Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible Consumer Reviews
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Beautiful car flawed by engine noise
JohnDP, 10/23/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
Probably the best-looking car Mercedes has ever made. The retractable hardtop is fabulous and should be copied by all convertible car makers. It is however seriously marred by two major flaws. The engine pings as if it is running on low-octane gas all the time. (I use 91 ). Going uphill with a passenger it sounds like diesel sometimes. For a car this expensive, it ought to run much smoother than that. Spoils the otherwise perfect ride. Mercedes tells me they all do it, its not a repairable item. Also, the controls are very badly designed. You better keep the manual with you at all times or be a computer engineer.
SL 500
F Scheckton, 01/28/2006
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
31 of 33 people found this review helpful
Geat body style and excellent handling. It would be helpful if the trunk were an inch wider and deeper to accomodate two golf bags. Averaging 21.5 mpg. Negatives: Command system reliability. Navagation and sound system occasionally malfunctions. Sound system not up to par for a $100,000 vehicle. No fade control on sound system.
Happy
Happy, 04/15/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Love it! I have several vehicles and this one is a toy just for a kick. But I have found I am enjoying it more than any of my previous toys,(Corvette, 430 SLK, Jag XJS & BMW's)Power,comfort, handling and all in the best looking car on the market.
SL600
Bernie Doran, 06/04/2009
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
This is a great car and my second SL, the other is an 1994 SL500 and it is also a great car. the difference in eleven years is astounding. the 05 has every available option except heated steering wheel, it was a CA car. amazed at the MPG on freeway, went to Cleveland a week ago, about 100 mi with 90 on I71, the goofy thing indicated 24.6 MPG!! used the distronic, I thought that would be joke, nope, it is great touched the brake/throttle once in 90 freeway miles. speed was set at 70(this is Ohio)we have a unique way of collecting road tax here. The push in the seat is addictive, another 100 hp would not make much difference, would be interesting to see another 400 hp.
My second SL500 in 2 years
F. E. G., 09/09/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
After driving a 2003 SL 500 for nearly 2 years,I was able to upgrade 2 years at an attractive year-end price. I thought it would be about the same car, but the improvements, especially the new 7 forward speed transmission, makes this the finest performing Benz in 5 that I have owned in the past several years. The driving and performance experience is exhilerating.
SL500 convertible
Frank J. Fiore, 05/03/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have owned Mercedes for over 20 years and this model has got to be the best one yet. The handling is superb, along with its sleek lines. I would recommend this car to anyone who can acquire it. This is a fun car to drive and is very dependable. Both my brothers in law have also purchsed one on my recommendation.
SL600 is amazing. Spoils you for anything else.
Jeff fishman, 11/06/2018
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
$160,000 new. Value now is 75% off but car is still shockingly fun and sophisticated. 2005 era was best looking SL, before M-B squared off front to protect pedestrians ankles. Find one, drive it and you’ll buy it.
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Still the King
John Heard, 05/04/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
What a feeling! My nephew said while driving my SL500, "Tt's hard not to look smug when you're driving this." Wonderful car. Too many complicated electonic features. I have to wade through five instruction manuals to find what should be a simple procedure. Thank goodness the only option I got was the Keyless Go. The hardtop operation is superb. The rear windscreen takes all the unpleasant blowing out of driving with the top back. Very quiet operation with the top up. Much more trunk room than the Lexus SC430. Dealers will deal on price, even if they deny it publicly.
Mercedes Flagship
R230SL, 09/28/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Faster than a ZO6, more luxurious than a Roll's, and is built with quality that made Mercedes famous. This is the best 2 door roadster/coupe on the market, period.
Sports and luxury combined.
merlin, 03/28/2006
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
After test driving several convertible sports cars including the BMW 6 series and the Porcsche Carrera I found the SL 55 to be by far the best available combination of fun, luxury and safety. As an additional bonus when the top is up the cabin is so quiet you would never know you're driving a convertible
Can't Hate It
BILL, 09/21/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Build quality is not like the old SL's and it's been back to the dealer many times for problems with transmission, brakes, water leaks, accessory malfunctions. But it's so beautiful and fun to drive that you can't hate it.
Droptop fun
SoCalFun, 04/16/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
After six months of driving this car, it is still a joy to get into. I have always enjoyed cars. This one simply takes it to another level.
Nice Ride, but then again it should be
orangele, 09/29/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for the styling, and it is a beautiful and sexy car. After driving it the past three weeks, I am happy with the overall features, comfort, and performance. It is not an economy car obviously, so plan on spending some gas money. Also the teleaid system seems pretty pricey ($260 a year, plus minute usage fees) for emergencies in which the air bags deploy, or for a concierge service.
love it so far
rking1118, 08/14/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I traded my 2000 Jaguar XK8 in for this and hope to get better reliability. So far so good. I love the car except the navigation system is pretty much useless. It doesn't even have my town in it. I still have to keep my Garmin Street Pilot in the car.
Best SL Ever
TWIN, 01/21/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The automatic hard top makes this car a pleasure to drive in our cold Chicago winters. No more drafty canvas tops. The car has impressive handling and an interior to die for. I can get my golf clubs in the trunk with top down unlike the Cadillac XLR. Everything about this car is refined. If I needed more speed, the SL600 does 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds; however, that would just get me in trouble. The ventilated seats and keyless go are great options. This is no doubt the finest roadster available short of the SLR.
the best
herrera, 10/02/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
the best in the market cannot go wrong with this one , test drive it and you will fall in love with it nothing like it available.
I Love Mine
Jennifer B, 01/06/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my SL500. The performance is great and the style is very eye catching. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it! It's fun and comfortable to drive. I don't like the fact that the tires can't be rotated. (the front are smaller than the back and they are also directional) I feel like the navigation CD's are lacking (my hometown is not even on them) So I feel like that was money wasted. However, overall I still Love My SL!
Waste your $100K on something else
DRJ, 04/14/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
11 of 17 people found this review helpful
This is a beautiful car to look at and that's about it. I sold a 911 and bought a new 05' SL500 six months ago. I have owned many cars and the SL ranks amongst the least fun to drive. It is also not a well-built vehicle. All the stuff you read about Mercedes Benz being unreliable is true. The roof has been rattling since day one and the dealer has not been able to fix it yet. The engine sounds like a diesel under 40 mph, apparently they all sound like this. The 7-speed transmission is not very smooth and affects the car's performance. The A/C blows cold air all the time. Radio and other instrument controls are poorly designed and hard to figure out. It only has 10 FM presets.
AWSOME
kdzusa, 10/02/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you want a top notch car, with a great look, this is for you. Best car I've ever driven, including other MBZs and BMW. Definetely better than US made. May not manuver as well as a 911, but more practical and prestigous.
great car
raymundo, 10/12/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
great car over all, I love it.
Trading performance for luxury
hench, 04/23/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After 4 recalls on my 2002 BMW M3 I thought I would get a convertible and drop some performance for luxury. I was tempted to wait the 6 months to get a SL55 AMG, but decided that I would rather settle for the base SL500. Couldn't be happier with the car. Only thing I would change is put the cruise control stick on the right side as I tend to hit it often when I am trying to tap my blinkers. The drop top is so fast, I can switch from top up to top down at a stop light and watch as everyone around me stares at the cool mechinisms that move the top. Hard to beat hard top comfort in the winter with top down crusing in the summer. Down side of keyless, I forget to leave the key for valet ;).
SL500
hhoover2, 08/01/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Not for very tall or overweight folks
Best ever
tandan, 09/26/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Is it a coupe or is it a convertible? It is both and the best ever of each. After 4700 mi. I am a happy camper. It is safe, it is solid, and it is beautiful. If I put my foot into it, it is faster than my Viper. If i don't, it gets the same mileage as my Lexus. If you can afford it, this car is the true pinnacle of design and performance.
500SL Review
Thomas Fillingim, 06/30/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After owning 2 other 500SL's, I can say that Mercedes finally got it right. The balance between luxury and sport is magnificent. I do not feel like I'm riding on a truck chassis in the 2005 model. In the previous SL's I did. This car is luxury. Comfortable, yet very tight in terms of handling. It truly hugs the road while giving the feeling of being in a luxury automobile. The interior and exterior lines of the vehicle are very well thought out. It is a very classy automobile.
BUY IT!
ROBNIC, 09/07/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
BEST CAR YOU WILL EVER OWN. I OWNED CORVETTES IN THE PAST UP UNTIL 2004 WHEN I BOUGHT MY SL500. I KNOW ITS TWICE THE PRICE BUT ITS THREE TIMES THE QUALITY. BASE ENGINE IS QUICK BUT IF YOU WANT ALL OUT PERFORMANCE BUY THE SL600.
Fourth SL
PAG, 10/02/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
SL600 is the fourth SL Mercedes owned and positively the best vehicle
2005 Mercedes 500 SL
1975goldeneagle, 10/05/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just picked up the car at the factory in Germany. The car handles great on the autobahn at +100 mph. I also own a BMW Z-8, and much too my surprise I enjoy driving this more with the top down.
2005 SL55 AMG
jason ray, 10/09/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
IT IS TOUGH TO KEEP THIS CAR UNDER 100MPH THE SL55 AMG IS AN UNBELIEVABLE RIDE AND EXTRA POWER TO SPARE WITH ITS SUPERCHARGED 493 HP AND 516 LBS OF TORQUE. THIS VEHICLE NUDGES OUT THE 03- 04 VIPER STOCK ON THE TRACK BUT IS STILL COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE ON A FEW HOUR TRIP UNLIKE ANY OTHER CAR IN THIS CLASS. THE BEST $125,000 EVER SPENT....
My new baby
hench, 10/19/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2005 SL500 for 1 week now. Traded in my 2002 M3 after its 3rd recall. Gave up some performance for a lot more comfort and luxury, not to mention that sweet drop top. I have gotten 10x's the stares and comments in this than I ever did in the M3. So far, I couldn't be happier with the trade. Traffic is so dense these days, I couldn't use all the power the M3 had 90% of the time.
Awesome
Millionmax, 11/03/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am loving this car. I have an older S500 sedan, but the precision with which this performs is awesome. The top drops easily and it feels great to drive in any conditions I have met.
Fun - Attitude and Style
Chris45971, 11/30/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Only 650 miles thus far. Have not pushed the car any but can tell that the performance is exceptional. Can't wait to pass the break-in and really work it out. An absolute pleasure to drive.
The Best
John, 01/02/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Truly fabulous automobile. With the top down it is awesome! There is no other convertible that I would consider in this price range.
Just the best!
Rich, 06/17/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my SL for nearly a month now. Have not regretted it since the moment I drove it off the lot. Just wish the engine was a little more responsive at acceleration as my former CLK. Pure heaven driving this car! Thinking about it? Go for it!
Be careful who you buy from!!!!!!!!!!!
Rod, 12/23/2017
updated 07/06/2018
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Take it to a Mercedes dealer and have the car inspected before you buy from a off brand dealer!!!!!!!!! My problem was with the dealer. I would tell anyone, not to buy a car from them. The dealer has no clue on the up keep of the vehicles and will not go out of his way to help you fix the problem!!!!! Edmunds, made a point to make sure i didn't get my gas card!!!!!
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Wheeeeeee
vegiboy, 08/15/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun in the sun.
Love the BENZ!
R.S.M., 10/02/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was treated with courtesy. No doubt I will return for future purchases. The Benz SL600 is the best!
SL600
Dr Dave, 10/02/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This thing is a tiger when you want it to be, and it purrs when you're just cruising or on your cell phone.
love my car
kay1985, 10/28/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was given my car as a HS grad gift. I am going to college now and it just so happens that I got a great garage park so I do not have to worry about my "baby"! Always cranks on 1st try , even if I've been cramming for exams and have not driven it for a day or two. I don't mind the looks either!
SL500. 10 Years Ahead of the Competition
cohiba4me, 11/13/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything about this car screams perfection. The only drawback is the amount of the check it takes to bring it home. She is sexy, yet bold. Her lines are timeless and forever. I have owned 6 cars that cost over $100k and this is by far my favorite.
Eye Candy
Dusty, 01/12/2023
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It’s a typical Mercedes, with electrical issues. The engine is strong and durable. The convertible top amazing engineering went into this, unfortunately the design is not very user friendly, once a hydraulic issue starts a domino effect entails. Beautiful car fun to drive.
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The sl 500 is a work of art
Jimbo, 09/10/2023
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
what I love, is that it is an 8 cylinder power house. It's fast and smooth. It's not a super car. It has about 300hp not bad for a small car. I love the hardtop convertible. The negatives are 1. Because it has an air lift system, that will go on you sometime. Mine went at 40,000 mi. I found someone to fix it for $850., but the dealership will want about $3000. I keep mine in perfect condition. 50k mi. I would recommend this model for anyone, as the used price should be affordable. I've seen these models at auctions etc., at good prices, but the interiors were somewhat beat. I have to say mine is stellar in and out. I paid 33k 12 years ago.
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Misses out on 10 years
LUVEngineer, 11/28/2023
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL600 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Picked up my 600 in 2015 and has never failed to rise to my expectations. Not out looking for competition, but some knuckleheads with other European makes that think there is an opportunity to press V12 juice, they sure are sorely mistaken. Have dropped 17K into system related issues, but nothing with my baby V12. I do indulge this Master Blaster of a powerplant with no Ethanol gas available in Texas. Also gotta make sure your sweetness is garage housed. Despite ancillary cost of non engine related expenses, having a NASA rocket on four wheels should blow any car buff’s skirt or shorts up, absolutely no disappointment here.
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SL 500
Ryan Brennan , 03/27/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Truely great and stylish car! I would reccomend it to anyone looking in the $80,000 plus range. I owned a Jaguar XK8 before my SL and after having driven both I can say that the Mercedes is clearly better.
Benz SL 500
Alex Steinberg, 12/02/2004
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
A very heavy German car. What is not to like about that?
Love my car
CrdtCrdMn, 07/01/2021
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Been traveling and using other vehicles over the past few weeks, home with my car... the best!