My coworker is always raving about the 7 speed automatic. He's worked on Mercedes for quite some time. They're like his specialty and he's argued that the 7 speeds are the most reliable transmissions that Mercedes has ever built.
This gen was infused with autobahn breeding and is very refined top down which is perfect to complete the mission of crossing continents at speed. It's a long distance road weapon. No fake wood here either. That's fine Mercedes Burl veneer craftsmanship.
I think he’s used to reviewing much more plebeian cars with the “simulated wood trim” inside. A 6 figure when new Mercedes-Benz model like this would have the real wood trim inside for sure.
I heard that the 5 speed automatic transmissions from Mercedes-Benz could handle more torque than the 7 speeds, and that was why none of the V12 Mercedes models ( and the AMGs with the Kompressor V8) never came with the 7 speed.
The later V12 models eventually came with the 7 speed transmission. Some of the new Mercedes-Benz models now have 9 speed transmissions though. The only Mercedes model that currently has a V12 is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680. Mercedes-Benz is trying to go slightly greener by discontinuing almost all of their V12s and most of their V8s reserved mainly for the S-Class, AMG SL, G-Class, and GLS-Class.
Mercedes was in the transition phase from the iconic W123/126/140 era when the engineers ran the company to the accountants who have been running it ever since. Thanks Zack!
Had a demo license at a dealer I used to sell cars at, I took this car home for a week. I was trying my hardest not to sell it. I loved it but I definitely couldn’t afford to finance one back then.
@@Sha-Ayo Again, in your case, absolutely a skill issue. You have no business buying and owning an R230 SL. Education is required and in my experience people like you never grasp exactly how much learning is required. Owned my 2009 SL65 which is even more complicated than this base model and never spent "thousands" every few months. Stay away.
With the Chrysler Crossfire yes. It was just a first generation Mercedes-Benz underneath it all and even built in the same exact factory where the SLK was manufactured while the second generation Mercedes-Benz SLK was being manufactured and sold. The LX platform used by the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum, as well as the LC platform used by the Dodge Challenger were a collaboration between the American Chrysler engineers and the German Mercedes-Benz engineers with similarities to the W211 E-Class chassis. It’s a common misconception that Daimler just gave Chrysler their old W210 E-Class platform for the Chrysler LX platform cars and let them resurrect the Hemi V8 engine on their own. Daimler was the bigger winner in the “merger of equals”. There is a whole book about it which I bought called “Taken For A Ride” about how Daimler-Benz unfairly took advantage of the merger with Chrysler. Chrysler was very profitable in the ‘90s with their minivans, Dodge Ram pickup trucks, and Jeep lineup. Daimler-Benz really scored big with that merger.
I do miss hard top coupes. Just much more elegant, quieter, and durable than soft tops. Sure the trunk space sucks. But that’s why it’s your second car, right?
Definitely the best looking SL after the R129. SL55/65 are the ones to get, get a well maintained one and keep up with maintenance they are fantastic cars. Not so bad $$ wise. I work on them often. Roof can get expensive.
I have one luxrul bag I got in 2022, it's the LV white catogram speedy. It's counter quality and it has a nice honey patina now, so the leather is real. I think whatever makes you happy go for it. I've seen LV with plastic leather and blood red glaze...
I think this gen of SL`s are some of the best looking cars from Mercedes, the design are solid and stylish. Would love to own one, but too expensive for my wallet.
I feel the same way. If money were no object I would have an R230 SL 55 AMG and a C217 S 560 Coupe. I am a die hard Mercedes-Benz enthusiast except I don’t have the means to own them.
You forgot the SL 65 AMG which debuted in 2004 with its 604 horsepower, 738 lb. ft. torque 6.0L V12! Mercedes-Benz was on an all out horsepower frenzy back then. Nobody could touch them until the Bugatti Veyron came out the next year in 2005.
I agree these have aged well, but they are difficult to own, as others have mentioned. It does have a grown up feeling than the more svelte and sportier (and faster) R129, which I own. These ooze the feeling of expense despite cheaper materials and build quality than 129’s. I started washing cars on a Benz lot and drove these new when I was 16. These felt like millionaire spaceships and 129s felt…old. Again, 20 years later, I own a 129. 129’s have their own problems but not as involved as these. These get really creaky with age unlike older Benz’s
Why do you think that? I think it’s a timeless Mercedes-Benz. I believe it was Bruno Sacco’s (who just passed away last week sadly [RIP]) final design before he retired too. The folding hardtop design brought it in line with the lower priced SLK-Class too.
I’ve always loved the Mercedes convertibles.
Literally last night I was saying how this generation SL aged really well and they’re better looking as time goes on
My coworker is always raving about the 7 speed automatic. He's worked on Mercedes for quite some time. They're like his specialty and he's argued that the 7 speeds are the most reliable transmissions that Mercedes has ever built.
This gen was infused with autobahn breeding and is very refined top down which is perfect to complete the mission of crossing continents at speed. It's a long distance road weapon. No fake wood here either. That's fine Mercedes Burl veneer craftsmanship.
That's not fake wood.
🤓
I think he’s used to reviewing much more plebeian cars with the “simulated wood trim” inside. A 6 figure when new Mercedes-Benz model like this would have the real wood trim inside for sure.
Beautiful car all around. I personally love that era of Mercedes. Hoping for many more years of that SL500 being driven on the road.
I heard that the 5 speed automatic transmissions from Mercedes-Benz could handle more torque than the 7 speeds, and that was why none of the V12 Mercedes models ( and the AMGs with the Kompressor V8) never came with the 7 speed.
The later V12 models eventually came with the 7 speed transmission. Some of the new Mercedes-Benz models now have 9 speed transmissions though. The only Mercedes model that currently has a V12 is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680. Mercedes-Benz is trying to go slightly greener by discontinuing almost all of their V12s and most of their V8s reserved mainly for the S-Class, AMG SL, G-Class, and GLS-Class.
Mercedes was in the transition phase from the iconic W123/126/140 era when the engineers ran the company to the accountants who have been running it ever since.
Thanks Zack!
Had a demo license at a dealer I used to sell cars at, I took this car home for a week. I was trying my hardest not to sell it. I loved it but I definitely couldn’t afford to finance one back then.
ABC suspension, SBC brakes, electrical issues galore... no thanks. Beautiful car, but the ownership experience is a living hell.
Yup, that's the issue, it's not worth the hassle. It might look nice but it's too much of a sacrifice.
Yup, not worth the trouble
*Skill issue. Forewarned is for armed. I have a 2009 in perfect condition at 74,000 miles.
@@LawrenceMarkFearon it's not a skill issue, these cars are junk unless you like to spends thousands every few months
@@Sha-Ayo Again, in your case, absolutely a skill issue. You have no business buying and owning an R230 SL. Education is required and in my experience people like you never grasp exactly how much learning is required. Owned my 2009 SL65 which is even more complicated than this base model and never spent "thousands" every few months. Stay away.
Mercedes gave Chrysler it's old platforms to build cars on
With the Chrysler Crossfire yes. It was just a first generation Mercedes-Benz underneath it all and even built in the same exact factory where the SLK was manufactured while the second generation Mercedes-Benz SLK was being manufactured and sold. The LX platform used by the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum, as well as the LC platform used by the Dodge Challenger were a collaboration between the American Chrysler engineers and the German Mercedes-Benz engineers with similarities to the W211 E-Class chassis. It’s a common misconception that Daimler just gave Chrysler their old W210 E-Class platform for the Chrysler LX platform cars and let them resurrect the Hemi V8 engine on their own. Daimler was the bigger winner in the “merger of equals”. There is a whole book about it which I bought called “Taken For A Ride” about how Daimler-Benz unfairly took advantage of the merger with Chrysler. Chrysler was very profitable in the ‘90s with their minivans, Dodge Ram pickup trucks, and Jeep lineup. Daimler-Benz really scored big with that merger.
I do miss hard top coupes. Just much more elegant, quieter, and durable than soft tops. Sure the trunk space sucks. But that’s why it’s your second car, right?
God I love those wheels, reminds me of the Mach 5 from speed racer
The early SL 500 had a 5 speed transmission - NOT 7.
Gotta do the clk500 next
And the CL65 AMG.
It's the anti-Miata. Same vehicle concept, but what makes an SL good is the complete opposite of why Miatas are loved
I met a Miata guy once when I had an R129 SL. I said almost the same thing. I appreciate the Miata but I prefer solidity
Thanks Jimmy
Definitely the best looking SL after the R129. SL55/65 are the ones to get, get a well maintained one and keep up with maintenance they are fantastic cars. Not so bad $$ wise. I work on them often. Roof can get expensive.
I have one luxrul bag I got in 2022, it's the LV white catogram speedy. It's counter quality and it has a nice honey patina now, so the leather is real. I think whatever makes you happy go for it. I've seen LV with plastic leather and blood red glaze...
Nice car looks good 😊
I like your intro, it reminds me of gravity falls!
So wild to go from this to a model T in one day
I think this gen of SL`s are some of the best looking cars from Mercedes, the design are solid and stylish. Would love to own one, but too expensive for my wallet.
I feel the same way. If money were no object I would have an R230 SL 55 AMG and a C217 S 560 Coupe. I am a die hard Mercedes-Benz enthusiast except I don’t have the means to own them.
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (SL500 trim):
- 5 liter V8
- 302hp
- RWD
- 0-60 in 6.1 secs
- 7-speed automatic
- 155mph
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (SL 55 AMG trim)
- 5.5 liter V8
- 493hp
- RWD
- 0-60 in 4.5 secs
- 5-speed automatic
- 208mph
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (SL600 trim):
- 5.5 liter V12
- 493hp
- RWD
- 0-60 in 4.5 secs
- 5-speed automatic
- 155mph
That's all the trim levels from this cruisin' convertible from 2004
@@IAmAnAdowablePanto2190 in the UK they also had a SL350 without the ABC suspension
@@Sha-Ayo what are the specs for the SL350 trim level im from the US
You forgot the SL 65 AMG which debuted in 2004 with its 604 horsepower, 738 lb. ft. torque 6.0L V12! Mercedes-Benz was on an all out horsepower frenzy back then. Nobody could touch them until the Bugatti Veyron came out the next year in 2005.
Mercedes does not use fake wood, this reviewer 🤦♂️🤷♂️🤬
I agree these have aged well, but they are difficult to own, as others have mentioned.
It does have a grown up feeling than the more svelte and sportier (and faster) R129, which I own. These ooze the feeling of expense despite cheaper materials and build quality than 129’s. I started washing cars on a Benz lot and drove these new when I was 16. These felt like millionaire spaceships and 129s felt…old.
Again, 20 years later, I own a 129.
129’s have their own problems but not as involved as these. These get really creaky with age unlike older Benz’s
"In Germany, do you know how vee promounce Daimler-Chrysler?... Zee Chrysler is slient...."
My CL500 got sold once the ABC system started to fail. Also, it's not fake wood, and this reviewer starts too many sentences with "So..."
Abc suspension is a horrible thing
It's great when it works right!
I'm surprised by how many of these are still on the road today considering how unreliable they are 😅
My 2003 runs fine. You can't cheap-out on these cars.
I always felt this car was unworthy as a successor to the R129 SL ('89-'02).
Why do you think that? I think it’s a timeless Mercedes-Benz. I believe it was Bruno Sacco’s (who just passed away last week sadly [RIP]) final design before he retired too. The folding hardtop design brought it in line with the lower priced SLK-Class too.
04:20 BIG FRIGGIN BOTTLE FAIL!!!