Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews
Used SL-Class for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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.
MB's Finest!
MThompson, 12/04/2007
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
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 safe. The mechanics of the soft- top and ease with getting the hard-top in place are a true testimate to Mercedes fine engineering capabilities.
Love my buggy
Sean, 03/22/2016
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
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!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 18 listings
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $8,99789 mi away
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $13,970268 mi away
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $13,970391 mi away
See all 18 listings
11 years of cruising bliss
Golfasaurus Rex, 07/26/2016
updated 08/24/2017
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I've owned the 1998 SL 500 since 2006 when I bought it with 51000 miles. I am the third owner and each time the car was sold by a MB dealer. I now have 76000 miles on it and my only repair cost was replacing a coil. I have gone to the dealer for routine maintenance and paid a small premium. I have the original hydraulic cylinders and top. The car drives like new and has cost me very little over the 11 year period, while giving me great pleasure. I considered replacing it with a 2005 550 model but my wife felt the R129 body was such a classic we should just keep it. It's not worth very much on the market now but It's worth a lot to us. We tested a large number of cars before buying but who can argue with a design that allows you to talk on a cell phone at 70 MPH with the top down and windows up. Not the most powerful car on the road but incredible torque for passing in the 45 to 80 MPH range. Our car is beautiful and we get positive comments everywhere we go. What's not to like?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
LUV this car
Jimbo, 11/03/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought car 2 years ago with 13,000 miles on odometer. May have paid too much from dealer but what a great car! Knowing repair cost can be expensive I opted for extended warranty-waste of money so far. Great power, smooth ride, classic design, handles well. Probably be buried in this auto.
My SL500 is my baby!
jmarichard@yahoo.com, 12/22/2015
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
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. Also enjoyable, but I would take the SL500 any day, if I had to choose just one. I love how this site has 100% 5 star ratings from owners of this car. I totally understand it too. Cheers!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A True German Classic Roadster...
Realtor, 08/18/2005
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
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 behind the seats accomidate my briefcase. The best feeling to crank the A/C to 60 and drop the top, turn up the Bose system and let my cares fly off with the wind in my hair. Handling is surperb. Power is very impressive, and am thankful I got the 320 over the 500 and 600-with gas at 3bucks+, & lower insurance
You should own a V12 once in your life!
BillC, 08/03/2010
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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 a 400 hp V-12. These cars had 1 man who built each engine and the smooth delivery of power has to be felt to be believed. I know they are expensive to repair, the drive is worth it though. Awesome stereo with Sirius radio (highly recommended). Just driving the car feels special.~$125k when new. A bargain now!
Love It
emoore40, 10/13/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my second Mercedes but first SL. I purposefully purchased the 320 over the 500 and consider I made an excellent choice. This car has performed far above expectations.
sl500 is a gem, I will forever own one!
troy lair, 07/06/2016
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
These cars are amazing, and to buy one now, you can be sure to get a much better deal than the brand new price tag of $100K. Not alot to warn you about other than you will be at the gas station more frequently than the average car as this baby likes gas a lot. other than that, she is a beaut. for someone like me, 6.4 tall, she can be a bit snug getting in and out of the drivers side, but the passengers side is not a problem at all.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nothing Else Compares, Nothing
John-Rodger, 09/04/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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