kinda similar story - always loved the look of this generation of SL, had a search a few months back - there are loads on sale, finally plumped for a 2006 350 with less than 50k miles on it and I love it - every trip feels special and as others have said - its fully ULEZ compliant and the insurance is only £180 for the year! 👍
Great review...I have the SL 500 ...I've owned it for 5 years and have replaced both batteries in that time.....it really is a brilliantly engineered car....the engine is the V8 is infinitely better than the V6....i spent a lot of time in both before i decided on the V8......my car is 2003 and has done 40 000 gentle miles....as you mentioned it had 5 owners but it makes no difference....I looked at 15 of these before i bought this one....the car is almost without blemish and looks amazing....
I agree with this review as i own the same 2007 sl 350 but mine has just passed 150k miles and im the second owner since 23k so i can vouch for this being a ideal everyday vehicle and running costs are not as bad as the balancer shaft (130k miles for me) when you get past that experience and rust is only surface rust so nothing too serious and the gearbox is still fine with regular maintenance . So highly agree this vehicle can run for a long time as i plan to use daily and keep til the wheels fall off as this is all original like i remembered when i read the brochure !
I completely agree with you on going for the 350 or the 55. I used to have a 107 280 straight-six. I regret not buying a V8 then. However, this 350 is such a good package that unless you need four seats, there is no better convertible touring car for sensible money. Well done for another sensible review that completely understood the car from the buyers’ perspective!
Nice video. I did buy a SL350 a couple of months ago and I am not rich or fat. Mine is a 2007, one previous owner, full service history and just 46,000 miles on the clock. It looks like new and drive perfectly doing 26mpg on average. I love the car. It has all the performance and creature comforts I need, with a sensible ergonomic layout without being ruined by unnecessary electronic gizmos. The only issue I have had so far is the lumbar support adjustment not working. This is probably a vacuum pipe leak and I may get around to fixing it but not sure its worth the bother.
I bought one of these two years ago, as I thought the SL350 was extremely good value. Having experienced the electrical gremlins early, such as the SRS and roof warning light coming on, I have to admit this caused a degree of concern. But decided to replace both batteries and the SL has behaved very well ever since. The only complaint is the lack of back support on perhaps longer journey's. It's great in the summer with the roof down, and a real pleasure and will put a wide smile on your face. Performance is ok as I only use for summer cruising. If you want power and comfort the Jaguar XK 5.0L is by far a better choice. Overall thought the SL is a great pleasure motor and maintenance is pretty fair to be honest.
I treated myself to a new pre-facelift SL500 as a retirement present in 2008. It has now done 60,000 trouble-free miles, is on only its second set of tyres and my local independent Merc-specialist charged £200 for its B-service this August (£1,200 for an A-service last year). I use it as an April to October car and it is a delight to drive. My main car is a 2009 L322 Range Rover Westminster 3.6 TDV8, now on 120,000 miles, which I have also owned for the last ten years so you made me feel very good about my choice of cars!
I have been thinking of buying one of these but, after you explaining and problems that can go wrong with them, I'm not so sure now. I am a lady driver and often feel slightly intimidated by Male mechanics trying to RIP me off. But thank you for being upfront about this model.
Definaely a true Classic Mercedes styling. To this day looks more appealing in my eyes then ALL of the generations of SL to follow after. Beautiful coupe
Never considered one of these, but you make it seem viable, I'd go for the SL55 personally. Great review and glad your still alive. Seems like years since your last one!!
If the repair costs are too scary consider a SLK 350 post 2004, very fast and look at the prices, lots of 14 - 15 y/o cars with less than 80000 miles and fsh....
I just bought a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. I'm loving my 700nm 430 bhp, 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, 'old man's car' that corners like it's on rails with its very stiff aluminium chassis. I test drove an SLK55. With that the engine felt special. When I drive my SL the whole car feels special. It's S class after all. A lot more car for the money than the Slk55. And TBH I'm 6 foot so the slk felt a bit cramped.
A refreshing and honest review. Loved the SL have the same model but 2004. Brought from a Mercedes specialist and goes back every year for mot and service, even though the computer informs me there is still 9000 miles to go to next service. Prevention not cure. Bought this because of higher running costs with the V8. Particularly suspension issues. If I only had one car it would be the SL55. But practical reasons dictate otherwise. Have a 2012 Range Rover Sport Autobiography also and enjoyed your review of that. Fingers crossed we are all correct with these bottoming out and values going up again. Why not? It's true for all the other's. Had mine 4 years now and done about18000 miles including two trips around Europe. Loved every minute of it. Puts a smile on my face every time I open the garage door. Keep up these great videos.
I think I'll stick to my 2007 CLS 60K miles. It is the diesel and I had it remapped to 310bhp about 5 years ago. It's very similar inside apart from having the two seats in the rear. It will catch pigeons and yet still returns 40 MPG on the motorway. Love it!!!
I had a CL 500 with the ABC (it failed and was uneconomical to repair, plus various other MOT failures eventually killed it off, it wasn't the best example). I had an SLK 320 which was written off in an accident and looking back now having owned the little SLK with the V6 and the big CL with the V8.. I'd buy the SL350 every single time now and never once feel bad for not buying the V8 versions, because that ABC system is ruinously expensive to maintain.
In my humble opinion the key to SL reliabilty is regular use. 2006 update has significant engineered upgrades, albeit without the face change. You pay extra for a 2006, but steering, brakes etc are worth it.
I had a 97 SL320 with a (very heavy) Panoramic roof, great car but not exactly fault free (head gasket, front wing rust, engine wiring loom (£1200!) made from recycled plastic that blew the ECU another £1000) but as you rightly say, one can't expect to run an old car for nothing. I believe that a car should always improve in my ownership, which it definitely did and we had some wonderful trips into Europe, Swiss and Austrian mountain passes en-route to Prague were a delight. I now have a 2007 SL350 again with Panoramic roof like yours. It has 85k and FSH. It's amazing, especially in Thulite Red (not a fan of Black or Silver). Being an enthusiastic but moderately "fat arsed retired old bloke" I'll be keeping it for a while as a weekender! Great review, thanks. Nick (Cornwall)
Definitely a more rational choice over the 500 or the 55! Same look, topless motoring on demand, elegant and comfortable. No pesky ABC system is GREAT news! Less power is also okay unless you’re really hellbent on losing your license! Yes, it is a bit underpowered but then again so is the 500! So unless you’re going to go balls-to-the-wall and get the 55, skip the 500 and go for the smart choice!
I absolutely agree about this being a great looking car. I've fancied one for years, this particular incarnation. Great job Matt. Thanks again. Was excited to see your review come up on TH-cam. Thanks mate
Ive always struggled in recognizing the different cars/models of Mercedes because they look often similar , compared to BMW and Audi and other makes. But the 2 door coupes/"sports car" style cars they make i always recognize and know when i see one, theres something distinctive about them compared to other cars, this has always made me have a special liking for SL/SLK id definitely have one in my garage if i had money. Great to see another vid matt !
Left hand drive cars have two cup holders. The right hand one is omitted in right hand drive cars because the indicator stalk, which is set quite low, gets in the way.
I took a punt on a R230 350SL a couple of years back. It had done 93k miles and had no service history. I paid £5400 for it and it’s been as good as gold! There’s evidence of all the common issues having already been addressed throughout the car such as, new roof seals, new vacuum pump etc.. That’s often the benefit of buying a higher mileage car. I still have it and it’s still my joint favourite toy (the other being my L322 Range Rover).
Nearly bought one last year but her indoors complained that we couldn't get the grandchildren in. Bought E350 Cabriolet - bloody brilliant + it's some kind of a boot to get a couple weekend cases in
RHD R230's came with one cupholder, because if there was a cupholder on the right with a drink in it, it could get in the way of the indicator stalk. Problem's solved with a LHD spec part if you really need the two. And thanks for the upload 👍
Buy one for sure....not a sports car but ok for posing. Main issues are a detached baffle in the fuel tank, roof hydraulics, corrosion and gear box leaks.
They don't rust around the front wheel arches because they are made of aluminium. They do rust around the lips of the rear wheel arches, which are the only steel body panels on the car. Watch also for under body corrosion, especially behind the grill and behind the rear bumper, and for damp in the boot from a failed boot seal (which will cause the PSE pump to fail). Make sure that all of the drain points are kept clear and free flowing, especially the one at the bottom of the heater plenum chamber as this will lead to the chamber filling with water, over-flowing into the passenger side of the footwell and wrecking one of the SAM units (this is often a cause of the many electrical glitches mentioned). The reason for the single passenger cup holder is that on RHD cars. a driver's cup holder would foul the steering column stalks. On LHD cars. there are two. The battery light is on either because the rear consumer battery needs charging, or it needs replacing or quite commonly, one of those 5 owners who couldn't afford to keep the car, put a cheap aftermarket non-AGM battery on it instead of a Mercedes Varta original!
The SL 500 from 2007 to 2011 has the 7 speeds transmission and 382 HP. I can tell you it’s a huge difference with a SL 350. The 350 engines are notorious for the cam chains that wear which can cause serious engine damage. Nice review, my choice; the 500 with the 7 speed 👍🏻
2009 SL65 driver here and many of the early issues you complain of are none existent in later generation more refined examples. Even the ABC active suspension can be improved with a transparent magnetic filter to greatly extend system fluid life. The battery issue is just a lack of research into using a trickle charger when parked for days. Many of us like Noco Genius Boost Pro. I've never seen a SL rust that was garage kept dry. Blacked out tail lights of the AMG's make the rear more masculine like the '09's new face. More significant are the countless upgrades and refinements these later year SL's have over your model. Even the nav/audio is a dramatic improvement. The AMG's and V12's are the SL's Mercedes engineers intended which can be felt viscerally as autobahn dominant road weaponry. Peak SL in my opinion.
I miss 2000s wood trim interiors, i had kind of the same wood trim in my S211 2007 E class. I loved that car. This days every car has piano black or steel look trim... Its okey i guess but like you sad this interior is timeless.
Very tempted by these with a V8 but the air suspension put me off so I went with the sensible option that is the CLK500 coupe 😎 V8 engine, 80% of the style for 50% of the cost.
I'd buy a V8 for every day use and a V6 for occasional. I onw a r129 and trust my I would not want to be w/out the rear seats. When you're on hols they are sooo useful for short trips to give everyone the chance to drive to the beach in open top style
Most German performance / sports cars tend to depreciate to a point and then they start appreciating. This has been the case for years. The SL up to model year 2008 is one of the few Mercedes models that I wouldn't mind owning (I am more of a BMW fan). I am hoping / thinking the same will happen to my 09 E89 Z4 30i (last of the naturally aspirated large capacity 6 cylinders) stop depreciating and then go up. In the mean time I will just enjoy it!
I agree with all of the views in this video. I bought an SL Pagoda when I was in my late 20's but had to sell it before my first child was born. I will never be able to buy one of those again as they have appreciated so much, but a 2006 to 2008 SL is on my shopping list. By far the prettiest SL since the pagoda
@HighPeakAutos I think that I may have been the youngest Pagoda owner in the country at the time; the car was 35 years old when I bought it (a 1968 280SL) and I was only 28. The way that car made you feel, and the attention that it got was amazing. I remember stopping at a zebra crossing for someone to cross, and they ended up stopping half way across to take a photo of the car. Anyway, enough about me. Keep up the good work with your videos!
Great work guy from high peak! you hit it on the head that's exactly why we drive the SL. Sports luxury car and they are increasing in value as we speak! they have bottomed out In price Over here in America! I had a very knowledgeable insurance agent quote me $14,500,Long story short a fireman's Tahoe screwed me up with the trailer hitch.. It was just cosmetic.. It hit me just right $9750 Worth of damage!Hey I got a whole new front end out of it!
25 years old and ive had my 07 SL350 for over a year. Ive had to spend about £1500 on it to get it up to keep. But its a beautiful car. Drives beautifully. Has that umpf. Just great tbh.
Mercedes nailed it with the R230 design…… It still looks as fresh today as it did when first launched all those years ago, they produced a very beautiful crossover futuristic design with a massive nod to the 1950’s, this car is timeless, not many cars on the road have aged nearly as well as these R230’s, the SL500 is the pick of the bunch, but deep pockets are required to own one, the low purchase price tag on them is deceiving .... but the difference is the money spent on them is worth every penny, nothing else on the road looks like an SLR230.
for my 40th birthday, I have bought myself an R231 SL63. Full spec, including matte paint, carbon ceramic brakes and performance pack. I think I will keep this car forever.
Set the transmission right, and you have plenty of power in a 500. How to set your r230 transmission. It's really really simple to do. I guess since ABC's sports mode it pulls and 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds. He is exactly right. Classy sporty and has a convertible hardtop. It's the perfect car for most people. The r231 is a different car faster, redesigned interior(i hate it) and much more aggressive looks. I just love my car
Absolute belter of a motor , from that era I think Mercedes were the business , I have got a 2.7 CLK 53 plate and Its absolute bullet proof , brilliant to drive just a real pleasure. So a SL could be my next purchase. Cheers Matt great craic.
What I never can understand is why people with convertibles/cabriolets have the top up on sunny dry days (I had an E350 Cab with Air-Scarf, and when the sun was shining whatever the season the top was down - must admit in the depths of winter a heated steering wheel would have been good) You're right about the £1000/year budget for Mercedes!
Oh and one more thing - some early M272 (3.5L V6) and M273 (5.0L V8) suffered from a serious manufacturing fault involving a balance shaft gear at the front of the engine failing because it wasn't properly hardened. Not all fail but all are at risk of failure and I personally would not buy a car with one of these affected engines. The repair is engine out and costs around £3-£4K rendering most now a total loss. It impacted pretty much all of the facelift 2006 cars and some early 2007. The earlier M112 and M113 engines did not suffer from this and are largely bomb proof. Check the engine number on line against a list of affected numbers and walk away if it is in the range.
Had a 350sl on a 06 plate for 2 yrs before the mrs got preggers.... then it had to go... that was a very very sad day. Issue I has was the design flaw on the water run off on the boot, which then compromises the gutters and then runs into the boot to the poorly protected roof pump and electrics.... still miss it.... amazing car.
The 600 would probably be my pick. It's still expensive as they didn't make many, but it has the smoothness & sense of occasion only a V12 provides. The best example of the car's grand touring philosophy. You'll be cross shopping a 600 with some seriously desirable machinery though, so you have to really be an SL fan.
Hiya. All your output is good but this was a real step up! I like how you confidently say ‘in my opinion’ , and ‘I think..’ . Comes across as confident and reassuring. Great channel! Thank you.
I have the 2007 model S.L. 500, which has a 5.5 V8 with 388bhp, and its the ideal power while being more comfortable than the AMG models. The 5.0 v8 is more reliable (no idler gear problems) that mine has had, even though it is outside the alleged effected engine numbers. I’ve had an ABC issue but not major. It’s a great car but don’t buy if you are looking for something cheep.
Just come out of hospital after a eye operation so in bed enjoying all your reviews you like a breath of fresh air in the packed car review videos..so from me a big thank you ...bob from wales
I have a 2016 one with the 367BHP twin turbo engine and 9 speed auto. Fuel consumption on short journeys or around town is terrible, but on a journey from Scotland down to south wales it did 36.7 mpg on the cruise control. The batteries are a pain though, when you hook the the car up to a trickle charger (if you don't use it often) it only charges the main battery and not the auxiliary one hidden behind the drivers seat. Once that battery goes low, the warning message comes on and the stop/start function fails, but recharging the battery does not clear the message and its a trip to the local specialist and a plug into the STAR machine. Lovely cruiser though, especially on a nice day.
I have one. It’s only a 2008 SL350. However, I bought for the spec, mileage, condition and perfect service history: Silver with black leather and dark wood interior, ventilated seats and panoramic roof. I bought it 5 years ago with only 29k miles on the clock and paid significantly more than the going rate for one in the UK at the time. It’s now got 40k and I only use it for long European road trips. It’s been to Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany several times, Denmark and Sweden. In fact, I’m in Germany with it now and going to northern Denmark in it next week! And then from there all the way down to Angouleme in SW France before returning to the UK. Even though it’s only the 350, on trips like this, it’s fast enough (I have other faster cars at home). The only thing that I wonder is how much better it would be if it had ABC? Mine just has normal springs and shocks. At the time, I wanted a car without ABC because I got scared by all the stories about the repair costs.
I was just thinking the other day "Gosh, I wish there was a new video from High Peak Autos". The SL is a very nice car. Just a shame you didn't get it with a V8. Still nice.
I managed to get myself a nice 350 with 40k on the clock and full AMG kit from factory, it's march 06 model so just misses out on the expensive tax and retains the five speed box. Stunning car and only cost me £7300 in the end...people at my work spend more on corsa's 😂
Lovely looking cars, with an interior that blends tech and luxury beautifully. Had no idea anyone still used vacuum for central locking though! Right near the end you used the word that always comes to mind when I see one of these - wafting. These cars are proper old wafters👍
lmao no way - i was just searching for a sl500 some hours ago, just to see how much they depreciated as it was one of my dreamcars back then. good choice for a review mate, really enjoyed it.
Had a 2006 SL350 for 3 years and as I was working overseas hardly ever used it but when I did come home I loved the car. Its all you say but the power was plenty for me. Sold it as 4000 miles per year was not viable and I hired a car instead. Sad day when it went.
This had the 3.5 engine which had cam gear problems that could potentially destroy the engine. The previous 3.7 (same body/design) did not have this issue and was far superior - virtually bulletproof.
Upgrading my 21 year old SLK to one of these in the next month or two so this vid was a great find. Cheers fella. Nice to hear a bit of Brit bantz too, as going right mad in the Netherlands with the lockdown.
Your problem with the battery light is most likely the 20 amp fuse under the driver side floorboards/seat near the Sam that’s on an American car SL I’m not sure on the SL 350 that’s only made in Europe, might help some people, Of course you need to make sure that both the front and rear batteries are fully charged the rears tend to need a trickle charger on them at the vehicle sits a lot. Nicely done Video, it’s nice to see a beautiful looking SL 350,STEVEOo
I agree with the host's opinion that R230 is arguably the most attractive SL since the Pagoda. But on the other hand, my refreshed '09 SL front headlights just look better since I used to own an '05 SL and got tired of its front facia.
I to share your passion for the Pagoda 280 SL., surely the most beautiful car ever made. You'll' be aware of Hummels, the SL restorer's, they have some great cars to perve over.
Love your videos. Cars that are in my price range are always more relatable and interesting to me. The car you showed seemed to have a sunroof. Don't really understand why you didn't mention that. Looks like a great feature. I didn't know convertibles could even come with a sunroof. Left wanting to know if it slides or tilts open in any way. Do disagree slightly with the useless back seat comment. Yes the rear seats in GT cars are not really suitable for anybody over the age of 5 but it does provide more room for bags and stuff than what you showed behind the seats of that SL. I also believe when talking about usability of 911s they are comparing them to other exotic cars (usually mid engined ones) The thing about 911's they aren't too wide, can be used in multi storey car parks (Not too low). Good visibility for a near supercar. Not too bad mpg either. Then again my knowledge is from a 993. They have got bigger since. Keep up the great work. Always look forward to a new vid from you.
The wok comment had me going "huh" and then I splurted my coffee when I got it. A Mercedes that rusts and has electrical issues, more Italian than Deutsch it seems. The battery coding thing, is this just a German car trait, my Audi had to have the same thing done. The SL is a lovely car and i agree with your view that cars that claim to have rear seats but no actual human could sit in them. I had a 928 that was way more usable with the seats folded down.
Good review, I bought clk500 a few yrs back, mainly a weekend runabout as you pointed out, puts a smile on face with roof down in the sunny climate here in Australia,
Great video I used to have a 94 model great memories, heavy roof two man job !! BMW for me these days, maybe one day I’ll trade my X5 for an 8 series !!
At 80000 miles the SL are just breaking in. He's right in they're just starting to go back up in value in the past 2 years. These are mainly second cars, weekend drivers, going below the speed limit
Lovely vid cheers, and good point regards the "build up a rapport" with your garage. And yes tell the good folk of Texas how we have to pay tax just so we can park/drive our cars on the Queen's highway. Man alive what an awesome insight into the UK.... pissing rain, high taxes AND road works, your channel brings me such joy.
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Saw this video....3 times......went out and bought one off eBay.....what a beautiful car. Drives like dream and makes Huddersfield feel like Monaco.
Lmao definitely getting one for London then.
Hahahaha. This is the sort of behaviour that is to be applauded
@@Sierra_mikeYou should because (incredibly) they are ULEZ exempt! But don’t tell everybody….🤫
kinda similar story - always loved the look of this generation of SL, had a search a few months back - there are loads on sale, finally plumped for a 2006 350 with less than 50k miles on it and I love it - every trip feels special and as others have said - its fully ULEZ compliant and the insurance is only £180 for the year! 👍
This will become a classic in the next couple of years. A lot better looking than its successor.
Completely agree - This shape is the best looking. I think it's the boot that turns me off on the newer models.
Best looking!
[The only much more better than „best looking“ is to have the steering on the other side (😂🤣😅😉)...]
Dam right it will it’s lovely looking sl
I like the R230 a lot but this is blasphemy.
Great review...I have the SL 500 ...I've owned it for 5 years and have replaced both batteries in that time.....it really is a brilliantly engineered car....the engine is the V8 is infinitely better than the V6....i spent a lot of time in both before i decided on the V8......my car is 2003 and has done 40 000 gentle miles....as you mentioned it had 5 owners but it makes no difference....I looked at 15 of these before i bought this one....the car is almost without blemish and looks amazing....
Agreed. No way would I take the 350 over the 500.
“Man bag” and “testes”!! Some people would need the difference explained to them!! 🤣😂🤣😂 Good to see you back kid 😎
I agree with this review as i own the same 2007 sl 350 but mine has just passed 150k miles and im the second owner since 23k so i can vouch for this being a ideal everyday vehicle and running costs are not as bad as the balancer shaft (130k miles for me) when you get past that experience and rust is only surface rust so nothing too serious and the gearbox is still fine with regular maintenance . So highly agree this vehicle can run for a long time as i plan to use daily and keep til the wheels fall off as this is all original like i remembered when i read the brochure !
Congrats my Black friend. Im happy that you enjoy your German Car. You know what good is. I hope your SL will serve you well and always do its Job.
🤣🤣🤣😊 black friend??? What are you? A racist 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I completely agree with you on going for the 350 or the 55. I used to have a 107 280 straight-six. I regret not buying a V8 then. However, this 350 is such a good package that unless you need four seats, there is no better convertible touring car for sensible money. Well done for another sensible review that completely understood the car from the buyers’ perspective!
Nice video. I did buy a SL350 a couple of months ago and I am not rich or fat. Mine is a 2007, one previous owner, full service history and just 46,000 miles on the clock. It looks like new and drive perfectly doing 26mpg on average. I love the car. It has all the performance and creature comforts I need, with a sensible ergonomic layout without being ruined by unnecessary electronic gizmos. The only issue I have had so far is the lumbar support adjustment not working. This is probably a vacuum pipe leak and I may get around to fixing it but not sure its worth the bother.
Absolutely fantastic review.
I've had my 2008 SL350 for 18 months and I love it more each day. An excellent car, reviewed excellently.
Thank you. Enjoy it. I have an 02 55 and I love it
I bought one of these two years ago, as I thought the SL350 was extremely good value. Having experienced the electrical gremlins early, such as the SRS and roof warning light coming on, I have to admit this caused a degree of concern. But decided to replace both batteries and the SL has behaved very well ever since. The only complaint is the lack of back support on perhaps longer journey's. It's great in the summer with the roof down, and a real pleasure and will put a wide smile on your face. Performance is ok as I only use for summer cruising. If you want power and comfort the Jaguar XK 5.0L is by far a better choice. Overall thought the SL is a great pleasure motor and maintenance is pretty fair to be honest.
The 5L XK doesn't compare in terms of price though. You're looking at £16k for a 2010 plate vs £8k for a 2004 SL350
I treated myself to a new pre-facelift SL500 as a retirement present in 2008. It has now done 60,000 trouble-free miles, is on only its second set of tyres and my local independent Merc-specialist charged £200 for its B-service this August (£1,200 for an A-service last year). I use it as an April to October car and it is a delight to drive. My main car is a 2009 L322 Range Rover Westminster 3.6 TDV8, now on 120,000 miles, which I have also owned for the last ten years so you made me feel very good about my choice of cars!
Great choice of cars. Thats the perfect two car garage. Glad to hear your SL is going well. Hope youre enjoying retirement
@@HighPeakAutos Thank you, Matt. I very much enjoy your videos and appreciate your honesty.
I have been thinking of buying one of these but, after you explaining and problems that can go wrong with them, I'm not so sure now. I am a lady driver and often feel slightly intimidated by Male mechanics trying to RIP me off. But thank you for being upfront about this model.
Lovely car's, but, mx5 for me.
Definaely a true Classic Mercedes styling. To this day looks more appealing in my eyes then ALL of the generations of SL to follow after. Beautiful coupe
One of the best reviews of the SL350 - spot on. Ive had one from 2006 for many years , and will be keeping. In a Timeless Car.
Thanks!
just bought a 2003 350 sl with just 34,000 miles on the clock. a total gem.
Never considered one of these, but you make it seem viable, I'd go for the SL55 personally. Great review and glad your still alive. Seems like years since your last one!!
A good friend has an E Class estate E55....
Crankshaft sensor..... Complex suspension failure.... I could go on, fortunately it’s his money not mine.
If the repair costs are too scary consider a SLK 350 post 2004, very fast and look at the prices, lots of 14 - 15 y/o cars with less than 80000 miles and fsh....
I just bought a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather.
I'm loving my 700nm 430 bhp, 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, 'old man's car' that corners like it's on rails with its very stiff aluminium chassis.
I test drove an SLK55. With that the engine felt special. When I drive my SL the whole car feels special. It's S class after all. A lot more car for the money than the Slk55. And TBH I'm 6 foot so the slk felt a bit cramped.
A refreshing and honest review. Loved the SL have the same model but 2004. Brought from a Mercedes specialist and goes back every year for mot and service, even though the computer informs me there is still 9000 miles to go to next service. Prevention not cure. Bought this because of higher running costs with the V8. Particularly suspension issues. If I only had one car it would be the SL55. But practical reasons dictate otherwise. Have a 2012 Range Rover Sport Autobiography also and enjoyed your review of that. Fingers crossed we are all correct with these bottoming out and values going up again. Why not? It's true for all the other's. Had mine 4 years now and done about18000 miles including two trips around Europe. Loved every minute of it. Puts a smile on my face every time I open the garage door. Keep up these great videos.
Great choice in cars! Perfect two car garage although I'd rather have the full size RR personally
I think I'll stick to my 2007 CLS 60K miles. It is the diesel and I had it remapped to 310bhp about 5 years ago. It's very similar inside apart from having the two seats in the rear. It will catch pigeons and yet still returns 40 MPG on the motorway. Love it!!!
Very astute review, reflects my 2007 350SL ownership perfectly. Lovely cars and at this age fantastic value for money.
I had a CL 500 with the ABC (it failed and was uneconomical to repair, plus various other MOT failures eventually killed it off, it wasn't the best example). I had an SLK 320 which was written off in an accident and looking back now having owned the little SLK with the V6 and the big CL with the V8.. I'd buy the SL350 every single time now and never once feel bad for not buying the V8 versions, because that ABC system is ruinously expensive to maintain.
"If you're rich and overweight. You buy an SL." You had me!! 🤣🤣
In my humble opinion the key to SL reliabilty is regular use.
2006 update has significant engineered upgrades, albeit without the face change.
You pay extra for a 2006, but steering, brakes etc are worth it.
Currently drooling over an SL 350 facelift 2009. 55k miles. Beautiful.
Just sold my 2013 SL 350 and MPG was incredible - build quality superb and very comfortable. Will get another one when I’m a little older!
I had a 97 SL320 with a (very heavy) Panoramic roof, great car but not exactly fault free (head gasket, front wing rust, engine wiring loom (£1200!) made from recycled plastic that blew the ECU another £1000) but as you rightly say, one can't expect to run an old car for nothing. I believe that a car should always improve in my ownership, which it definitely did and we had some wonderful trips into Europe, Swiss and Austrian mountain passes en-route to Prague were a delight. I now have a 2007 SL350 again with Panoramic roof like yours. It has 85k and FSH. It's amazing, especially in Thulite Red (not a fan of Black or Silver). Being an enthusiastic but moderately "fat arsed retired old bloke" I'll be keeping it for a while as a weekender! Great review, thanks. Nick (Cornwall)
Cheers Nick. I've been out filming in my 2006 SL500 today. You cant beat them when the weather is nice. Cheers
@@HighPeakAutos Look forward to seeing that!
Definitely a more rational choice over the 500 or the 55! Same look, topless motoring on demand, elegant and comfortable. No pesky ABC system is GREAT news! Less power is also okay unless you’re really hellbent on losing your license! Yes, it is a bit underpowered but then again so is the 500! So unless you’re going to go balls-to-the-wall and get the 55, skip the 500 and go for the smart choice!
I absolutely agree about this being a great looking car. I've fancied one for years, this particular incarnation. Great job Matt. Thanks again. Was excited to see your review come up on TH-cam. Thanks mate
Ive always struggled in recognizing the different cars/models of Mercedes because they look often similar , compared to BMW and Audi and other makes. But the 2 door coupes/"sports car" style cars they make i always recognize and know when i see one, theres something distinctive about them compared to other cars, this has always made me have a special liking for SL/SLK id definitely have one in my garage if i had money. Great to see another vid matt !
It’s a fat boys car with no friends hence the one cup holder. Good to see you back fella. 👍
Haha good point
You could order a 2nd cup holder
Left hand drive cars have two cup holders. The right hand one is omitted in right hand drive cars because the indicator stalk, which is set quite low, gets in the way.
@@marknorton1999 lol they have inferior cars over there in the motherland
I took a punt on a R230 350SL a couple of years back. It had done 93k miles and had no service history. I paid £5400 for it and it’s been as good as gold!
There’s evidence of all the common issues having already been addressed throughout the car such as, new roof seals, new vacuum pump etc..
That’s often the benefit of buying a higher mileage car.
I still have it and it’s still my joint favourite toy (the other being my L322 Range Rover).
Nearly bought one last year but her indoors complained that we couldn't get the grandchildren in. Bought E350 Cabriolet - bloody brilliant + it's some kind of a boot to get a couple weekend cases in
RHD R230's came with one cupholder, because if there was a cupholder on the right with a drink in it, it could get in the way of the indicator stalk. Problem's solved with a LHD spec part if you really need the two. And thanks for the upload 👍
Huh? Mine has 2 cupholders.
Its one of the few hard top cars that looks amazing with the top up or down. Not many cars achieve that.
I agree
Buy one for sure....not a sports car but ok for posing. Main issues are a detached baffle in the fuel tank, roof hydraulics, corrosion and gear box leaks.
I like this SL too. But I still prefer the one from the early 80s. One of my teachers had one in dark blue and I have always liked them since.
The best and most beautiful unreliable money pit I've ever owned 🤩🤩🤩
I love the SL more than any car! And I'm neither fat not wealthy! But it just oozes class and elegance. What a car!
I agree. I bought one
They did make the back more aggressive on the refresh, 9 to 12, the refresh(I own an '11) is the best SL ever made, they just nailed it.
They don't rust around the front wheel arches because they are made of aluminium. They do rust around the lips of the rear wheel arches, which are the only steel body panels on the car. Watch also for under body corrosion, especially behind the grill and behind the rear bumper, and for damp in the boot from a failed boot seal (which will cause the PSE pump to fail). Make sure that all of the drain points are kept clear and free flowing, especially the one at the bottom of the heater plenum chamber as this will lead to the chamber filling with water, over-flowing into the passenger side of the footwell and wrecking one of the SAM units (this is often a cause of the many electrical glitches mentioned). The reason for the single passenger cup holder is that on RHD cars. a driver's cup holder would foul the steering column stalks. On LHD cars. there are two. The battery light is on either because the rear consumer battery needs charging, or it needs replacing or quite commonly, one of those 5 owners who couldn't afford to keep the car, put a cheap aftermarket non-AGM battery on it instead of a Mercedes Varta original!
Yet again, you have sorted my range rover which to get, now SL I totally love this model for me, would go 500 but you've totally made me go for it :-)
The SL 500 from 2007 to 2011 has the 7 speeds transmission and 382 HP. I can tell you it’s a huge difference with a SL 350. The 350 engines are notorious for the cam chains that wear which can cause serious engine damage. Nice review, my choice; the 500 with the 7 speed 👍🏻
Correction 387 hp
2009 SL65 driver here and many of the early issues you complain of are none existent in later generation more refined examples. Even the ABC active suspension can be improved with a transparent magnetic filter to greatly extend system fluid life. The battery issue is just a lack of research into using a trickle charger when parked for days. Many of us like Noco Genius Boost Pro. I've never seen a SL rust that was garage kept dry. Blacked out tail lights of the AMG's make the rear more masculine like the '09's new face. More significant are the countless upgrades and refinements these later year SL's have over your model. Even the nav/audio is a dramatic improvement. The AMG's and V12's are the SL's Mercedes engineers intended which can be felt viscerally as autobahn dominant road weaponry. Peak SL in my opinion.
It's been a long time Matt!
I miss 2000s wood trim interiors, i had kind of the same wood trim in my S211 2007 E class. I loved that car. This days every car has piano black or steel look trim...
Its okey i guess but like you sad this interior is timeless.
Very tempted by these with a V8 but the air suspension put me off so I went with the sensible option that is the CLK500 coupe 😎 V8 engine, 80% of the style for 50% of the cost.
I'd buy a V8 for every day use and a V6 for occasional. I onw a r129 and trust my I would not want to be w/out the rear seats. When you're on hols they are sooo useful for short trips to give everyone the chance to drive to the beach in open top style
Most German performance / sports cars tend to depreciate to a point and then they start appreciating. This has been the case for years. The SL up to model year 2008 is one of the few Mercedes models that I wouldn't mind owning (I am more of a BMW fan). I am hoping / thinking the same will happen to my 09 E89 Z4 30i (last of the naturally aspirated large capacity 6 cylinders) stop depreciating and then go up. In the mean time I will just enjoy it!
I agree with all of the views in this video. I bought an SL Pagoda when I was in my late 20's but had to sell it before my first child was born. I will never be able to buy one of those again as they have appreciated so much, but a 2006 to 2008 SL is on my shopping list. By far the prettiest SL since the pagoda
Well said!
@HighPeakAutos I think that I may have been the youngest Pagoda owner in the country at the time; the car was 35 years old when I bought it (a 1968 280SL) and I was only 28. The way that car made you feel, and the attention that it got was amazing. I remember stopping at a zebra crossing for someone to cross, and they ended up stopping half way across to take a photo of the car.
Anyway, enough about me. Keep up the good work with your videos!
They're impressive looking cars but compare it to a Jag xk of the same era and I know which I think looks more special and where my money would go.
Great work guy from high peak! you hit it on the head that's exactly why we drive the SL. Sports luxury car and they are increasing in value as we speak! they have bottomed out In price Over here in America! I had a very knowledgeable insurance agent quote me $14,500,Long story short a fireman's Tahoe screwed me up with the trailer hitch.. It was just cosmetic.. It hit me just right $9750 Worth of damage!Hey I got a whole new front end out of it!
25 years old and ive had my 07 SL350 for over a year. Ive had to spend about £1500 on it to get it up to keep. But its a beautiful car. Drives beautifully. Has that umpf. Just great tbh.
Very nice!
Mercedes nailed it with the R230 design…… It still looks as fresh today as it did when first launched all those years ago, they produced a very beautiful crossover futuristic design with a massive nod to the 1950’s, this car is timeless, not many cars on the road have aged nearly as well as these R230’s, the SL500 is the pick of the bunch, but deep pockets are required to own one, the low purchase price tag on them is deceiving .... but the difference is the money spent on them is worth every penny, nothing else on the road looks like an SLR230.
Post 2008 350SL's produce 320hp and that engine is extremely refined. It's more than enough for todays roads.
Sl55 every day !
But be prepared to pay , but will keep its values
Like owning a yacht isn’t it....😉
for my 40th birthday, I have bought myself an R231 SL63. Full spec, including matte paint, carbon ceramic brakes and performance pack. I think I will keep this car forever.
Congrats! Happy birthday
4:10 You look proper serious when demonstrating the roof, like you're docking a space craft.
😂
Set the transmission right, and you have plenty of power in a 500. How to set your r230 transmission. It's really really simple to do. I guess since ABC's sports mode it pulls and 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds. He is exactly right. Classy sporty and has a convertible hardtop. It's the perfect car for most people. The r231 is a different car faster, redesigned interior(i hate it) and much more aggressive looks. I just love my car
Absolute belter of a motor , from that era I think Mercedes were the business , I have got a 2.7 CLK 53 plate and Its absolute bullet proof , brilliant to drive just a real pleasure. So a SL could be my next purchase. Cheers Matt great craic.
That’s a lovely car definitely a future icon classic it’s up there with the looks of the pagoda
What I never can understand is why people with convertibles/cabriolets have the top up on sunny dry days (I had an E350 Cab with Air-Scarf, and when the sun was shining whatever the season the top was down - must admit in the depths of winter a heated steering wheel would have been good) You're right about the £1000/year budget for Mercedes!
Oh and one more thing - some early M272 (3.5L V6) and M273 (5.0L V8) suffered from a serious manufacturing fault involving a balance shaft gear at the front of the engine failing because it wasn't properly hardened. Not all fail but all are at risk of failure and I personally would not buy a car with one of these affected engines. The repair is engine out and costs around £3-£4K rendering most now a total loss. It impacted pretty much all of the facelift 2006 cars and some early 2007. The earlier M112 and M113 engines did not suffer from this and are largely bomb proof. Check the engine number on line against a list of affected numbers and walk away if it is in the range.
Great review and so easy to listen too! You are as calming as the SL on a country road!
Timeless design. Would love a 500 in silver!
Had a 350sl on a 06 plate for 2 yrs before the mrs got preggers.... then it had to go... that was a very very sad day. Issue I has was the design flaw on the water run off on the boot, which then compromises the gutters and then runs into the boot to the poorly protected roof pump and electrics.... still miss it.... amazing car.
Thanks for a brilliant review, I absolutely love your reviews such useful information combined with what it's like to drive and own. Thanks.😊👍👍👍
The 600 would probably be my pick. It's still expensive as they didn't make many, but it has the smoothness & sense of occasion only a V12 provides. The best example of the car's grand touring philosophy. You'll be cross shopping a 600 with some seriously desirable machinery though, so you have to really be an SL fan.
Hiya. All your output is good but this was a real step up! I like how you confidently say ‘in my opinion’ , and ‘I think..’ . Comes across as confident and reassuring. Great channel! Thank you.
Thanks! I appreciate the input. Cheers
High Peak Autos Why, thank you!
Feedback I should've said rather than input
I have the 2007 model S.L. 500, which has a 5.5 V8 with 388bhp, and its the ideal power while being more comfortable than the AMG models. The 5.0 v8 is more reliable (no idler gear problems) that mine has had, even though it is outside the alleged effected engine numbers. I’ve had an ABC issue but not major. It’s a great car but don’t buy if you are looking for something cheep.
Just come out of hospital after a eye operation so in bed enjoying all your reviews you like a breath of fresh air in the packed car review videos..so from me a big thank you ...bob from wales
Thanks Bob. Hope you recover soon
I have a 2016 one with the 367BHP twin turbo engine and 9 speed auto. Fuel consumption on short journeys or around town is terrible, but on a journey from Scotland down to south wales it did 36.7 mpg on the cruise control. The batteries are a pain though, when you hook the the car up to a trickle charger (if you don't use it often) it only charges the main battery and not the auxiliary one hidden behind the drivers seat. Once that battery goes low, the warning message comes on and the stop/start function fails, but recharging the battery does not clear the message and its a trip to the local specialist and a plug into the STAR machine. Lovely cruiser though, especially on a nice day.
I have one. It’s only a 2008 SL350. However, I bought for the spec, mileage, condition and perfect service history: Silver with black leather and dark wood interior, ventilated seats and panoramic roof.
I bought it 5 years ago with only 29k miles on the clock and paid significantly more than the going rate for one in the UK at the time. It’s now got 40k and I only use it for long European road trips. It’s been to Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany several times, Denmark and Sweden. In fact, I’m in Germany with it now and going to northern Denmark in it next week! And then from there all the way down to Angouleme in SW France before returning to the UK.
Even though it’s only the 350, on trips like this, it’s fast enough (I have other faster cars at home). The only thing that I wonder is how much better it would be if it had ABC? Mine just has normal springs and shocks. At the time, I wanted a car without ABC because I got scared by all the stories about the repair costs.
I’m looking at buying one to travel to France then to Spain to see my parents
Any tips? 😊
I was just thinking the other day "Gosh, I wish there was a new video from High Peak Autos". The SL is a very nice car. Just a shame you didn't get it with a V8. Still nice.
I’ve had a busy few weeks but I’ve got a few filmed this weekend so plenty more vids to come 😉
@@HighPeakAutos That's great to hear, Mat. So nice to listen to someone who gets it, talking about good cars.
I was looking last night after that "Mmmm, something is missing" moment
There's a V8 on eBay ... PRANGED
Too much power in a SWB vehicle to propel only 2 people. No need.
I managed to get myself a nice 350 with 40k on the clock and full AMG kit from factory, it's march 06 model so just misses out on the expensive tax and retains the five speed box. Stunning car and only cost me £7300 in the end...people at my work spend more on corsa's 😂
UK prices are stupid low
Lovely looking cars, with an interior that blends tech and luxury beautifully. Had no idea anyone still used vacuum for central locking though! Right near the end you used the word that always comes to mind when I see one of these - wafting. These cars are proper old wafters👍
The best review you will find on an R230 SL350.
lmao no way - i was just searching for a sl500 some hours ago, just to see how much they depreciated as it was one of my dreamcars back then. good choice for a review mate, really enjoyed it.
That’s a coincidence!
Timeless classic... Stands out amongst the rest... Terrific design...
Had a 2006 SL350 for 3 years and as I was working overseas hardly ever used it but when I did come home I loved the car. Its all you say but the power was plenty for me. Sold it as 4000 miles per year was not viable and I hired a car instead. Sad day when it went.
This had the 3.5 engine which had cam gear problems that could potentially destroy the engine. The previous 3.7 (same body/design) did not have this issue and was far superior - virtually bulletproof.
Upgrading my 21 year old SLK to one of these in the next month or two so this vid was a great find. Cheers fella. Nice to hear a bit of Brit bantz too, as going right mad in the Netherlands with the lockdown.
Just put a deposit down on an 06 with full Merc dealer history, can't wait 👍
Your problem with the battery light is most likely the 20 amp fuse under the driver side floorboards/seat near the Sam that’s on an American car SL I’m not sure on the SL 350 that’s only made in Europe, might help some people, Of course you need to make sure that both the front and rear batteries are fully charged the rears tend to need a trickle charger on them at the vehicle sits a lot. Nicely done Video, it’s nice to see a beautiful looking SL 350,STEVEOo
I agree with the host's opinion that R230 is arguably the most attractive SL since the Pagoda. But on the other hand, my refreshed '09 SL front headlights just look better since I used to own an '05 SL and got tired of its front facia.
Standard is best on any car. 🏴 great reviews. 👍
Thanks! I agree
👌
Great to see you back producing good honest reviews. Although I feel that generation of SL is just not special enough, I do prefer the 1980’s styling
I like the 80’s models too
I to share your passion for the Pagoda 280 SL., surely the most beautiful car ever made. You'll' be aware of Hummels, the SL restorer's, they have some great cars to perve over.
Thanks for the info!
"Upturned wok" - good work. Welcome back.
Cheers!
We need to get your subscription rate up. You the second best car reviewer in the UK and that’s not a bad thing being second.
Haha Thanks! Who's your number one?
Lol I believe it’s would be Matt Watson
A classic beuty - with no ABC problem in the 350 modell👍🏽❤️
Thats right
Love your videos. Cars that are in my price range are always more relatable and interesting to me.
The car you showed seemed to have a sunroof. Don't really understand why you didn't mention that. Looks like a great feature. I didn't know convertibles could even come with a sunroof. Left wanting to know if it slides or tilts open in any way.
Do disagree slightly with the useless back seat comment. Yes the rear seats in GT cars are not really suitable for anybody over the age of 5 but it does provide more room for bags and stuff than what you showed behind the seats of that SL.
I also believe when talking about usability of 911s they are comparing them to other exotic cars (usually mid engined ones)
The thing about 911's they aren't too wide, can be used in multi storey car parks (Not too low). Good visibility for a near supercar. Not too bad mpg either. Then again my knowledge is from a 993. They have got bigger since.
Keep up the great work. Always look forward to a new vid from you.
Thanks for watching. I forgot to mention the roof, it’s a glass roof with a blind. It doesn’t open but it’s a nice feature nevertheless
The wok comment had me going "huh" and then I splurted my coffee when I got it. A Mercedes that rusts and has electrical issues, more Italian than Deutsch it seems. The battery coding thing, is this just a German car trait, my Audi had to have the same thing done. The SL is a lovely car and i agree with your view that cars that claim to have rear seats but no actual human could sit in them. I had a 928 that was way more usable with the seats folded down.
Missed you! Welcome back...
Cheers!
Good review, I bought clk500 a few yrs back, mainly a weekend runabout as you pointed out, puts a smile on face with roof down in the sunny climate here in Australia,
Great video I used to have a 94 model great memories, heavy roof two man job !! BMW for me these days, maybe one day I’ll trade my X5 for an 8 series !!
Where have you been? It’s been to long! Need my review updates to help me decide what car to buy next
Craig Onions thanks for waiting!
SBC breaks is another tricky thing in this car. The one trying to get in of these should not be careless about SBC)
Lovely car, long fancied one, Roof seal problems put me off but would love one for sunny days . Great video. 👍👍
At 80000 miles the SL are just breaking in. He's right in they're just starting to go back up in value in the past 2 years. These are mainly second cars, weekend drivers, going below the speed limit
Lovely vid cheers, and good point regards the "build up a rapport" with your garage. And yes tell the good folk of Texas how we have to pay tax just so we can park/drive our cars on the Queen's highway. Man alive what an awesome insight into the UK.... pissing rain, high taxes AND road works, your channel brings me such joy.
Hahaha I'm keeping it real
I think the older SL’s look nicer than the newer modern ones .
The definitely do. Mercedes messed up the design of this legend and they don't have a clue how to fix it ...
Picked up a low mileage 2007 Mauritius Blue SL350 in April - still loving it even with the hot summer now long gone.
Nice colour