Used 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Consumer Reviews

Awesome Roadster and worth every cent.

Make absolutely sure you get all paperwork from original owner(s) to prove all the required maintenance was done. MB goes overboard on required maintenance, however once the vehicle is out of OEM Warranty, find a good trusted ex-Mercedes Mechanic to take care of it. These cars easily run 200,000 miles with normal required maintenance and normally are not owned by Hot-Rodders like a Corvette. These things cost $108,375.00 new, and are generally purchased by wealthy businessmen who can write them off. Check vehicle out thoroughly @ a Certified MB dealership, and buy a low mileage vehicle. There are no MB Certified vehicles after 5 years and / or 50,000 miles, like mine was, so now you can take advantage of all the depreciation and drive a world class vehicle for the price of a crappy econobox. Mine is flawless and will never be sold in my lifetime, since it has experienced all of it's depreciation. I wish I had the wisdom and money to have kept my earlier 280SL, 450SL, & 560SL's. They are worth way more today than when they were new. Just has a plastic pulley on an idler for the serpentine belt freeze up @ 65,000 miles. $1500.00 to fix after a $700.00 towing bill. Now I have a sensor module in the fuse block going bad and MB says $1100.00 to repair. I'm trying to get my local Mechanic's price. 11/02/19.

Great Car!

I own a 2011 SL63 AMG. This is probably the best SL63 that MB has ever made. Terrific handling and performance. Lots of power for a thrilling driving experience. I strongly recommend the car. This car is a beast for the right driver but can also become a cruiser if you switch it to the settings for that. It has been very reliable for the most part. If you're looking for a luxury muscle car that can do it all, it would be hard to match this car. Definitely a nice machine..

Update Still have it, love it, AMG (All Money Gone

After owning this car for 8 yrs, here is my warning. HAVE extra money in the bank and a 3rd car when it is in the shop! Bought the car with 55k miles, and a good deal out the door. I know it was used, but here is what I knew. Have since replaced both batteries 2 time, rear trunk hydraulics, rear brakes (known), 4 tires (known), hydraulic hose for suspension, spark plugs and coils, and a window switch. Ok the battery was original and 6 yrs old. Brakes and tires were known to be bad, but the fronts have not had to be replaced yet after 10k more miles. Replaced them @75k miles and cost $2800. Car is great standing still or when it does run, and it does have some legs to run. But when the battery goes, your dead in the water. Battery died almost exactly 4 years later, 2nd time. The hydraulic problems just happen. The spark plugs and ignition coil needed to be replace at 65k miles seem early. Do the plug and coils whether you need them or not at 60k. Really frustrated with MB due to these issue. I have had old and new BMW's that did not need a mechanic nanny. IF the car gets through this recent issue , I may keep it. If not going back to BMW. Oh, yes the only phone that works with the electronics system is iPhone. WTH is that all about. MB needs to update the SW so that droid phones will work with the electronic adapter. Phones integrate with Bluetooth fine only for voice call, but not the controls of the phone or any other phone feature like Google maps with voice direction. MAJOR issue. Also the transmission until warmed up a little does not start smooth in drive. Small lurch as engine goes, but tranny not engaged. This only happens as first starting. 5 minutes later it is just fine. Cup holders are in a bad location. The center console when having too lift the cover you cannot get to anything easily. They changed this on the newer cars. Only 2G Memory sticks and 2G on HD for music. USB adapter works fine with no memory limit. On the good side, for a 2 seater Conv, I would say there is lots of storage room. Lots is relative, but there is room. Car is fun to drive and at any speed. Have not gone faster than 166MPH. Had to replace the exhaust in 2015 to the tune of $7k. Car is stable and provides confidence on the road. With the top down and windows up with wind deflector it is still quite at 80MPH and easy to carry on a conversation. Love the car, not the shop. Update 2020. Car is doing fine after the changes. Still , I might do it again. Got the air conditioner compressor fix and air is working great again. 2021. Car is doing fine again. Still love it and will keep for some more years to come. Had to replace the battery again after 2 yrs. Dead but under warranty. This thing eats batteries. Now at 101,000 miles an still smiles per mile. Update:4/25- Replaced the conv top hydraulics controller in the trunk, front shocks, gear shifter linkage came apart all about $14k. Radio has distortion now and MB wants $3500 for a replacement. Tranny now , according to MB, needs to be replaced for about $7800. All of this at 100k mile to 111k miles. Still love the car and is cheaper to repair than replace. Having the tranny fluids recently only helped a little. Same issues of cold starting bumps are start, but all other gears are just fine. I think it is the Dual Clutch Plates that need repair. Looking for a mechanic.

SL 600

I purchased my 2008 SL 600 new back in 2009; this was my first purchase of a performance luxury car. I just love everything about the car. The engine torque is amazing; when the twin turbocharger’s spool up the acceleration is scary fast. Cornering is flat and feels very secure. Interior noise is very low and luxurious. The overall build quality is second to none. I have owned the car for six years now and the only expense has been standard maintenance. The car did not have a single warranty repair during the warranty period or any repair required to date. I have owned the car for 8 years now and still no repairs, just standard maintenance. Slightly disappointing resale value, since only 110 units were sold in the US in 2008 you would think the car would hold resale value better.

SL55

Overall I would recommend this vehicle to all who have the ability to own one. This vehicle is beautiful, fun to drive, powerful, handles well and is a real nice overall sports car. The electric top makes this a real gem. I like the car but maintaining a full tank of gas is a challenge. I waited my entire life to afford such a vehicle and now that I own it I must say it was worth the wait!

As good as it gets

While growing up heading into NYC, I would see the Sl 500's and told myself that some day I would own one. Went to get my wife an E 350, and this car was sitting along side it. Having MB handle the depreciation, it was still above my range, but what the heck. Yes, the Corvette and the BMW are faster, but what a way to get there. I don't need to feel every break in the pavement. The transmission is superb and gets out of the way. The engine is silent. The breaks keep it safe (the one thing I miss on my 335i). I don't know what people don't like about the Bose Stereo, and I am an audiophile. If you have the bucks, this is the car.

Excellent exhaust note

The SL63 AMG has the multi-clutch transmission. It does not shift as smoothly as an automatic with a torque converter, but once it's warmed up, shifts are quick. Make sure to get the extended warrantly. The roof, shocks are hydraulic and they can get expensive to repair. Oh, be light on the right foot or you'll be refueling around every 120 miles.

Not worth the money...

I was a big fan of Mercedes prior to owning my 2009 SL-63. After having it in the shop for now the 4th time in 5 months, they still can't fix the transmission and excessive oil burn. The new transmission slips like you've lost gears until the car is completely warmed up. Try pulling out into traffic, stepping on the gas and the engine revs, but the car goes nowhere. Then out of no-where, 3-5 sec later the car catapults you into traffic. I was finally told that this is a race- car. You can't expect it to drive like a luxury car. How about that? In addition to having to add a quart of oil every 100 miles Mercedes has some work to do before I would ever recommend this car. Spend elsewhere!

Sports car morphs into luxury car

I have been lucky enough to have owned many sports cars. From the context of a “sports cars” perspective, my 2008 SL550 is not really a sports car. It is much too heavy and too focused on creature comforts. BUT, at 69 years young, I no longer yearn only for testosterone boiling speed, but perhaps for a tad more subtlety. This car is gorgeous. It can go far faster and harder than you would think based on its weight because it is a technological marvel. That’s really good, and also a bit daunting. This car borders on over-complicated, but it plays the role of luxury-sport car very well. It has two distinct personalities. It can be a boulevard cruiser whisking you to the opera, and it can be a blast in the open-air mountain twistees. It’s target demographic is not a sports car for a 20- or 30-somethings. It is a car for a 50- or 60-somethings that simultaneously says you’ve arrived, and also you also still know how to play. Oh, it also signals that you have the financial backing to maintain it. When it runs, it runs well. When it breaks, it breaks expensively, at times very expensively. But in all, it is my favorite car, my favorite luxury car, and my favorite sports car all-in-one. When I close my eyes and imagine the perfect car, this car is where I am when I open my eyes to drive. PROS: beautiful classic design, excellent materials, exhilarating acceleration, wonderful exhaust song, transforms from real coupé to real convertible in 16 seconds, brilliant suspension that allows a very heavy car to respond like a lighter car. CONS: expensive to operate, breathtakingly expensive to fix (example: new MB battery is $650). Heavy. Seat level is quite low so getting in & out is “challenging,” electronic controls are aging poorly (COMAND system ugh). Final take: every car design is a compromise between many factors. I think the key is finding a car that fits “your needs and wants.” Even then there will be points that rub you the wrong way. The SL is not a perfect car, but it’s compromises place it in a subtle niche between performance and luxury that few other cars can attain. This is one car you must live with awhile to decide if the price of entry and maintenance is worth the exhilaration for. you. For me, it is. Happy Driving!

What A Machine

This MB SL55 AMG is one of the most powerful, exciting vehicles I've ever owned. The performance is unbelievably good. I've timed my own full-bore start and got to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Handling is easily better than both a BMW M6 and a Porsche 911 Turbo S.(I've road tested both) Obviously, the retractable hardtop is the biggest party piece of the SL and it works beautifully in about 22 seconds. The interior is very well done and the Mercedes trademark massaging seats works wonderfully. But after a long distance trip, you will feel it for the ride is very firm. Fuel economy is not as bad as expected for a 500 horsepower V8. Expect like 15 city and 19 highway. Bravo Mercedes-AMG.

A great car diminished by a few flaws.

Purchased new, and as an everyday driver, we've logged 18k. The car's excellence is diminished only by a few ergonomic issues. The heat controls for the seats are mounted on the door, making it impossible to adjust without taking your eyes off the road, and don't get me talking about programming the GPS! It has an outdated feel - My mobile phone is much better! The drivetrain shifts smoothly, and the engine delivers the perfect combination of torque and horsepower. If the interior design falls behind the outstanding engineering of the rest of the car.

2009 SL 550-Was in love until I wasn't!

Beautiful car with great engine and sex appeal-no doubt. I can say nothing bad about the outside appearance. My biggest problem is that it was a maintenance nightmare. I had the car for 7 months and had it in the shop about 9 times. For every payment I made, I paid 20% more in maintenance that month. The car only had 48,000 miles at purchase. Within a day of having it, the hydraulic hose/system burst costing $5K. Apparently a common and recurring issue. Within a day of having that repaired, the undercarriage fell out as the factory bolts were installed incorrectly $200 Within a month, front tires had to be replaced---one might think that's expected with a used car but all tires were replaced a day before buying the car. Within 2 months, the rear tires went out. Total of $1,800 to replace (front and back) So additional repairs include two batteries having to be replaced, an alternator, computer module, window washing pump (total of another $1,000), these last numbers exclude labor as I had a deal with the mechanic on these repairs Mainly a size thing but feels a little clostophobic with the top closed. I'm 6'0.

Dream Car for Drivers

Factory delivery August '08. 2K miles over 3 weeks in Europe with spouse and plenty of luggage. Now have 8.5K miles. Beautiful (projects stronger image than predecessor),fast, handles flat, 27 MPG hwy, 18 city, rock solid, super brakes, zero defects, great seats, new COMMAND system w/ iPod connection, satellite radio excellent, totally stable at 110 MPH (autobahn, not California!) and in rain,seamless transmission with paddles, perfect descendant of original 300SL. Get one before they take your keys away. UPDATE: Wrote original Edmunds review of this SL in April 2009 having taken delivery at factory in August 2008. Now have 151K+ miles (!) and still drives and runs like a charm. Paint, leather all fine, and only routine maintenance required, although not cheap! And still think the car is sending me a message: "Is this the fastest you can drive?"

Nice Looking but.....

I, bought a used 2009 Sl550 with 43k miles. Damm good looking car with great power but it ends there. In the past 6 months it went into the MB dealership 3 times. Costing thousands and still not working right. Replaced SMS, brake switch, battery, now top doesn't go down. Never again.

Kinda like a beast in a little black skirt

When you are riding or driving in this car it is so luxuriously quiet and comfortable it is easy to forget what a beast it really is when you are obey the speed limits and driving along with everyday traffic. It is just is quiet and comfortable and in control at 45 mph a it is at 135mph. If a passenger was blindfolded they would not be able to tell the difference if you were driving at either of those speeds. The ABC option seems to defy the laws of centrifugal force when you whip it around corners at speeds other cars would lurch to the side and throw passengers in your lap, you hardly notice any effect at all. I get better gas mileage than the 21mpg the sticker says it gets on the highway. At a cruise controlled 79 mph, I average a decent 23.5 mpg. This car is more fun to drive, top up or down, than any car I have ever driven before; whether it's just around the corner or 800 mile day trip.

THE PEARL MONSTER!!

I have owned this SL-63 from day one! Fantastic car. except: a) buy extra spoiler plates for that front "black bar". Everyone scrapes it. b) every 3-yrs seems it needs engine mounts too. c) vacuum hoses go often once you hit that 6 th year of owning. It is truly expensive. Like $1,500.00-$3,000.00. be ready. But if you compare it to a new pmt of avg of $1,200.00 per mo. well you see; it is not too bad. don't like new sl's. I have pearl & diamond white. Those were the bomb in 2011/2012! Good luck!

LET'S SAY AWESOME IS AGOOD WORD!

Folks, this is a fine car. Period. Mine is now 10-yrs old with low mileage per se. Power-Excellent. Comfort-Phenomenal. Ride-Spectacular. I have owned three (3) during the generations of SL63. It beats the SL65 in speed test too. Yes, repairs can be a bit pricey. But it averages out reasonably. They are few & far between. If you can find one, Buy it ASAP. You will be very happy. Remember I have had 4-500's & 550's and 3-SL63's. SL-63 FAR BETTER OVERALL.

Wow, what a ride!

The sl63 is simply exhilarating in performance, anesthetics, and curb appeal. I sold my 1988 sl 560 and had sellers remorse. I found a 2011 with 12K miles. It has headers which is another story, but this car is magical. I agree with other comments regarding controls and their ergonomics or lack there of, but who cares. You can take the radio and GPS out of the car and just drive. WOW!!!!

Buy a Corvette or Porsche

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.

Best and Sexy Convertible

Comparing to 06'911S, it's slower but more modern interior features. Command System in 09'SL is so old to same year in LS460. Exterior and interior of this SL550 are so sexy in Red/Tan. I'm really loving this 09'SL better than 05'SL,560SL,380SL and 280SL I had before!

sl550

Love the car but have less then 10K miles and have changed front tires (bulging), and two wheel rims.

I expect better

If you returned to your car in the hardware store's parking lot to find the center rear stop light lens from the trunk lid laying on the ground, you'd think a vandal tried to pop it to mess with the door lock. Right? Nope, they just fall off, and the Dealer has seen lots like that. Now the little flap wing that comes out from the left front trunk lid edge when the retractable hardtop is put down just droops and messes up the top raising and lowering cycles. You have to press it back into position to get top function.

Great Handling Vehicle

I have owned this model SL since 2012, having bought it used with 25,000 miles on it from a dealership in Houston, TX. It wasn't in that great of shape when I got it, but since, I've put a lot of elbow grease and money into it over the past 10 years and it is as great as it was new. This is an excellent handling car and wonderful for road trips. Much better than a Corvette I owned. I have the Base model and it is plenty fast. The only major mechanical issue I've had over 10 years was that the power steering pump failed. Keep a check on the fluid level. That cost was $1500 just for the pump, not including labor to install. It also had leaking motor mounts which I replaced after 10 years for $55. This car is fairly inexpensive to drive. You can pack a lot of clothes and bags into it if you know how and are orgainized. I've been on a 17 day road trip through 7 states and Canada with it and it ran flawlessly. I guess I'm married to it now, because I've had it coming up on 11 years. One of the best handling vehicles I've ever had and I enjoy driving it. I do not use it as a daily driver. Convertible top works perfectly and I've had no issues with it. I am a perfectionist, so I keep the vehicle in top condition.

great GT

This is a big heavy 2 seater that is a true GT car. I am a former Porsche mechanic and have owned 35 plus sports cars of all makes. The AMG 63 is a big powerful GT that loves the open road. I do most of my own maintenance which probably help keep costs down, however the car is very straight forward to work on, like all Mercedes Benz.

Experienced Mercedes Man

I have owned several Mercedes in the past. I mostly prefer AMG models over the standard ones. This car is just gorgeous. I could have opted for the SL55 amg or the SL65 AMG, but to be honest they were very expensive. This car is not exactly cheap, but it sure is beautiful!

I bought a performance SL

If you're buying this car, you're buying a performance vehicle so enjoy the quirks. If your have any doubts watch Jay Leno drive a 09 SL 63. It's able to run with pretty much anything yet be a reliable vehicle . That's the reason you buy this vehicle for the performance, comfort and sound track, if you have any complaints or interests then buy something else.

A Lemon?

At a)48K the Suspension Damper needed replacement. b)51K Driver side inside door handle broke. c)51K Motor mounts broke. Cost a+b+c ($1,800+$875+$2,200) $4,875.

It's an awesome AMG!

Wow, what a ride!

The sl63 is simply exhilarating in performance, anesthetics, and curb appeal. I sold my 1988 sl 560 and had sellers remorse. I found a 2011 with 12K miles. It has headers which is another story, but this car is magical. I agree with other comments regarding controls and their ergonomics or lack there of, but who cares. You can take the radio and GPS out of the car and just drive. WOW!!!!

No wonder Germany lost the war, twice!

Run away from Mercedes, it is a poorly designed car that uses expensive parts of poor quality. This car reminds me of the mid 70's junk that Detroit put out. Dumped the car. Avoid Mercedes and buy an Audi, Ford or anything else

SL 550 Designo

wonderful auto

2008 SL 550 is the best Car Ever.

All car companies have been trying for Years to make a car like the SL. Nobody has ever come close into the Speed, Design, Shape, A Retractable Top,,, ( we all know it hard ). Even this web page don’t know this car enough and they call it a SL convertible,,, (stupidity on Edmunds part - just call it SL Class ). This SL in 2008 was the first 5.5 liter V-8, naming the car SL 550. It has 400 HP, but when you really drive this car, it seems more HP under the hood and the torque is high up too. Plus,,, this car is not a Sports Car, it’s GT car ( grand tour ),,,AMG version maybe a sports cars to be more run against Porsche or maybe a Vet competitor. SL 550 is to be Luxury and Fast,,,, training on the Audubon to drive. Sunny and over cast or rain, up the mountains to throw around on the curves or a run to the Beach at the Jersey Shore or down 95 South to Fort Lauderdale. Let’s not forget that the best looking SL 550 in Mars Red gets the best rating for looking fast, sexy, hot and no competition. ( that’s just seeing the car sitting still ) Even to Today cars,, this car keeps up with M40, Hemi, and most engines at 500 horses and still the best looking. Remember Car and Drive put a cap on their award issues and at the time of the SL Years since 1982, there was nothing better than an SL. The car been around longer than any other car label. Today the SL is the top of line car for Mercedes. The SL is a history making vehicle, major competition that no other car company could make a car like this. This was the car that rich or poor, people dreamed about. Even if you did not know about cars,,, this was the luxurious car out there.

Nice

Beautiful excellent car