1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

SL500 SL1 & Panoramic Roof

Written by: Barry on 09/16/2009

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2 Dr SL500 SL1 Sport Convertible

Review

I had driven a 1984 380SL for a while in 1987 and fell in love! Fast forward twenty years, and I decided to go with the R129, and 1998 was the last year for the twin cam 48 valve engine, so I looked for the Sport model with a Panoramic roof. Love the car! Very glad I went this route. The hard top still feels more "open" being mostly glass, so winter is less of a drag. I just feel good driving it, anywhere, anytime. I've had a number of nice cars, but the SL is extraordinary in so many ways that I believe I will always want one. My wife and I take trips with our 45 pound Golden Retriever and even she loves it! Service is costly, but not frequent, so I highly recommend this fantastic machine!!!

Favorite Features

Smooth, powerful engine and great handling while maintaining a good ride quality. German cars just feel better to me. The drop top is wonderful, as is the Pano roof. The Sport model is worthwhile, but not mandatory. Where else can you get a $90K car for under $20K with low miles and service records?

Suggested Improvements

Some switches and incidentals are a little suspect, but so much is right about the car that my complaints are forgotten once we are on the road. I would have loved the V-12, but my local dealer's service manager warned me that it is quite a bit more to maintain, so I decided the V-8 was best for me.

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Nothing Else Compares, Nothing

Written by: John-Rodger on 09/04/2009

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2 Dr SL500 Convertible

Review

I am the original owner of this car, my last SL I kept for 16 yrs; I plan to keep this car, hell I plan to be buried in this car. It is a head turner, a turn taker, nothing is safer. After 10 years I still think 'wow' every time I climb in and crank it up. I don't even look at other cars on the road, and I have owned them all. PS In ten years, aside from regular service the car has been 'in the shop' ONCE

Favorite Features

style, speed, handling

Suggested Improvements

nothing

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Finally, a happy wife.

Written by: B & L on 07/28/2009

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2 Dr SL500 Convertible

Review

I have purchased MANY cars for my wife in hopes that she would be happy with what she is driving. After 17 years, I finally found one that she refuses to even look at another kind of car. This is fun in the sun, and glamor all year round. This last year there was 18" of snow, once we got the car out of the drive, I was passing 4X4's and cruising down the road without issues. We get about 18mpg in town and 23mpg highway. Virtually no road noise with hardtop on who cares how much noise with the top down. Every time my wife gets in it, she tells me how much she loves her little car. Thank you MB

Favorite Features

Lots of power, good mpg for the HP. Sticks to the road in rain, snow, or sun. So many safety features, while being so stylish.

Suggested Improvements

The front skirt rubs every stinking curb, and when we back up, the cover for the tie down pops off. Embarrassing for such a classy car. Some of the interior parts are of a lower class plastic than a datsun. These are small things in the overall picture though.

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Awesome

Written by: Jaquie on 03/03/2009

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2 Dr SL500 Convertible

Review

I'm a girl, but have always been a car nut. My first car was a little used Mazda RX7 which I really enjoyed, but was convinced to sell by my granny who thought I would kill myself in it - haha. Since then I've owned about thirty or so cars, most of the time buying used, driving, then reselling. Among these, have been several BMWs (3,5 & 7 series), an '87 911, an '85 380SL, a 91 Jaguar XJS, Mustangs (old and new bodies), etc.; and I can honestly say that my SL500 is a KEEPER. I love the way it handles, looks, and its reliability. I've even learned to slow down in it (a little). Definitely recommend!

Favorite Features

Everything.

Suggested Improvements

Would prefer a tilt wheel. (Or maybe I just haven't figured mine out).

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Great Vaule and Superior Performance

Written by: jayssl500 on 05/23/2008

Vehicle

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2 Dr SL500 Convertible

Review

With 130,000 miles my black beauty is making people look. A road trip out West delivered top performance and comfort. Wished they had an auto tilt on the steering column instead pushing the button . Maintenance has always been a priority and the pre-owned warranty was well worth it. Alternator gave out at 120K, air condition replace at 60K, Headers replaced at 60K along with seat trim. All under warranty saving me over $4k. Do go without it. I firmly believe in the Starmark brand and only buy pre-owned. Front cow under bumper as well as inside wheel well covers go if you hit a parking bumper (too low) Need to re-paint and detail the interior to bring it back to A shape. Go get one now!

Favorite Features

Overall command of the car at higher speeds is super. Great power and it moves when you need it. Seems to hum at 80MPH and at high speed if the bears are sleeping. It's just a sweet ride. Overall interior spells luxury. Great sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Sun visors won't let a tall guy see what is in front of him. Need tint for windows. Tilt steering is electric but pushing the toggle switch is a pain as it is slow. Fabric side below the leather hard to keep clean. Feet always hits it when exiting. Leather steering wheel needs constant cleaning.

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