Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews
Used SL-Class for sale
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 SL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.
Suprised by Reliability
Jim, 09/15/2007
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have owned 3 other MB's, 2 New and 1 used. This 500 SL was puchased from a reliable dealer. (non-factory) I have always had good success with MB but this older, two owner SL has surprised me with its reliability. All systems have performed flawlessly. Many reviews have spoken disparagingly about this series of SL so I had some concerns about its longevity. So far it has been perfect after 18 months of ownership. The performance is exhiliarating but my best surprise is my fuel mileage. In the city I get a consistent 22MPG while on the road it is 26MPG or better. This model year (1996) or perhaps the care given by its previous owners had provided me a car that's a joy to drive.
1994 Mercedes-Benz SL - The Greatest
happy jim, 11/30/2004
1994 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL for three years. If you do the maintenance required every 15,000 miles and change the oil every 3,000 miles all you need to do is put tires and brakes on it. It is the most reliable car that I have ever had. I can't get over the fact that it is ten years old and still turns heads.
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 9 listings
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $8,559748 mi away
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $8,550819 mi away
- SL320 ConvertibleMSRP: $14,900841 mi away
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over achiever, what's missing ? Love it
Pete, 05/17/2019
updated 05/21/2025
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Well i guess ive owned every brand . I bought it for my wife but i cannot get out of it . I was stunned how a 1996 could have things new cars don't. How solid how it eats up the miles . And the attemtion it gets . Think back what was on the road in 1996 ! A chevy or ford or you pick . Nothing comes close in looks. I tead spec, on it no.huge hp numbers . But it pulls and pulls always has power available , a quiet smooth car or push it ot becomes an angry car like an animal kept caged and let free . It never gives you the feeling your over your head driving it . Why did i wait so long ,driving pony domestic cars ?? Now since review added 6000 miles . Replaced the oridginal top window was shot . Took it on day trips we both enjoyed it . It continues to get attention and comments . I have done any work on it myself . It truly is hard to find anyone to work on even simple things ? They German cars have such a reputation for being hard to work on . I think it's because there way ahead of other cars. Think about it 23 years ago rolling into a local garage in need of some kind of work . They open the hood and see a car with fuel injection varible cam timing , covers over everything. Back than. Fuel injection was just starting to come in . That continued the to complicated legend
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Great Sports Convertible
Hesam, 01/21/2008
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
This is my 8th Mercedes, including 3 turbo-diesels, and 4 gas-sedans. The build quality is excellent. The ride is somewhat firm but it sticks to the ground and handles turns easily. It quietly reaches 100+mph and there's no wind-noise. The top and rollbar operates with 1 button. The auto-pullup windows are kind of awkward. The break- pedal travels toofar before stopping making easy stops difficult until you get used to the car. It can use a backseat and a larger trunk. The gas mileage is around 16 in city and 22 on freeway, as high as 26 on straight freeway. Car is a bit too heavy at 4170 pounds which affects it's acceleration. 6.3Sec 0-60 is a bit slow for a 315HP $90,000car. Parts overpriced
Roadster Rules!
roadster, 05/01/2002
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've owned my '95 sl 600 roadster now for a couple of years. The performance of the 12-cylindar engine is beyond compare! With the computer chip the previous owner had installed, the horsepower rating goes from 389 to 432! Things to watch out for... seems like these cars are prone to need new catalytic converters at around 40k miles. Mine did..and fortunately it was covered by mercedes 8-year, 80k mile e/c warranty--thereby saving me $4k! ! low mileage '97 or '98 will give you a $130k car experience for half the price!