2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
- $13,995great price$3,646 below market81,562 milesNo accidents, 4 Owners, Personal use only8cyl AutomaticCar Source (15 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
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Located in Grove City, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71FX8F140725
Stock: 58561
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-22-2023 - $15,990good price$885 below market86,353 miles1 Accident, 5 Owners, Personal use only8cyl AutomaticKen Ganley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat Painesville (140 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Painesville, OH
Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control, Keyless Entry, Leather Seats, Power Locks, Power Windows, SL 550, 2D Convertible, 5.5L V8 DOHC 32V, 7-Speed Automatic El...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71F38F139190
Stock: 16350P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-15-2024 - 134,405 milesNo accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use only8cyl AutomaticIbarra Motors (285 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Berwyn, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71F28F141433
Stock: A5476
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-20-2023 - 84,573 milesTitle issue reported, 1 Owner, Personal use only12cyl AutomaticChicago Cars US (285 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
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Located in Summit Argo, IL
Visit Chicago Cars U.S. online at www.chicagocarsus.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 7**-7**-4*** today to schedule your test dr...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Title issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (11 City/18 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK77F78F139006
Stock: 8526
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-20-2024 - $19,800fair price$819 above market73,991 milesNo accidents, 4 Owners, Personal use only8cyl AutomaticUSI Motors (292 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Knoxville, TN
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71FX8F136206
Stock: 13082A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-20-2024 - $15,795fair price$183 below market88,835 milesNo accidents, 4 Owners, Personal use only8cyl AutomaticAutoNation Honda Dulles (297 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
Leather Seats Navigation System Convertible Hardtop Standard Paint This vehicle includes a Money-Back Guarantee* and passed our precise inspection p...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71F48F138064
Stock: 8F138064
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-07-2024 - $19,138fair price$126 above market67,520 miles1 Accident, 1 Owner, Corporate fleet vehicle8cyl AutomaticUsed Car Superstore of Lisle (299 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
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Located in Lisle, IL
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 550 - Navigation RWD ** BRONZE WARRANTY ** This meticulously vetted marvel has conquered our rigorous dependability ins...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71F78F138057
Stock: SM0017
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-08-2024 - 36,896 milesNo accidents, 9 Owners, Personal use only8cyl AutomaticGreater Chicago Motors (301 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Glendale Heights, IL
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Storm Red Metallic Exterior and Sand Beige Leather Interior with Wood Accents!! Wood & Leather Steering Wheel!! Bose Enhance...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71F78F136244
Stock: GPM0374
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-01-2024 - 20,338 milesNo accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use only8cyl AutomaticGreater Chicago Motors (301 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Glendale Heights, IL
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Diamond Silver Metallic Exterior and Ash Gray Leather Interior with Wood Accents!! Diamond Silver Metallic Convertible Hard ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBSK71F58F142186
Stock: GCM7053
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-09-2024
Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
- Seductive style and prestige, quick-folding retractable hardtop, face-flattening acceleration in AMG versions.
Cons
- Complex interior controls, handling lacks a truly sporty feel.
What’s new
Aside from a new 18-inch wheel design for the SL550, Mercedes' luxury roadster remains unchanged for 2008.
Edmunds says
With its gorgeous styling, iconic status and exotic-car performance, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL represents the world's quintessential luxury roadster.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL550 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl 7A) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Vehicle overview
There may be other Benzes, other luxury roadsters and higher-priced exotics, but when it comes to combining vaunted history, sporting presence and celebrity glamour, very few other cars can match the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. When the current-generation Mercedes SL debuted five years ago, it won us over with its high level of style, leading-edge technology and exceptional performance capabilities, and that impression hasn't changed in subsequent years.
Thanks to its Active Body Control suspension, for example, the SL is secure and confident at speed and handles with a surprising amount of finesse -- notable qualities in a car that is at heart a luxury cruiser. Yet this Benz also rides softly enough to avoid rattling the average luxury buyer, and is quiet and secure as any coupe with its automatic retractable hardtop in place. On the inside, the SL delivers all the usual high-end features along with the supple leather upholstery and rich wood inlays expected in a Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes has taken steps to keep the SL-Class fresh over the years, often by augmenting engine size and output. Today even the "entry-level" SL550 pumps out 382 horsepower from its V8 engine. Beyond it lie the SL55 AMG and SL600 with 510 hp each, while the king of the hill is the SL65 AMG with 604 Porsche-slaying horses, not to mention a massive 738 pound-feet of torque. Suffice it to say, speed is not an issue for any member of the Mercedes-Benz SL family.
While the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is a high achiever in many areas, it isn't perfect. It's definitely heavy for a two-seat roadster, and this limits its agility on tighter roads. Driver enjoyment is similarly hampered by wooden-feeling steering and brakes. In addition, the cabin is marred by fussy, overly complicated controls for the audio and navigation systems.
As such, individuals wanting a luxury convertible with a more interactive driving experience might find the Porsche 911 Carrera/911 Turbo and the four-seat BMW 650i/M6 to be better choices. Alternately, the Jaguar XKR or Cadillac XLR-V could be appealing simply because they offer similar levels of style, yet cost significantly less. Still, the Mercedes SL represents the quintessential choice in this segment, and its classic mix of luxury, performance and style puts it among our all-time favorites.
Performance & mpg
The base SL550 has a 5.5-liter V8 with 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque -- enough to sprint from zero to 60 in just over 5 seconds. The SL55 AMG has a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 with 510 hp and 531 lb-ft. The SL600 sports a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 with the same 510 hp, but its 612 lb-ft make acceleration feel even more forceful. Finally, the SL65 AMG has a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 that makes an astounding 604 hp and 738 lb-ft and is good for blasting the car from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. All transmissions are automatics (seven speeds on the SL550, five on the others) and send all that massive power to the rear wheels only.
Safety
Every modern safety feature is standard on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster line, including stability control, side airbags (with both head and torso protection), a driver's knee airbag and pop-up roll bars. Mercedes' Active Body Control suspension technology is standard on all models and minimizes body lean while cornering, enhancing both performance and safety.
Driving
In general, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster offers a rewarding and refined experience behind the wheel. When pushing the SL hard, handling is impressive, thanks to the excellent grip and the Active Body Control that almost eliminates body roll. Ride quality is also refined and supple. On the other hand, a curb weight of more than 4,200 pounds keeps any of the SL roadsters from feeling truly agile, and the wooden-feeling steering and brakes curb driver involvement. Acceleration is simply eye-flattening in the SL65 AMG, but we think the lower-powered versions better match the SL's talents and personality. As a further bonus, the SL550 costs about $92,000 less than the 189-grand SL65, and is certainly fast enough in its own right.
Interior
A power-operated retractable hardtop is standard on all 2008 Mercedes SL-Class convertibles. It offers the insulation and security of a coupe when raised and the alfresco experience of a roadster when lowered. A choice of three wood trims (Walnut, Chestnut, Black Ash) are available in the SL550 and SL600, while AMG versions feature carbon-fiber accents instead. The dual-zone climate control system is easy to use, though the same cannot be said for the complex COMAND interface that houses the audio and navigation controls. Maximum cargo capacity is a decent 10.2 cubic feet with the top up, though only 7.3 with the top down.
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models
A two-seat luxury roadster, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes in four variants. In ascending order of price, they are the SL550, SL55 AMG, SL600 and SL65 AMG. The SL550 (the only one with a five-figure sticker) comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, leather seating, wood trim, heated power seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bose surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, the COMAND all-in-one control interface and a navigation system. The SL600 upgrades with napa leather, wood-and-leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob, a power trunk closer and the Keyless Go start system.
In keeping with their higher performance aspirations, the two AMG models, the SL55 and SL65, add 19-inch wheels, exterior styling tweaks, a sport suspension and upgraded brakes. Inside, Mercedes replaces the wood trim with carbon fiber and adds an AMG-exclusive steering wheel with shift paddles. Unlike the SL55, the SL65 has the power trunk and Keyless Go start system as standard.
For the SL550 and SL600, one can order the optional AMG Sport Package. It adds 18-inch AMG wheels, high-performance tires and lower body sculpting. Park assist, adaptive cruise control, hands-free communication, run-flat tires, a sunroof and adaptive/massaging seats are also available. The SL55 AMG is eligible for the AMG Performance Package, which provides Formula One-style compound brakes, special 19-inch wheels, firmer "Nürburgring" suspension calibrations, a limited-slip rear differential and the deletion of the 155-mph speed governor, thereby allowing the car to reach 186 mph.
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class from 2008-2022.for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
After 11 years with my SL55
High Performance and High Costs
One of the best used cars you can buy for price
sl550 saved my life
2008 SL-Class Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $95,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $324/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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