Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews
Used SL-Class for sale
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!
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1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near you
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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.
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?
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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!
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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.
what would you expect
Christopher Panza, 04/17/2015
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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 90's the only ones that would be worth a damn today would be the ones never or rarely driven. German or Japanese and you cannot go wrong. Stay away from the audis however, they havent figured out the turbo debacle yet
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
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.
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Awesome car!
consultU, 01/25/2005
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
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!
Awesome
Jaquie, 03/04/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm a girl, but have always been a car nut. My first car was a little used Mazda RX7 which I really enjoyed, but was convinced to sell by my granny who thought I would kill myself in it - haha. Since then I've owned about thirty or so cars, most of the time buying used, driving, then reselling. Among these, have been several BMWs (3,5 & 7 series), an '87 911, an '85 380SL, a 91 Jaguar XJS, Mustangs (old and new bodies), etc.; and I can honestly say that my SL500 is a KEEPER. I love the way it handles, looks, and its reliability. I've even learned to slow down in it (a little). Definitely recommend!
SL500 SL1 & Panoramic Roof
Barry, 09/17/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I had driven a 1984 380SL for a while in 1987 and fell in love! Fast forward twenty years, and I decided to go with the R129, and 1998 was the last year for the twin cam 48 valve engine, so I looked for the Sport model with a Panoramic roof. Love the car! Very glad I went this route. The hard top still feels more "open" being mostly glass, so winter is less of a drag. I just feel good driving it, anywhere, anytime. I've had a number of nice cars, but the SL is extraordinary in so many ways that I believe I will always want one. My wife and I take trips with our 45 pound Golden Retriever and even she loves it! Service is costly, but not frequent, so I highly recommend this fantastic machine!!!
Dream with a smile
Brian, 01/04/2005
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
For the past 30 years I've always wanted a Mercedes SL and finally after all the years of the desire, I have no disappointments. It's truly a dream car. I chose the 320 to not have to spend so much time at the gas pumps, but it still burns more than I expected. That might be due to the fact that I can't seem to slow it down. I really love this vehicle!
not to be missed
Syl Stys, 03/24/2010
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I owned a 1956 190SL while stationed in Germany when I was a much younger man and always wanted another one. Well I couldn't afford that '56 now but the modern engineering, comfort and style of my "new" SL make up for it. Sitting in this one I can see and feel the DNA connection to that beautiful '56. You will not regret owning and driving this masterpiece. Shop wisely, do your homework, then enjoy. Very affordable.
SL500
Robert Reese, 03/27/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The SL500 is a dream vehicle. The power to weight ratio makes it a thrill to drive. Although it is a sports car it drives like a touring sedan. I can drive for hours and not feel tired of driving, like in others vehicles I have driven. It is a stylish vehicle that always turns heads. The engineering of the vehicle never ceases to amaze me. The only drawback has been the storage of the hardtop while not in use (9 months in New Orleans). The design engineers have corrected that in 2002, but I still love the body style of the 1998.
The Best Sports Car I Have Ever Had
John1, 04/02/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
If you want a well built car have is expensive but performs very well this is for you.
I finally bought my dream car.
tripp1976, 06/21/2013
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
13 of 18 people found this review helpful
Words can't express the thrill I get every time I get into this car. I'm just 32 and I've loved the r129 SL500 since I first saw it as a kid. I looked all over the US and about booked a flight to Texas to buy a car when a buddy of mine called to let me know his dad just bought a low mileage car for his lot. I drove down to his lot and saw my 98 Mercedes SL500 sitting there with only 46,000 on the clock. I test drove it then went to lunch came back and paid for it. We have put 7,000 miles on it in just two months. I love the feel, touch and power of this amazing cruiser. I even don't mind the fuel costs I'm getting about 17city and our trip to Florida we were able to get 25.4.
1997 Mercedes SL500 with 38,000 miles on
Robert T, 05/09/2008
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
22 of 32 people found this review helpful
This car is solidly built, handles extremely well, and is a pleasure to drive. The design is one of understated elegance. Mine has very low mileage for its age and all original paint with no mechanical problems. These are a bargain if you get one without issues as new they cost $89,000 w/o options. The r129 type from the pre-Chrysler era is desirable. The mileage is what one ought to expect from a two ton car driven with a big V-8; if you are having this much fun is has to cost a little money! Skip the non-factory wheels as they really do nothing for day-to-day performance.
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 SLs it is quietly fast and comfortable. The handling is greatly improved from models of the late 70s 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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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Great car for the money
rh716, 06/17/2017
updated 06/27/2022
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this 1997 SL500 with the optional panorama roof in 2012 with 46.000 miles for a great price and since that I have driven it about 12.000 miles and had absolutely no huge issues. The only items i had to repair were 4 hydraulic cylinders for the top. These fail over time but I was able to have them rebuilt and did the work myself cost was about $500.00. I love the way this car drives (I only drive it in the summer) the handling is superb and it has plenty of power and it is definitely a car I can and will take on a longer road trip. I had absolutely no major issues just the regular maintenance costs. If you can find a car in good shape I can only recommend it prices will never be lower than they are now. Just make sure you stay away from older models (90-96) as they have bio degradable harness and the SL600 unless you have a lot of extra cash.
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Finally, a happy wife.
B & L, 07/28/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have purchased MANY cars for my wife in hopes that she would be happy with what she is driving. After 17 years, I finally found one that she refuses to even look at another kind of car. This is fun in the sun, and glamor all year round. This last year there was 18" of snow, once we got the car out of the drive, I was passing 4X4's and cruising down the road without issues. We get about 18mpg in town and 23mpg highway. Virtually no road noise with hardtop on who cares how much noise with the top down. Every time my wife gets in it, she tells me how much she loves her little car. Thank you MB
1997 SL500 SL1 SPORT
97sl, 01/05/2014
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
15 of 37 people found this review helpful
This car is for a free spirit. Handles most superb. Never out of extreme power in any circumstance. Gets down and races anyone. An engineering feat. Most amazing car I've ever owned.
Best Car I've owned
Dennis Fields, 06/04/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
fast and never down in shop
The perfect automobile
SRM, 12/18/2002
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
6 of 24 people found this review helpful
This is my second SL 500 and, like the first one, it has performed flawlessly. There is nothing like the solid feel of a Benz, and the convertible is the epitome of the MB design.
40th Anniversary Roadster
Octavio girbau, 02/06/2019
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fabulous car. Only 250 made of the Anniversary cars. Drop dead special blue color. Interior wood grey is "blue" also. Unique car. Hated to sell it. Sold it to buy a newer 2004 SL 500.
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The Perfect Roadster
BestBenz, 06/14/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bye far one of the best cars Ive ever owned. If you are fortunate enough to own one of these cars you will never want another car again.
red sl500 sport
bobsl500, 03/13/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an awesome car