For years, the classic roadster to own was the Mercedes 450SL. From 1973 to 1989, Mercedes peddled so many of these convertibles to the rich and famous that they became as ubiquitous as cocaine vials at high-society social events. Then, Mercedes revamped its classic, upping the technological ante by light years over the old car. The redone SL has been available in three styles since then; 320, 500 and 600 Series droptops.

The SL600 is a whompin' V12 two-door roadster. The SL isn't merely a S600 coupe with no roof. It is lighter, more nimble, and based on the SL-Class of roadsters. The bloodline it shares with the gargantuan S-Class is the 6.0-liter V12 that makes 389 horsepower and moves the car with authority. Stuffed into the SL, the V12 is a better performer and costs less than its big brother coupe, but at a stupendous $123,000, that's kind of a moot point.

The...ahem, lowly SL320 and SL500 are the more reasonably priced and more popular Mercedes roadsters. Prices for the SL320 and SL500 fell dramatically in 1995. The SL320, which was base priced at $95,000 in 1994, is starting at about $80,000 this year. Likewise, the SL500 fell nearly 10 grand to $90,000. So, do you get less car for your smaller payment? No. The SL320 and SL500 have gained equipment since then.

We don't think you should go for the SL600. The SL500 is just as good, and better in some respects, than its more muscular brother. And with your savings you could get a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the kids to take to Keg-A-Beer University in the fall. In fact, with the soon-to-be-released SLK on the way, it doesn't make sense to buy any of these big beasties. The SLK is faster than the SL320, has a convertible hardtop, and costs less than half what M-B is asking for its SL320.

1997 Highlights

A Panorama hardtop is now available, and it helps improve top-up visibility. ASR traction control is now standard on the SL320. A rain sensor is now standard on all models as well.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.812 reviews

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5(75%)

4(25%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

A True German Classic Roadster...

Realtor,08/17/2005

I came across my SL320 after the hurricanes took out my Mercedes ML with a 32 yr old oak tree. I can't say enough good things about this car. The car demands attention, a true head turner. I usually only put about 5k miles per year as a leisure car. This car is a blast, I leave my BMW at home and have racked on the miles-12k. I haved the hardtop stored, and the storage compartments

Love my buggy

Sean,03/21/2016

This is my 1st SL and I am having fun, Purchased it to be a weekend toy but find myself driving it more and more. i have had no maintenance issues and she is 19 years old.....finger crossed. Everything is expensive on this car so when it breaks I am mentally prepared to deal with that. All in all...just a great and fun car!

Awesome car!

consultU,01/25/2005

I've driven several of these cars and just bought one. They are extremely powerful and smooth driving. I also drove the Lexus SC400 and SC430, the Porsche Boxter and 911 and several others. They're all fun, but for my money the SL500 is tops. Driving with the convertible top down and the Bose stereo up is quite an experience. Try it!

what would you expect

Christopher Panza,04/17/2015

We all know the mystique behind the name Mercedes and its the same mystique that porsche and bmw and now the audi's have. Engine power and design and the blue print of a car that is/was ahead of its time. My SL is what it was when it was 100,000 of the showroom floor, an engineering marvel. Just as the porsche's I have owned. If you spent $100,000 on an American made car in the mid

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Features & Specs

MPG

16 city / 22 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

228 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG

12 city / 19 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

389 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG

14 city / 21 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

315 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG

14 city / 21 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

315 hp @ 5600 rpm

See all Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

More about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Overview

The Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is offered in the following submodels: SL-Class Convertible. Available styles include SL320 2dr Convertible, SL600 2dr Convertible, SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible, and SL500 2dr Convertible.

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

Price comparisons for Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim styles:

The Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 is priced between $7,900 and$7,900 with odometer readings between 115500 and115500 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Classes are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near. There are currently 1 used and CPO 1997 SL-Classes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $7,900 and mileage as low as 115500 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $217 on a used or CPO 1997 SL-Class available from a dealership near you.

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Find a used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale - 11 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $12,739.

Find a used Mercedes-Benz for sale - 10 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $15,010.

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Find a used certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz for sale - 7 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $20,805.

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Should I lease or buy a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials
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Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

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