. I currently own a 1994 SL500 as well and really love it. It is the best car I have had to date. It current has a bit over 125,000 miles on it and the only thing I have had to do to it was rebuild the transmission and replace the soft top. The engine still has a lot of get up and go. It is … not as strong as the new SL's (2004 as an example). It probably needs some tender loving care. Of the 70's 90's and newest body styles I really like this body style (129) the best. It has class and character. I would really would recommend this car to anyone.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.
1996 SL-Class Highlights
SL320
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $251/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 7.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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