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Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
38 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 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

A SUPER AUTOMOBILE

WIL, 07/14/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is a thrill to drive and it is everything Mercedes says it is. I was very impressed with the power and quick response. If there is any down-side...it would be shoulder/hip room; I am 6'6" about 270lbs and it's just a fit.

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5 out of 5 stars

Smooth Power, Value and Quality

safari_joe, 11/16/2004
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Hello all: I have found it to be a fast and subtle commuter/touring machine. I traded over to it from a 97 993 (which was a great car) as my wife was adverse to the Porsche ride (a very good ride in my opinion). This is my second SL and my 3rd Mercedes. As all SL’s it is quietly fast and comfortable. The handling is greatly improved from models of the late 70’s and the dealer service has been equal to that of Porsche (excellent). As with the 993, I would recommend a dealer extended warranty as these cars can disrupt your budget if something major malfunctions after the original one expires. My wife is found of the panoramic roof in the rain and enjoys the heated seat.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Vaule and Superior Performance

jayssl500, 05/23/2008
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

Wow what a dfference

Ray Maselli, 06/13/2007
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The SL500 is a thrill to drive. It's fast, responsive and very comfortable. I had a 560SL 1989 before this and it was great but this car is superb in every way. Pricey to repair but the ride and fun makes it worth it. I expect to get many good driving years out of it. After all, it is a Mercedes.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

1998 Mercedes 500 SL sport w SL1/SL2 opt

YOONSEOK, 07/14/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is a one of the top model for Mercedes 50yrs of SL making. With no doubt it has a impressive handling and sticks to the road. well balanced and super responsive. cornering with 18inch optional AMG wheels are crisp, and breaking is tight ( feels more like a Japanese car in breaking yet has engine roars like Italian Farrari. love the sound of Exhaust) beautifully stream lined and Optional HID is great. Planty of Torque at low RPM with total 350lb with 315 hp.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car

roach, 04/12/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

It has been fun for me to own this car for the last two years. Drives like a dream. Highly recommended

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great value - near prefect sports car

AWR, 10/12/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I was driving an E420 and felt it a bit lacking in, well, fun! My search included Porsches and Vettes but I decided on an SL class. New body style hit the market and these started to fall within reach of a whole new buyer's market. I sugest buying on condition rather than mileage. High miles just means you'll pay less not that you'll get less car. Repairs can be costly as with any high-end automobile. Hardtop starage is a problem for those with limited space i.e. apartment/condo dwellers. In Chicago, its off by tax day and on by halloween so you'll be storing it half the year. AMG Sorts package is the best value.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The SL to own right now.

TwoPynts, 05/24/2006
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Drives like a dream with the looks and comfort one would expect from a high end Merc. I always feel like a million bucks driving this car. Great handling and easy to drive. What is not to like about this thing?!? With the latest body style now around for a few years, prices have really dropped on these cars and they are well worth the money. I for one love the stock stereo.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

V-12 SL class

jake, 01/04/2007
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A good ride and is very, very fast. Love the style of the body and hard top. Sweet car!

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4 out of 5 stars

19 yrs and going strong

Ed H, 09/09/2016
updated 09/13/2017
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Purchased this Maroon SL 320 in Colorado and drove it to Spokane, WA immediately at 80 MPH I managed 25.7 MPG, I was quite surprised. At 102,000 miles it has a few issues and they will be more expensive to repair but the wife and I shop around for missing items and repair parts. We have not taken the hardtop off yet, hoping to do so before it gets cold so far it is a lot of fun to drive.

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