Should You Buy a MERCEDES SL350? (Test Drive & Review R230)

If you're interested in getting into the used car industry, check out the website below for more information on my online course. It's only £27 per month with biweekly livestreams! There are nearly 100 videos covering a whole range of topics. Plus you can cancel at any time. Click below.

The Mercedes SL has been around since the 1950's. It's fair to say it's an icon. The R230 model now looks very tempting. Should you buy one? Let's have a look.

Follow Me:

I've borrowed this car from my colleague - it's listed on his website:

Several people have kindly offered to donate some money towards production costs. If you would like to do the same see the Patreon or PayPal info below - thank you :)

Equipment I Use To Make These Videos:

#mercedes #mercedessl #sl350 #merc #mercedesbenz #highpeakautos

[johnjulianford]

Saw this video....3 out and bought one off a beautiful car. Drives like dream and makes Huddersfield feel like Monaco.

[DoubleDeckerAnton]

This will become a classic in the next couple of years. A lot better looking than its successor.

[RATTLER]

“Man bag” and “testes”!! Some people would need the difference explained to them!! 🤣😂🤣😂 Good to see you back kid 😎

[burtonization]

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 !

[darwenrover]

"If you're rich and overweight. You buy an SL." You had me!! 🤣🤣

[michaeloshea]

Great review...I have the SL 500 ...I've owned it for 5 years and have replaced both batteries in that 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 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....

[giuseppe]

Absolutely fantastic review.

I've had my 2008 SL350 for 18 months and I love it more each day. An excellent car, reviewed excellently.

[patrickbrompton]

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!

[JoePineappless]

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!!

[johnlane]

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.

[kernkraft]

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!

[ZMan]

Currently drooling over an SL 350 facelift 2009. 55k miles. Beautiful.

[williamlow]

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.

[Bignewshound]

just bought a 2003 350 sl with just 34, 000 miles on the clock. a total gem.

[markcarter]

Very astute review, reflects my 2007 350SL ownership perfectly. Lovely cars and at this age fantastic value for money.

[johnstower]

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.

[tcaudiobooks]

4:10 You look proper serious when demonstrating the roof, like you're docking a space craft.

[petemartin]

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.

[robertheywood]

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

[stephenparker]

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....