2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Owners generally love the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for its classy design, powerful drive, and comfortable ride, especially with the retractable hardtop that adds to its appeal. However, many have pointed out issues with the hydraulic system and some mechanical problems which can be costly to fix. Overall, it's appreciated for its performance and luxurious feel, but potential maintenance costs and some space limitations are concerns for many drivers."
The SL55 is like nothing else, classy, elegant, refined, yet at the same time exciting, unfeasibly fast and sounds like a spitfire. And the folding hard top is a work of art. The 4.5 seconds to 60 really is not indicative of the car's power. You only really get the feel for the 500 hp and 700+ nM of torque once you are accelerating at higher speeds. It accelerates from 60-120 like a decent sports car accelerates from 0-60. And the sound it makes getting there will put a mile wide grin on your (increasingly distorted) face every time. Obviously a car with no compromises comes with a few compromises in the real world, namely the cost to buy the car and the fuel economy. You can get over 23 MPG if you cruise cross continent, but driven aggressively (you'll need to be brave to do this), you can get into single digits. But if you can afford a 55AMG, you won't give a damn about the consumption, and the acceleration and the noise are extremely addictive... In terms of practicality, it's got a large 235 litre boot, which is very big for a sports convertible. When the roof is stored in the boot, you can press a button to give better access to the luggage area. The roof is fast and looks great up or down. You can even operate it from the key. Mine also has keyless go, which is very nice, just press the big button on the gear stick and the V8 rumbles to life. The AMG speedtronic box with it's paddles behind the wheel allows you full control when you find a nice twisty bit of country road. In terms of comfort, it has heated massaging seats and 3 memory settings which store seat position, side mirror position, steering wheel rake and reach and even rear view mirror position. In summary, if you can afford it, buy one. Just a shame they have replaced the SL55 with the less torquey and slightly odd looking SL63 AMG...
July 3, 2008This is my fourth Mercedes-Benz. This particular model has been great for my needs! It really turns heads and has a powerful engine; I also think it's a really fun, nimble, and agile car for a Mercedes. I have taken really good care of it, so maintenance hasn't been an issue. Acceleration, braking, handling are excellent. Because it's a roadster, you may feel a little too confined in it, but that's expected.
December 18, 2012This cars stunning looks are only surpassed by it's awesome, raw, pavement-ripping power. At 138 MPH it felt rock-steady and felt like I was doing 80! The car handles like a dream and it's musical exhaust note gives only a slight hint of the twin-supercharged power plant under the hood. Makes you want to quit your job and just drive this beast like you stole it. Not for the timid.
April 26, 2015What owners say
The SL55 is like nothing else, classy, elegant, refined, yet at the same time exciting, unfeasibly fast and sounds like a spitfire. And the folding hard top is a work of art. The 4.5 seconds to 60 really is not indicative of the car's power. You only really get the feel for the 500 hp and 700+ nM of torque once you are accelerating at higher speeds. It accelerates from 60-120 like a decent sports car accelerates from 0-60. And the sound it makes getting there will put a mile wide grin on your (increasingly distorted) face every time. Obviously a car with no compromises comes with a few compromises in the real world, namely the cost to buy the car and the fuel economy. You can get over 23 MPG if you cruise cross continent, but driven aggressively (you'll need to be brave to do this), you can get into single digits. But if you can afford a 55AMG, you won't give a damn about the consumption, and the acceleration and the noise are extremely addictive... In terms of practicality, it's got a large 235 litre boot, which is very big for a sports convertible. When the roof is stored in the boot, you can press a button to give better access to the luggage area. The roof is fast and looks great up or down. You can even operate it from the key. Mine also has keyless go, which is very nice, just press the big button on the gear stick and the V8 rumbles to life. The AMG speedtronic box with it's paddles behind the wheel allows you full control when you find a nice twisty bit of country road. In terms of comfort, it has heated massaging seats and 3 memory settings which store seat position, side mirror position, steering wheel rake and reach and even rear view mirror position. In summary, if you can afford it, buy one. Just a shame they have replaced the SL55 with the less torquey and slightly odd looking SL63 AMG...
July 3, 2008This is my fourth Mercedes-Benz. This particular model has been great for my needs! It really turns heads and has a powerful engine; I also think it's a really fun, nimble, and agile car for a Mercedes. I have taken really good care of it, so maintenance hasn't been an issue. Acceleration, braking, handling are excellent. Because it's a roadster, you may feel a little too confined in it, but that's expected.
December 18, 2012This cars stunning looks are only surpassed by it's awesome, raw, pavement-ripping power. At 138 MPH it felt rock-steady and felt like I was doing 80! The car handles like a dream and it's musical exhaust note gives only a slight hint of the twin-supercharged power plant under the hood. Makes you want to quit your job and just drive this beast like you stole it. Not for the timid.
April 26, 2015I love everything about this car. It is really hard to find cons on this vehicle because of the outstanding performance. The maintenance is minimum compared to other sports cars and the ride is too comfortable to be called a sports car.
August 29, 2012Love to drive this car, great handeling, a lot of power, will keep driving this car for long time it is a lot of fun and I enjoy very much.I will get another one some day, will not drive any other car.
March 25, 2014Very good power and pick up. Also breaks very good. Built to a whole new standered. Love it. Cost a lot to maintain but is worth it. Tons of fun to drive. Best Mercedes ever built. Good job Daimler. Awsome.
June 24, 2009This is a launch Designo edition of the current style of Merceds Benz SL. The color is Launch Edition green which I think is beautiful. It is a sure pleasure to drive. On mild days it really a pleasure to pop the top and enjoy my commute throught the hills and back country home.
July 11, 2011This car is incredibly well built. It looks extremely sharp and drives better than any other car I have driven. It gets lots of compliments and makes me feel good when I have the top down even if I've had a stressful day.
January 26, 2011Really loved the supercharger in this car. Fast Car, nice two seater. had it in black in the desert - not recommended! The supercharger had a squeak when the clutch kicked in on it, but everything else was just a lot of fun.
July 1, 2008Like strapping an armchair to a rocket
June 10, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $113,970 | Seating 2 |
Engine 5.4L 493 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 11.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $113,970 | Seating 2 |
Engine 5.4L 493 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $86,710 | Seating 2 |
Engine 5.0L 302 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 10.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$86,710 - $113,970
Current avg. market price
$13,305
Trending down by 2.8% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
