Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 SL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.
Amazing Vehicle
Linda J., 03/26/2008
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
I love my Mercedes, the fact that you can go from hard top to soft top in a few easy minutes. There is room for a couple of bags in the back "seat", unlike other sports cars where you don't even have room for a purse. The ride is like sitting home in your livingroom. The gas mileage on mine is 30-32 mpg on a trip. It's an all around beautiful car. I am not an engineer, but I see no improving on perfection here. I have driven them all, I wanted to before I made an educated purchase and this was the only one standing at the end of the tests, all things considered, gas mileage, comfort, style, class.
Wish I would have gotten one sooner!
Joe, 09/23/2015
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
Was shopping for a Mustang GT when I came across this beauty. One test drive and I was hooked. After having owned many sports cars their is no comparison. I have had C3, C4, C5 Corvettes, Many Mustangs, MGB's, MR5's, 350Z's, just to name a few. Not one of them could even come close to the fit and finish of this Mercedes. I was parked right next to a brand new Corvette at a car show so I had plenty of time to study the fine details of the paint etc. Mind you my Mercedes is already 14 years old. Looking close at the Vet then at the Mercedes it was no contest! The paint on the Vet had small waves in it the Mercedes was like a mirror. The materials used in the interior of the Corvette looked like they came from Walmart. Fourteen years old and the thick leather and plush carpet still look new on the Mercedes. The car oozes quality. Granted the Corvette looked way more flashy and in race would win hands down. But if I had to drive cross country the SL500 would be my pick. At 80 mph I was able to let go of the steering wheel and let the car track down the road straight as an arrow. The car handles as if it is on rails, very stable and just a joy to drive.
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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.
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.
The SL experience
Ron Boatright, 03/11/2006
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have a beautiful '85 SL and an '04 E series for my wife and this 500 is the bomb. You feel special driving this car and it is the classic MB roadster experience. The handling is very responsive considering the weight of the car. The 18" rubber helps. The performance is all you ever need (I'm willing to give up a little hair raising bullet speed for more creature comforts at my age). The torque is story here and just keeps coming. Very smooth and responsive. The cabin is very comfortable and at speed with the hard top on, you're hard pressed to remember you're not in a fixed top coupe. The trunk is ample and will hold a set of golf club or several shopping bags
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 open road cruiser!
stefano, 12/25/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This SL500 wasn't my first choice. I went to a dealer to look at a 2002 Porsche Carrera convertible but it had just been sold. The sales guy asked me if I'd like to look at a low mileage SL500. I'm glad I did. The triple black AMG SL500 had only 8K on the clock and looked new. Then I drove it. It's a classic cruiser, not a sports car but who cares! It's fast, beautiful and a blast to drive with the top down.
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.
Someday is Now!
Retfla2, 09/13/2003
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have admired the Mercedes Roadster since it was a 190SL. Finally decided this was the time. I am not a sportscar person. This car is a luxury car that happens to look sporty. Perfect! Plenty of power to spare and love the handling on corners. Mercedes service has been great!
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.
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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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.
Timeless Roadster, Fun for Everyday
Al_hiFi, 03/06/2006
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
This roadster is making presence on the road, parking lot or garage. Puts a smile on owners face every time is driven. Abundant performance, whisper quiet with the top down. It feels very safe to be in on the road even when surrounded by SUV's. Hardtop feature is extremely usefull when cold and it improves body flex. Sport package must to have since it makes this car to stand out of the crowd and it helps to keep the resale value. Reliability is far better than new R230. Everything in this car is overbuild for quality, but you pay the price in extra weight and extra $$. Great highway cruiser.
Exceptional SL600 (R129 series)
F1 Strategies, 10/12/2008
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (6.0L 12cyl 5A)
46 of 63 people found this review helpful
Exceptional 2001 SL600; purchased pre-owned from a dealer who'd gotten from the orignal owner. Totally stock,black, V12, 275/35 18s in back, 245/40 18s front, only 11,000 miles! Guess it just wasn't cool anymore for the country-club. Built like classic Benz cars were in-the-day. Heavy - more of a GT than a sports car; wonderful to cruise on the highway at any speed. V12 engine with 48-valves is a symphony. 5-speed automatic. Torque like locomotive. Low-down, brooding-and-mean looking, but a total gentleman. Leather everywhere. Wonderful, can border on scary-fast acceleration, but totally controlled Well cared-for examples are known to be reliable if maintained.
"The ONE"
Petruhin, 09/07/2002
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the car! this in my mind was the best car ever made by mercedez! its sporty, its luxury and well its gorgeous! the car drives great! the suspention is perfectly regulated for higway driving and city traffic!
Best all around driving automobile!
Tyman, 01/29/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (6.0L 12cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2001 SL500 from a dealership in Calfornia two weeks ago and drove it to Idaho. This Mercedes is the best all around automobile that I have ever had the pleasure of driving. The handling was fantantic, the performance is unbelievible, especially at top end. My other two super performance cars are a 03 & a 06 Z06 Corvettes which are dream cars, but the Mercedes is just the total package. An all around great driving car. You just feel great driving in it. My Mercedes is Red with Black leather interior. It has 44,000 miles on it. An engineering marvel!
Bullet Proof
John Phin, 09/05/2016
updated 03/25/2024
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've owned my SL 500 for five years. No, as in none, maintenance expense beyond routine oil and fluid changes. I bought it with 42,000 miles. 48,000 now. Suburban driving only. A/C is great in Arizona summers. Cars and Coffee monthly, Club car shows, out to dinner a couple of times a month and now being used for routine trips too. We have a CLS 550 and a GLE 350 as well so quite familiar with the Mercedes-Benz brand. Two previous owners: None under 65. The high beams didn't work when we got the car...probably never out at night! After a couple of on/off high beam flashes, the high beams started working fine. So it goes with the car. Subsequently, traded on a 2013 SL 550 with 7,000 miles and warranty to seven years. Why? Easy to drop the top, dynamic seats, ventilated seats, lots of safety features enjoyed on CLS and GLE. Sigh every time a 129 SL passes. I traded the car in on a R231 SL550 as the new technology was appealing as was the trade-in price offered by my retailer...he had a buyer for a concours quality R129. I miss the lovely colors and analog driving experience...until I want to put the top down or listen to my music.
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A Great Value as a Used Car
Leonard, 08/13/2017
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The newest of the R129 cars (last built in 2001) is now 16 years old. Automotive engineering has progressed a long way in the interim. My daughter told me that her 2014 Nissan Altima rides better than my 2001 SL 500 and I agree with her. That said, the R129 is one fine automobile. No Mercedes Benz is a sports car but they corner well and have a comfortable ride even if they don't quite match the highway ride of a new car. What's not to like about a 300+ horsepower vehicle that gets 26 mpg on the freeway and has a smooth shifting 5-speed automatic that always seems to be in the right gear or quickly downshifts to a lower gear for any situation? The car was @$84,000.00 new. Fourteen years later I bought it with 37,500 miles on the car for @15% of the original purchase price. Things that I don't like about the car- my SL is a few inches longer than my 2015 Mercedes GLK250 but has less driver leg room (it has enough legroom for my 6'-01" frame but it is not excessive); the beautiful chrome 18" sport wheels need regular waxing or they will rust in a heartbeat and MB strongly cautions against the use of chains and/or cable chains on these rims (not convenient in a region where the occasional surprise snowfall happens); the view backing out of a parking space is not as good as I would like; the car has been very reliable, the local MB dealer less so. Overall a fine car that is lots of fun to drive.
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LUXURY 2-SEATER: Convertible limousine
geomeller, 07/12/2003
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
German solid engineering at its best. This model superseeded in 1990 the classic 106, which only lacked the power top. My car is 'Sport' version, It seems bulky, in spite of its modest dimensions. It is more of a luxury convertible 2 seater limousine then a nimble sports car. Seats are better then most American cars. Everything works with monotonous regularity - it is not an exciting car to drive, but to be seen in!
It's so much fun
Bob, 07/08/2016
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
Buying this car 16 year old car has been a joy. It turns heads, drives like a dream, corners likes its on rails, and the speed -- well it's breathtaking. Went out early one morning to the turnpike with the top down and my wife reading emails in the passenger seat. Got it to 105 and she didn't notice. Just a little stretch of the legs for this rocket. I'm 6' 4" and it's one the of few cars in which I'm really comfortable. Maintenance is expected and keeps her running great.
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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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10,000 fantastic miles in my SL500
Rich Rausser, 12/31/2017
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
First off, the 2000 SL500 has timeless styling. It is a fantastic ride with the top down as well as with the hard top on. The powerful 5-liter V-8 is as smooth as they come and 0-60 comes up in less than 6 seconds with a quarter mile trap speed of about 100 MPH and 60-0 braking in about 100 feet. The original MSRP of over $86,000 included a $1,000 gas guzzler tax which doesn’t make any sense to me. In my daily driving I average 22 MPG with this 8-cylinder car and on a longer highway drive I can consistently get 27 MPG. That’s pretty darn good for a 320 HP car that weighs over 4,000 pounds. This a real Mercedes - the body structure is tight and solid and while the car is heavy, it rides great and handles well. I’ve seen other SL500s with well over 100,000 miles and the engines and drive trains seem to be bullet proof. The hydraulic cylinder seals for the soft top are the only weak spot in this great, soon to be classic car.
Life is boring without a Mercedes benz!
LIBWAMB3, 12/08/2005
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just picked the car up last week. My second MB. First was a 2000 CLK 320 Cab. Loved that one. This one is an absolute monster! Perfect blend of sport and luxury! The car has unbelievable road manners. Will give you more than enough power to pass just about anything on the road while still giving me that classic MB experience. Much better suited to my driving habits compared to my CLK. I hope this thing lasts a very long time...I'm expecting it to.
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.
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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Amazing
NewBenzOwner, 08/26/2005
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Amazing car all around...perfect mix of performance, comfort, convenience and luxury. Drives like no other car, with endless smooth V12 power on tap right under your right foot. Truly an amazing thoroughbred.
Great Classic fun car.
Bernie M, 10/26/2020
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The soft top will need repair. Drivers side seat has a worn area. Engine perfect, transmission perfect, breaks perfect. Body exterior has normal wear. Tires and wheels are good. A wonderful fun car to own and drive. The SL's are increasing in value as classics.
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SL600 Finest car every built. Period
Captain , 04/19/2023
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's sad some owners of newer SL's don't understand the true brilliance and build quality of a vehicle that was a true bargain for $142,000.00 in model year 2000. Unquestionably the finest road car in automotive history. Loaded SL600.
Good Overall Vehicle!!!
Doug, 04/10/2018
updated 04/13/2022
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2000 SL500 as a "date" car. Yes, i'm single and this has been the perfect car to use on the weekends. I have also taken it on a few long distances trips, too. It has never missed a beat and owns a soft spot in my heart!!!!! I did sell the car in 2018 due to it sitting while I traveled for work. I felt that it should be driven by someone instead of sitting in my garage. I sold it to a friend and see it occasionally when we get together for lunch.
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GREAT
mic, 04/08/2002
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
GREAt