Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
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210,000 miles on my Mercedes R230 SL500 2003
Tony R, San Jose, CA, 11/17/2023
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Upkeep is expensive, but it is a pleasure to drive. The Mercedes body style is timeless. The ABC can be problematic, and I have replaced one or more of struts multiple times over the course of twenty years. In addition to the following: 1. Power steering/ABC pump 2. Spark plugs 3. Spark plug cables 4. Coil packs 5. Valve cover gaskets (twice) 6. MAF sensor and associated gaskets 7. Vacuum lines 8. Water pump 9. Aux water pump 10. Radiator 11. Most coolant hoses 12. Thermostat 13. Batteries (twice) 14. ABS system (under recall warranty) 15. Brake pads and rotors 16. Flex discs on the drive shaft - front and rear 17. Control arms 18. Tie rods 19. Rear subframe bushings 20. Wheels to aftermarket 21. Several sets of tires 22. Fuel pump and filter 23. Inside door handle 24. Center console button assembly 25. Trunk vacuum lock (twice) 26. Trunk dampeners 27. Fuel cap 28. ABC accumulators 29. ABC hydraulic hose from pump to rear of the vehicle. 30. ABC valve block 31. Crankshaft position sensor 32. Catalytic converters 33. Oxygen sensors with the cats 34. Many oil changes over the years and transmission service twice. 35. Wheel bearings (front) 36. Window regulator - driver's side 37. Gears on the flaps on the trunk when switching to convertible mode. 38. Oil pan gasket 39. Air filters 40. Cabin filters 41. Visor - passenger side 42. Hydraulic fluid (multiple times) 43. Wipers 44. Engine mounts (twice) 45. Belts and pulleys 46. Coolant recovery tank cap. 47. Key 48. Newer BCU - Battery control unit located in the trunk (DYI job) The engine runs like a champ and the vehicle has a solid sure-footed ride. The convertible stopped working and is in need of repair, however, it's not a priority since I seldom have the desire to lower the top. Some of the engine work I perform myself, but I leave the ABC to the pros. A couple of the struts are now 7 and 8 years old respectively. Prior to that, some of the earlier failures were due to the remanufactured replacements that failed prematurely during the component's warranty period. I plan to change those two older struts as preventative maintenance in the coming week. We'll see if I can get to 500,000 miles on that engine with the frequent oil changes I do myself and with regular and thoughtful maintenance.
Wow, but it stinks
jcj001, 12/08/2003
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the latest in my car habit. Before this I had an 02 Carrerra, an 02 M3 convertible, an 01 Vette Coupe, a 99 430E, and a 97 540i. This is by far the best car that I have owned. The interior is great, and the command system is quite useful. The exterior is simply marvelous. I have the smell problem as mentioned in other reviews. MB of Annapolis sold it to me knowing it, then promised to fix it (had the car three weeks after I only had it a week), and it needs to go back in. They refused to give me my money back. MB of Annapolis has seen its last dollar from me, and I would recommend anybody else staying away from them too.
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near you
3 of 167 listings
- SL55 AMG ConvertibleMSRP: $14,99513 mi away
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $16,995100 mi away
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $16,799101 mi away
See all 167 listings
I loved my car but sold it to avoid future bad!
ken greenfield, San Diego, CA, 12/22/2015
updated 01/03/2018
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
13 of 17 people found this review helpful
But, after 3 years and the extended warranty about to expire, I'm thinking it's time to sell it. With the bumper to bumper used car warranty I had many things fixed for the $50 deductible. But this car has a horrible reputation for reliability, so??? But I love my car, so I am really torn!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
mid life convertable
jack1560, 08/30/2003
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
i have made it. driving this car shows i know automobles. i have owned bmw, Ferrari and many many cars. The car handles like it is on a rail. With the top down and the roll bar up i can still maintain a conversation with my passenger without yelling. I like driving the car by myself and just get into the driving and shifting.
OMG don't buy this car used!
Honest, Cape Coral, FL, 02/06/2022
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
OMG don't buy this car used! Mine had only 84,000 miles on it when I bought it in July, 2018. It spent almost a year of the 3 1/2 years I owned it in the shop with various issues. Hydraulic suspension failed several times, constantly draining battery, hydraulic hardtop convertible top failed, oil leaks from the valve covers, oil leaks at the front and rear of the engine, etc. I easily spent at least 3 times the $12K I paid for it in repairs. When it ran it was great but run away! It's not worth it.