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. This year sees the departure of the SL320 as Mercedes' trims the fat from its super car lineup.

The SL600 is a whompin' V12 two-door roadster. The SL isn't merely a CL600 coupe with no roof. It is lighter and more nimble. The bloodline it shares with the gargantuan CL-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 $125,000, that's kind of a moot point.

The ... ahem, lowly SL500 is the more reasonably priced and more popular Mercedes roadster. Prices for the SL500 have fallen dramatically for the second year in a row; much more reasonablly priced in 1998 at just under $80,000. So, do you get less car for your smaller payment? No. The SL500 has 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. If it comes to that, however, even the SL500 doesn't offer particularly good value when compared to the all-new SLK, which features a retractable hardtop and outstanding performance at half the price.

1998 Highlights

The bargain basement SL320 was discontinued this year.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Overall Consumer Rating

5.025 reviews

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5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

The Best Sports Car I Have Ever Had

John1,04/02/2002

If you want a well built car have is expensive but performs very well this is for you.

You should own a V12 once in your life!

BillC,08/03/2010

Just bought this beautiful SL600 Sport, all black. With only 52k miles it drives like a new car! After considerable research, I went with the 48 valve V 12 because the newer bi- turbo versions are much less reliable and have far more plastic. If you drive one, you will fall in love with it. Driving reasonably I am getting 17 mpg with 70% around town, 30% highway, what a nice surprise for

MB's Finest!

MThompson,12/04/2007

This is the first Mercedes I have owned and I do not believe I will ever own another type of vehicle. Both interior and exterior design are excellent and the overall quality is exceptional. The handling and reliability far exceed any expectations. This is a true driver's car! Definitely worth the price! This car is rock solid - built like a tank but handles like a sports car - feels very

My SL500 is my baby!

jmarichard@yahoo.com,12/22/2015

I have owned this car since 2001 and I can say that it is still a thrill to drive every time I get behind the wheel. This car has been super reliable and almost maintenance free. Just regular care as you would do with any car, and no major repairs. She has a little over 80K miles on her now, and still runs like new. I also own an '06 C55 AMG as my daily driver. Very fast and stiff ride.

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Features & Specs

MPG

14 city / 21 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

315 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG

12 city / 18 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

12 city / 18 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

389 hp @ 5200 rpm

See all Used 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Overview

The Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is offered in the following submodels: SL-Class Convertible. Available styles include SL600 2dr Convertible, SL500 2dr Convertible, SL600 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible, and SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible.

What's a good price on a Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

Price comparisons for Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim styles:

The Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 is priced between $6,995 and$6,995 with odometer readings between 108245 and108245 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 1998 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) 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near. There are currently 1 used and CPO 1998 SL-Classes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $6,995 and mileage as low as 108245 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Can't find a used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Classs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale - 7 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $14,348.

Find a used Mercedes-Benz for sale - 7 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $12,900.

Find a used certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale - 12 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $10,675.

Find a used certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz for sale - 3 great deals out of 5 listings starting at $21,526.

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Should I lease or buy a 1998 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
Check out Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lease specials

Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years