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Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 SL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Roadster and worth every cent.

Rick DeBeer, 04/25/2018
updated 11/04/2020
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL550 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
60 of 61 people found this review helpful

Make absolutely sure you get all paperwork from original owner(s) to prove all the required maintenance was done. MB goes overboard on required maintenance, however once the vehicle is out of OEM Warranty, find a good trusted ex-Mercedes Mechanic to take care of it. These cars easily run 200,000 miles with normal required maintenance and normally are not owned by Hot-Rodders like a Corvette. These things cost $108,375.00 new, and are generally purchased by wealthy businessmen who can write them off. Check vehicle out thoroughly @ a Certified MB dealership, and buy a low mileage vehicle. There are no MB Certified vehicles after 5 years and / or 50,000 miles, like mine was, so now you can take advantage of all the depreciation and drive a world class vehicle for the price of a crappy econobox. Mine is flawless and will never be sold in my lifetime, since it has experienced all of it's depreciation. I wish I had the wisdom and money to have kept my earlier 280SL, 450SL, & 560SL's. They are worth way more today than when they were new. Just has a plastic pulley on an idler for the serpentine belt freeze up @ 65,000 miles. $1500.00 to fix after a $700.00 towing bill. Now I have a sensor module in the fuse block going bad and MB says $1100.00 to repair. I'm trying to get my local Mechanic's price. 11/02/19.

Safety
4 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
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

LS, 07/18/2015
updated 01/28/2019
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL63 AMG 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful

I own a 2011 SL63 AMG. This is probably the best SL63 that MB has ever made. Terrific handling and performance. Lots of power for a thrilling driving experience. I strongly recommend the car. This car is a beast for the right driver but can also become a cruiser if you switch it to the settings for that. It has been very reliable for the most part. If you're looking for a luxury muscle car that can do it all, it would be hard to match this car. Definitely a nice machine..

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

Update Still have it, love it, AMG (All Money Gone

cybercord, 03/31/2017
updated 04/05/2022
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL63 AMG 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
40 of 43 people found this review helpful

After owning this car for 8 yrs, here is my warning. HAVE extra money in the bank and a 3rd car when it is in the shop! Bought the car with 55k miles, and a good deal out the door. I know it was used, but here is what I knew. Have since replaced both batteries 2 time, rear trunk hydraulics, rear brakes (known), 4 tires (known), hydraulic hose for suspension, spark plugs and coils, and a window switch. Ok the battery was original and 6 yrs old. Brakes and tires were known to be bad, but the fronts have not had to be replaced yet after 10k more miles. Replaced them @75k miles and cost $2800. Car is great standing still or when it does run, and it does have some legs to run. But when the battery goes, your dead in the water. Battery died almost exactly 4 years later, 2nd time. The hydraulic problems just happen. The spark plugs and ignition coil needed to be replace at 65k miles seem early. Do the plug and coils whether you need them or not at 60k. Really frustrated with MB due to these issue. I have had old and new BMW's that did not need a mechanic nanny. IF the car gets through this recent issue , I may keep it. If not going back to BMW. Oh, yes the only phone that works with the electronics system is iPhone. WTH is that all about. MB needs to update the SW so that droid phones will work with the electronic adapter. Phones integrate with Bluetooth fine only for voice call, but not the controls of the phone or any other phone feature like Google maps with voice direction. MAJOR issue. Also the transmission until warmed up a little does not start smooth in drive. Small lurch as engine goes, but tranny not engaged. This only happens as first starting. 5 minutes later it is just fine. Cup holders are in a bad location. The center console when having too lift the cover you cannot get to anything easily. They changed this on the newer cars. Only 2G Memory sticks and 2G on HD for music. USB adapter works fine with no memory limit. On the good side, for a 2 seater Conv, I would say there is lots of storage room. Lots is relative, but there is room. Car is fun to drive and at any speed. Have not gone faster than 166MPH. Car is stable and provides confidence on the road. With the top down and windows up with wind deflector it is still quite at 80MPH and easy to carry on a conversation. Love the car, not the shop. Update 2020. Car is doing fine after the changes. Still , I might do it again. Got the air conditioner compressor fix and air is working great again. 2021. Car is doing fine again. Still love it and will keep for some more years to come. Had to replace the battery again after 2 yrs. Dead but under warranty. This thing eats batteries. Now at 101,000 miles an still smiles per mile.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

SL55

Howie, 05/02/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Overall I would recommend this vehicle to all who have the ability to own one. This vehicle is beautiful, fun to drive, powerful, handles well and is a real nice overall sports car. The electric top makes this a real gem. I like the car but maintaining a full tank of gas is a challenge. I waited my entire life to afford such a vehicle and now that I own it I must say it was worth the wait!

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5 out of 5 stars

SL 600

Dan Newton, 04/15/2015
updated 10/16/2017
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 2008 SL 600 new back in 2009; this was my first purchase of a performance luxury car. I just love everything about the car. The engine torque is amazing; when the twin turbocharger’s spool up the acceleration is scary fast. Cornering is flat and feels very secure. Interior noise is very low and luxurious. The overall build quality is second to none. I have owned the car for six years now and the only expense has been standard maintenance. The car did not have a single warranty repair during the warranty period or any repair required to date. I have owned the car for 8 years now and still no repairs, just standard maintenance. Slightly disappointing resale value, since only 110 units were sold in the US in 2008 you would think the car would hold resale value better.

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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