Used 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews
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Great to buy used
I purchased my SL55 AMG in Feb of 2010. The bad... had to repair air suspension on front and back. The good... MB significantly reduced the cost of the repair. The excitement of most new car purchases ware off in a month or so. Not this car. I look forward to driving this car every day. Performance is very good, looks are great with top up or down. I can't belive how well it handles based on the weight being over 4,300 lbs. It goes where ever you point it with plenty of power on tap. It is a shame this care does not come with a license to speed. Pay the extra cost for the AMG. It is definately worth it.
Beautiful car flawed by engine noise
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.
- SL500 ConvertibleMSRP: $6,9506 mi away
- SL55 AMG ConvertibleMSRP: $27,99923 mi away
- SL55 AMG ConvertibleMSRP: $13,42528 mi away
SL 500
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.
Adds zest to my commute
The SL55 puts track performance and handing capabilities into a comfortable street legal vehicle. That would be difficult to improve upon. I have owned other more exotic sports cars, some at twice the price, and the SL55 is the best to date. Anyone considering the SL65 should go to the SL55 instead. The added 800 pounds up front in the SL65 has a huge negative impact on handing, which is why the SL55 consistently beats on US and European tracks.
Luxury Coupe, Super Car, Highway/Boulevard Cruiser
Bought my 2006 in 2016 for $25,000, hence my giving it 4 stars for value. Didn't give 5 b/c it ain't cheap to fix! But gawd almighty, the thing is built like a tank, drop-dead gorgeous, and can goes like a bat outta heck-on-fire!!! And, even at 4,000 pounds, it take curves like a top-notch sports car and yet rides like a dream. Even at 11 years old, the car has reasonably up to date technology like the Keyless Go system and parking sensors to name a couple. No bluetooth or USB, but I couldn't care less about all that. When I am behind the wheel of this beautiful beast, that;s all I need for entertainment - - and I'm not taking calls while I'm savoring my SL55! Of course this review is written from the perspective of the car being my plaything, not a daily driver. By the way, even if the maintenance is high, where else can you find a beautiful, $130,000 German super-luxo-coupe for under $25,000? And even if it costs a couple or three thousand - or even five - to keep in top shape and gremlins away each year, the cost to own something this special for a few years is quite low relative to what you are driving.
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Performance, Luxury, Muscle Car all in one
My SL55 has been the car I always wanted. It outperforms the 2 year old Porshe I turned, in all catagories. It is faster, corners better and much more comfortable. The hard top convertible gives you a quiet ride when up.I have had a few minor electronic problems that were fixed quickly I have the SL 65 sport package on mine. It is the same car as an SL65 without the extra 800 pounds in the motor and only 111 less H.P. This is the best production sports,luxury,Muscle car on the road. The downside, They charge you for all 3 cars.It beats almost everything. If you can afford a $145,000 car, This is the best car on the road.
Love It!!!
I bought this car because I wanted a toy. Something to drive on nice days with the top down. The car is beautiful. People stop me all the time to tell me what a nice car it is. It looks great weather the top is up or down. I don't really get to open it up because here in Chicago there is always too much traffic but I have driven it late at night and the car is a rocket. It sounds great when you start it and press on the gas and heads will turn to look where the roar is coming from.
Yea, it is fun
This is my third SL. Yes, they are fun, and expensive. I like the retractable roof. So much better than lifting the other hard tops off. After spending nearly $90K for this car to have me pay for regular maintance is a joke. Really irks me and thus this will probably be last Benz.
Purchaser of Used 2006 SL55 AMG
Buying this car at 10 years old is a bargain among bargains. Having been overbuilt in every way by M-B, then made even better by AMG, I honestly can't believe I am driving a car of this caliber. And besides all that, it is an absolute joy to drive. The SL55 is a high-end muscle car, its a gorgeous, top-end sporster/roadster, and its a highway blaster like no other. (Think mind-bending acceleration and V8 sounds of a modern Mustang or Camaro, but the build and technology of a top-end German masterpiece). I truly cherish every moment behind the wheel of this beautiful automobile. As for some of the down comments posted here, I would say "lack of instruments" is part of this car's wonderment, not a downside. For example, last night I received a "please add one quart of crankcase oil" instruction on the dash readout. And so I will, today. If there is a problem, this car knows it and tells the driver before it needs to be determined by symptoms or gauges. This is my "fun car" and not a daily driver, although I have already driven it 6,000 care-free miles in 9 months. I do hear of service issues and the previous owner of this one shows some of them in his thorough records, but I've been most fortunate to have nothing more than a tire go flat (nothing to do with the car). Aside from a quart of oil, I'm hoping to make it to the ten thousand mile service before anything goes wrong. PLEASE NOTE (as I have): When you buy a car of this caliber (remember, this is the SL55 AMG (not the SL500), its not going to be cheap to maintain. Despite its classy lines and luxury feel, THE SL55 AMG IS A SUPERCAR. The only difference here is that most folks drive these as every day drivers and are surprised when service costs are high. Despite its feel of being a great every-day-er, its far beyond that. I would suggest the SL500 if you want an amazing every day car. Less issues likely, and do you really need to get to 60 MPH in under 5 seconds? Me... I love the beautiful sound of that AMG motor and the overall AMG tuning. I got in for cheap, so some higher maintenance costs will be okay by me if they keep it on the road. I built them into the budget :)
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Happy
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.
My second SL500 in 2 years
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.
SL600
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.
AMG road trip
I recently purchased a pre-owned low mileage 2005 SL55 AMG, and to get it home I had to make an 1800 mile run across the country. What a wonderful trip! I found the car quiet and comfortable with exceptional road manners. Never a tired leg or back muscle after a long day on the road. If you like, the 55 is an amazing performance car, or if you want to take it easy and enjoy the luxury features, it'll do that too. Both worlds are extreme in this super car, and it never fails to get lots of attention wherever you go. Styling and performance are second to none. Maybe more bells and whistles than I really need, but I'm still learning to appreciate them. Easily the greatest car I've ever driven.
SL600 is amazing. Spoils you for anything else.
$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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Wish I Hadn't Leased It!
Great car! Comfortable, smooth, quick and gorgeous. Prior MB was an AMG SLK. Faster than the SL but not nearly as comfortable or luxurious. We leased the SL and wish we'd bought it. The 39 month lease is up this year and the purchase option is outrageous. Don't like the looks of the '09 nearly as well as the '03 through the '08. About the only thing we don't like (other than a very poor radio and non-intuitive controls) is the cost of routine maintenance. For the price of this car MB should include routine maintenance as BMW/Audi do. We're hoping the '10 model returns to the more classic style of the '03-'08. If so, we'll buy one this time.
SL500 convertible
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.
Can't Hate It
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.
The Best SL Yet
This is the third SL I have owned, having purchased new a 1986 and a 1996 now my 2006, which by the way I still own all three. All three cars are completely different, However the 2006 is by far my favorite. It has all the features I need and more. I love being able to have a hardtop with the convertable ability. The 2 previous cars were a little difficult at times. I had to park the hardtop for the summer with a 2 person process of on or off. The look is beautiful. I have to say though all three are beautiful.
Still the King
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.
Best Luxury Roadster/Boulevardier
Pro: Best car I ever owned. Real head turner. Myriad positive comments. Quiet, smooth ride. Solid body: no squeaks, rattles, groans, shakes, or shudders. Awesome, smooth power with great engine sound. I never brake for corners. Good trunk space. Cons: should come with all-season tires, not summer. Bose sound system mediocre: not much volume or bass. Lots of interior wood-trim not in-cluded and absurdly expensive on the aftermarket. No door- ding strips- standard on C class. Headlight and taillight trim rings are not included. Grille and louver fins painted grey instead of chrome plated. No chrome trim on bumpers. Wheels are painted instead of plated.
Sports and luxury combined.
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
Nice but still unreliable
To purchase a 100+k car, you would think that it would be devoid of cheap plastics. Think again. I'm also hearing fluctuations in the engine idle already, and I haven't broken 7K miles yet. Yes, it's still the status symbol to have, but one that is not as well put together as I'd hoped. I'm going back to the SC430 before I take an even bigger hit with depreciation. If I listen quietly enough, I can hear the dollar bills dripping under the car.
Droptop fun
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.
It's not inexpensive but it's very nice
I wanted an SL when they changed the body-style in '03. This has that classic design and style. You can't help but admire it and there are no shortages of folks who tell you that!
I love this car!
This is a awesome straight line monster. My wife and I love taking I- 95 and heading to Miami for any reason. The ability to pass anything at anytime is unbelievable. If you want a luxury performance vehicle, you can't beat the quality of the ride at the speeds of the best racing cars in the world.
Some disappointments. No regrets
The biggest disappointment is with lack of traction. You get on it with traction control off, and the tires spin. With ATC on, the car responds by actually coming to a halt right after take off. You nurse the pedal, and start wondering if you should have saved a few $K and bought a SL600. The convenience features controls are very inconvenient as one goes through the menues to change settings, etc. Also a few electrical problems with the convenience package: Driver's seat won't retract on exit. Car won't start easily if left parked for 2 or more days. "1-" or "2 Malfunctions, Convenience Functions Unavailable" is often displayed with no indications of the problem. Then corrects itself
Nice.
I got the 2006 SL500 in Feb 2006. I am really a Jaguar person, having owned three so far, but at the time Jaguar would not even quote a price for the new XK, and I was able to get a good deal on the Mercedes. Well, the car is nice, but certainly not thrilling. Perhaps the SL55 would have been better for me. I consider the wonderful 7 speed automatic transmission to be the car's forte. It seems to be just in the right gear at all times. I keep the transmission setting in "sport" mode. The AMG package with the steering wheel paddles is a nice touch and I like the optional panorama roof. I must say, no car I have ever owned has attracted so much interest. My clients always ask how I enjoy it.
love it so far
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.
A great step up
I held off on all Mercedes until I saw the 2003 SL500, which I bought and enjoyed immensely. My only complaint was that I felt that for this level of car, and for it's weight, it was a little underpowered. I test drove the new SL550, which substantially improved the engine power problem with the improved torque and horsepower. I had the opportunity, however, to purchase a new 2006 SL65, and the difference is again night and day. I love the instant power without any significant turbo lag, and yet the elegant and sophisticated luxury package in which this beast is housed. Though much more subtle in appearance than some comparables, the car demands one's attention. Performance is superb.
2006 SL 500
I’ve owned the SL500 for nearly 8 years. Fortunately for me, early on, I found a former MB tech who opened his own shop nearby and has taken care of the Benz ever since. For me, the SL500 covers all the bases with its eye catching, head turning looks, combined with its responsive 300 hp V8 engine. I’m 6’5” tall but am comfortable behind the wheel on the longest of drives. I have no regrets
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Mercedes Flagship
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.
Nice Ride, but then again it should be
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.
Excellent build quality
Great car..if you lie performance in a good looking package, then this is your car. i upgraded my heat exchanger, intercooler pump, and my crank shaft pulley to really make the car a BEAST!!! you can easily add an ECU upgrade and make this car a monster to drive! have fun
the best
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
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
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.
Best GT car you can buy!!!
This car is simply amazing. From its 604 horsepower to its elegant and civil nature, this car offers it all. If you are looking for an all out performance car you wan to take to the track, the SL65 is not for you. This car is all about the everyday driving experience. The power is nothing short of incredible. The car does have trouble getting off the line cleanly, but its purpose is not to be a dragster. The power is best used for passing, and passing is does. Hanlding is plenty ample but nothing to get all that excited about. Creature comforts, build quality, and techno-gadgets are what you'd expect from a top-of-the-line Mercedes, but the COMAND system can be a bit intimidating at first.
This is great
My fourth Benz. No problems, just plain fun. Looks good, unbelievable power. Surprising amount of room with the top up. First thing I did was take a two week road trip from Minneapolis to Denver to South Padre, Texas and back. Plenty of room for golf clubs and all our gear. Was a short 5000 miles as fast as this car moves and I was ready to go again right after we got back. Once a day (sometimes more) I get complimented "great car". Might be the last passenger car I'll ever buy.
Elegant Car, Timeless Styling
Besides the world class styling this car is also so smooth and powerful. The 302 hp engine and 7 speed automatic tranmission effortlessly propels the car down the road with such authority and grace. The convertible top works as advertised - a smooth mechanical ballet that takes you from quiet hardtop coupe to convertible in 16 seconds. The exterior and interior finish are well done and the entire feel of the car seems so tight and well engineered. The navigation system is easy to use and has a points of interest function that is very handy. The 2006 model year includes Sirius satellite radio as a no charge option and I'm finding it to be a real bonus - incredible amount of choice.
Best SL Ever
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.
Very Disappointing
Although I love the looks of the car both inside and out, it lacks many things. The handling and horsepower to weight ratio are disappointing. My Corvette Z06 will run circles around this car. Many of the controls are hard to use and antiquated. A true sport car should have full instrumentation, not idiot lights. It also has very high maintenance costs and small petty things that make it a regular at the service department. You would think Mercedes could afford to include maintenance costs for what you pay. They also lose half their value in just a few years, so that is another thing for some to consider. It is a pleasant enough Sunday cruiser but for the money it is very disappointing.
AWSOME
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.
Trading performance for luxury
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 ;).
Best Car I have ever owned
This car is unbelieveable!! When I was looking at purchasing a new car, I test drove this SL65, a Viper, and a maserati spyder. This car, to me, was head and shoulders above all others. Unbelievable acceleration, wonderful sound, and unparalleled luxury. Seats are very supportive, yet comfortable. If you can find one, buy it.
SL500
Not for very tall or overweight folks
Best ever
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.
Outstanding Mercedes
My father bought this car and I simply fell in love with it. The interior design is just beautiful and the exterior is head turning gorgeous.
One of the greatest cars ever!
I purchased this car in pewter with ash interior. The wheels are awsome, they are graphite with bolts surrouding. The tailamps are darkened as a standard feature, and 65 AMG body kits are great. The 600+ hp is wicked, and when starting up you might want to tell the neighbors in case there sleeping. The navigation is so easy! Buttons are at an easy reach and long drives dont make you feel numb and the need to stretch is unheard of. The folding top lets you hear the 600+ hp noise even better, especially when excellerating at low speeds. 180k + price list but my gosh its worth every penny!
Your Personal Adrenalin Pump
I wish it were 800 pounds lighter and $30K cheaper. But mostly I wish this car had been on the market when I lived in the rolling hills of Connecticut instead of downtown Chicago. My biggest problem with it has been the urge to rise at 5:00 a.m. on weekends to find a clear roadway worthy of its capabilities. Cars (and I've had a lot of them) just don't get any more fun than this one. A few -- very few -- beat it in handling or acceleration, but none beats it in cool quotient when you factor in the hard drop top which looks as good up as down. Porsches are Mozart. Bimmers are Mahler. This car is Beethoven's 9th.
Loads of fun drive
Great car. Lots of fun to drive. No major problems with the car though have had a good number of small items.