Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 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.
SO RIGHT!
ALAGWC, 03/20/2005
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car with under 10K miles, have only driven 4K in first year. Everything works and it is a blast to drive. Gorgeous car turns heads, great stereo, rock solid feel. Just wish the seats were more comfortable -- not terrible, just not terrific.
awesome, awesome car!
Brian T., 09/12/2004
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I got mine 4 months ago. Absolutely awesome car. Bought it with 47K miles on it. Everything works perfectly. Timeless classic design. I get an unbelievable 22 mpg, with using cruise control a lot. I live in Florida, and comute about 25 miles to work. We also have a Mazda Protege, and the car insurance on the SL, is only $7.50 more per month than the Mazda. :-)) If this is the car that you are longing for, go for it! You will not be disappointed! Mine is red with shell interior. An awesome color combination. The ride is a little bit stiff like on most of the German cars.
1999 sl 500
dissatisfied, 10/25/2005
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
44 of 49 people found this review helpful
Although a fun car to drive, the quality and workmanship leaves a lot to desired. Surprisingly good gas mileage for this car. The chassis bolts had to be retightened after 45K miles. the knobs on the vents broke off. the plastic cover around the sun visors have broken and oil leaks from this area???? Trunk must be opened with key 75% of the time because the button in the car and on the key doesn't work. speed control lever fell off. Driver door arm rest disfigured just by resting arm on it. Part of grille fell off (not caused by accident). Replaced water pump at 55K miles. glove box opening mechanism broke. Didn't have as many problems with my old Ford Pinto.
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
15 of 16 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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CLASSY PERFRORMANCE
RAB, 10/25/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
THIS IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL, COMFORTABLE, ROADSTER WITH PLENTY OF POWER. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND PLENTY OF COMPLIMENTS. HANDLES EXTREMELY WELL WHEN YOU CONSIDER ITS WEIGHT, AND ITS WEIGHT TRANSLATES INTO A GREAT RIDE.
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!
A Fine Automobile
scottison, 05/08/2004
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Purchased a Sport model with all options (except panorama roof). Absolutely love this car. It drives like a dream, is extremely solid, and its style is aggressive while classic. I recommend a Sport model -- the AMG accents and wheels give this car a "muscular" look that finishes it perfectly.
Classic Roadster
tallyho3, 07/13/2013
updated 07/13/2016
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
I bought the SL 500 with 32K miles.The car has lots of sex appeal.It is fun to drive and the handling is amazing.I bought the car on E-Bay.The seller under promised and over delivered.The car is all original and the owner had all up to date records.The car draws a lot of smiles of approval.I can see the car as a true classic and the resale potential for price appreciation is definitely there.On a scale of 1-10 it's a 91/2.Drive one and you'll see what I'm talking about.
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A Great Roadster
skybound, 03/30/2008
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for for about a 1.5 yrs now. The only problem I had with it was a speaker in the door going out and I had to replace the hood pad that was falling apart. Other than that nothing at all. I bought it with 78K in great condition. A very fun and great looking car, lots of power and with the windscreen up you can hardly tell the top is down. The only negatives are the rear window creasing and the poor lighting of the non-xenon headlights, other than that this car is a dream to drive. I am very happy with the SL500, like poetry in motion, enjoy the drive, this is a one in a million automobile for the discriminating owner. With the prices of a used SL it is a real bargain.
Better MPG than you think
Robert Robinson, 06/12/2009
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with my first SL as a twelve year old, when I saw the most beautiful champagne 450SL in a showroom for seventeen thousand dollars. As midlife approached I was able to afford a used 1999 SL500. I have driven over 50,000 trouble free miles and have consistently averaged over 20 miles per gallon. I believe the 129 model(90-01) is the least expensive to own from the perspective of a Mercedes-Benz mechanic.
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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Does everything well...
Michael PFS, 12/10/2003
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Great car to own, does everything well...roomier then I thought, fast, handles great, very good sound system. Only complaints, hard ride, uncomfortable seats. Surprising gas mileage for such a sports car. Good luck getting an appt at the dealer...I would buy another...maybe.. lets see..
Spoiled Rotten
Spoiled Rotten!, 10/08/2009
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I saw it sitting in the dealership waiting for me to buy it! I did!! Best deal and amazing car to drive. It's response is great, well brakes could use some help. It's made up with the intant brake lock when it picks up you want brake NOW. Love It!! Everything will recommend it and I'm planning to upgrade soon to the new version.
Classic Mercedes SL500 Still a Great Value
mike collier, 01/13/2016
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
The r129 chassis is considered by many to be the entry for Mercedes into the new age of computer assisted design. Coupled with engineering excellence this model has outstanding comfort, roadholding, safety and looks. Advances in technology have produced more powerful models and styling has changed but the r129 offers superb value when you consider that a low-mileage $100,000 automobile (and that's 1999 dollars!) can be had for less than $10,000. A very capable grand tourer.
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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!!!
great car
amf, 02/04/2004
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is a fabulous car to drive. Lots of fun. Gets a lot of attention. Had a problem with the trunk latch a couple of times, but the dealer was very responsive and took care of it. Other than that, just a really fun car.
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.
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.
Driving a $90,000.00 Car!!!!
Car nut, 11/13/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I paid $45,000.00 for 1999 Sport SL 500. The car is outstanding handles like a dream. Maybe in three years I can get 2003 SL500 for the same price? We shall see in 36 months.
Pure joy
D.m., 05/10/2018
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned a lot of luxury cars but the SL tops them all. This car is everything you may want it to be and more. A roadster in a class of its own.
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Love my SL 500 Sport
SL 500 LOver, 04/30/2020
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought my 1999 SL 500 with only 66,000 miles on it for $10,000....what a deal for such a fun car to drive. Very reliable too and solid as a rock, you feel so secure in it and it's as fast as you want it to be. Get the clear top if you can, that makes it fun with the hard top on. Air is freezing cold and I've had no problems with it the year I have had it.
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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
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
Driving a $90,000.00 Car!!!!
Car Nut, 11/13/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I paid $45,000.00 for 1999 Sport SL 500. The car is outstanding handles like a dream. Maybe in three years I can get 2003 SL500 for the same price? We shall see in 36 months.
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
Sl 500 with panoramic hard top
Stephen Maugeri , 12/11/2022
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 99' SL 500 sport model w/ panoramic hard top for over 16 years.I purchased it with 88k on it and now have 215k on it. Its been a exceptionally good vehicle with relatively low problems. Burns quart of oil about every 5k and has one small oil leak at the rear pinion seal. Strong as a bull still! Some parts are difficult to get at this point. Mercedes Benz stopped producing some replacement parts for the vehicle. As will happens with vehicles after 20 years. Some plastic pieces have failed, What vehicle doesn't experience this. Overall the vehicle still performs very well and turns heads .I've always ran Michelin sport tires to give it exceptionally good road grip.99' up to 02' 129 chassis vehicles were exceptionally dependable vehicles!
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