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Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 SL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

SO RIGHT!

ALAGWC, 03/20/2005
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

I purchased the car with under 10K miles, have only driven 4K in first year. Everything works and it is a blast to drive. Gorgeous car turns heads, great stereo, rock solid feel. Just wish the seats were more comfortable -- not terrible, just not terrific.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

MB's Finest!

MThompson, 12/04/2007
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

This is the first Mercedes I have owned and I do not believe I will ever own another type of vehicle. Both interior and exterior design are excellent and the overall quality is exceptional. The handling and reliability far exceed any expectations. This is a true driver's car! Definitely worth the price! This car is rock solid - built like a tank but handles like a sports car - feels very safe. The mechanics of the soft- top and ease with getting the hard-top in place are a true testimate to Mercedes fine engineering capabilities.

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5 out of 5 stars

awesome, awesome car!

Brian T., 09/12/2004
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

I got mine 4 months ago. Absolutely awesome car. Bought it with 47K miles on it. Everything works perfectly. Timeless classic design. I get an unbelievable 22 mpg, with using cruise control a lot. I live in Florida, and comute about 25 miles to work. We also have a Mazda Protege, and the car insurance on the SL, is only $7.50 more per month than the Mazda. :-)) If this is the car that you are longing for, go for it! You will not be disappointed! Mine is red with shell interior. An awesome color combination. The ride is a little bit stiff like on most of the German cars.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

1999 sl 500

dissatisfied, 10/25/2005
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
44 of 49 people found this review helpful

Although a fun car to drive, the quality and workmanship leaves a lot to desired. Surprisingly good gas mileage for this car. The chassis bolts had to be retightened after 45K miles. the knobs on the vents broke off. the plastic cover around the sun visors have broken and oil leaks from this area???? Trunk must be opened with key 75% of the time because the button in the car and on the key doesn't work. speed control lever fell off. Driver door arm rest disfigured just by resting arm on it. Part of grille fell off (not caused by accident). Replaced water pump at 55K miles. glove box opening mechanism broke. Didn't have as many problems with my old Ford Pinto.

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5 out of 5 stars

11 years of cruising bliss

Golfasaurus Rex, 07/26/2016
updated 08/24/2017
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I've owned the 1998 SL 500 since 2006 when I bought it with 51000 miles. I am the third owner and each time the car was sold by a MB dealer. I now have 76000 miles on it and my only repair cost was replacing a coil. I have gone to the dealer for routine maintenance and paid a small premium. I have the original hydraulic cylinders and top. The car drives like new and has cost me very little over the 11 year period, while giving me great pleasure. I considered replacing it with a 2005 550 model but my wife felt the R129 body was such a classic we should just keep it. It's not worth very much on the market now but It's worth a lot to us. We tested a large number of cars before buying but who can argue with a design that allows you to talk on a cell phone at 70 MPH with the top down and windows up. Not the most powerful car on the road but incredible torque for passing in the 45 to 80 MPH range. Our car is beautiful and we get positive comments everywhere we go. What's not to like?

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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