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2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
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Used SL-Class for sale
Appraise This Car
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class types
- Convertible
- SL55 AMG
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seductive style, quick folding retractable hardtop, commendable performance, ride and handling.
Cons
- Heavy for a "sports car," limited cargo capacity.
What’s new
The V12 SL600 is added to the lineup, while the SL500 gets an industry-first seven-speed automatic transmission and an integrated "Keyless Go" keyfob.
Edmunds says
Between its elegant styling, impressive performance and cutting-edge technology, the SL roadster still reigns as the quintessential luxury drop top.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$314/mo for SL-Class SL500
SL-Class SL500
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
5 star(88%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(1%)
129 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 - UNRELIABLE
MMATLOCK, 12/19/2004
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
Well, here we go. I bought my SL500 in
March of '04 and immediately the top
failed. It was recalled for brakes in
June. Its transmission failed and had to be
replaced in October. Rains came in
November and the trunk/top leaked. The
dealer assured me that this was an
"isolated" incident. Unfortunately it
happened to me. They had to replace the trunk
hinges. I have never owned a … car that had
trunk hinges fail, have you? Also, its brakes are
really wierd, no feel. I thought I was
buying Germany's best, but alas I
bought a Plymouth with a three pointed
star on the hood. What a shame. That
star use to mean something.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Premium Price -Poor Quality?
Beautiful, Quality, 02/14/2009
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
Beautiful car that gets a lot of looks. Fit and finish are right on par with what you would expect from a Mercedes. We have had many problems with the quality of this car: Broken interior panels, faulty anti-lock relay, faulty anti-lock brake pump, broken baffles inside gas tank (had to replace gas tank!). Now the ignition system has just failed. 53,250 miles, and many rented loaners. We … are glad to have bought the extended warranty.
4.38 out of 5 stars
LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP
llenroc74, 05/26/2004
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
I LOVE THIS CAR. I HATE THIS CAR.
EVERYTHING IS GREAT EXCEPT BUILD
QUALITY AND RELIABILITY. DEALER
REPLACED TRANSMISSION AT 1,300 MILES.
BRAKES (Sensotronic) STILL DON'T WORK
CORRECTLY. DEALER SERVICE IS APPALING.
M/B CUSTOMER SERVICE (Montvale, NJ) IS
RUDE AND UNHELPFUL. TRYING TO INVOKE
MY RIGHTS UNDER NYS LEMON LAW SEEMS
FUTILE. MY 4th M/B SL AND MY LAST.
1 out of 5 stars
TOTAL NIGHTMARE!!!
Matthew Garlough, 03/31/2016
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
I purchased a pre-owned SL600 in spring 2013, and problems occurred almost immediately after leaving the lot. Dash displayed a TPMS issue, so I brought it back to find out that sensors for this were never installed but I could add them for $200 per tire. Less than 3 mo/3,000 miles later a hydraulic suspension hose burst lowering the car to the ground, and replacement for this was … nearly $3,000. Even after repair the mechanics were not able to clear the suspension error in the system.
Jump ahead another couple of months and I am roadside again, with a tire blowout due to an improperly mended cracked wheel. The Dealer was kind enough to cover replacement of this however. The water pump also failed shortly thereafter.
Over the next couple of years of ownership, I racked up quite a service history. Brake assist system failure and replacement, more suspension parts, interior and exterior door handles, folding roof mechanism, wheel bearings, battery, differential replacement, several other issues, and regular but expensive maintenance. Repairs and service exceeded 70% of the original purchase price (which was not cheap) and the warranty barely covered half of this.
With a total of 35 days in the shop and 5 roadside breakdowns over 3 years I did get pretty familiar with the new models and the loaner program, which was nice. But for the price I had to pay to keep this car drivable I could have hired a car service. Operating cost was over $2.50/mile for less than 17,000 miles, not including gas, tires and other consumables.
The car was a humiliating laughing stock at the office, and I actually feared driving it not only for my own safety but anticipating the next catastrophic repair. When I returned the car it was explained to me that it still needed at least $5,000 of work, but I had enough. The way I see it, either the dealer was aware of the many issues with this car and didn’t disclose them, or did not thoroughly inspect and sort them out before purchase (maybe both). Neither explanation is acceptable. I will never again purchase a Mercedes-Benz product.
2004 SL-Class Highlights
Convertible
SL500
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $88,800 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $314/month |
| Seating | 2 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.2 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the SL-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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