2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs




















































































































































































































































































































































































































What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class appreciate its powerful performance and luxurious feel. Many highlighted the impressive power and enjoyable driving experience, as well as the high-quality interior finish. However, some concerns were raised regarding reliability issues, particularly with the suspension system and electrical components, which can be costly to repair. The car's price point was also considered high by some drivers."
Its a good car for sports minded people. The car has a good acceleration, braking and handling. I always felt safe in this car and it's always a pleasure to drive the car and have fun. People have nice comments about the car
May 18, 2014The SL500 was a 92 thousand dollar low production drop top to compete with jags amazing xk and bmws 6 series, now 4 years later I was able to buy my car for about 35 thousand, and only an expert can tell it from new, The SL follows a classic mercedes look, but sadly doesnt look as good as a 645 or a jaguar, which is dissapointing, but the interior is simple, very high quality, and surprisingly safe, in a s550 youd be worried to let anyone below 21 sit in it becuase they might move to quickly and scratch a trim piece, in this everything is laid back. The power comes from a five litre 302 horsepower 339 lb foot V8, with this the car should put c6 vettes in tail light view, yet the mercedes 4300 pound curb weight holds it back to 6.3 0-60 not very fast at all, which is emphasized when you think a 350z with a 3.5 litre v6 with the same horsepower and far less torque will be a 60 more than a half second faster then you, in your hundred thousand dollar sports car but when you start this car up, your not tempted to see what it can do, your more relaxed and opted to marvel as the folding aluminum roof with the full glass window takes its 16 seconds of glory, and glance at the tach to see just 1500 rpm at 70mph, or play with some of the toys like the ride height adjustment. anyway this car puts you in a place where your heart beat is lower than a meditating munk, and that can all be changed with a push of the sport button and a nudge from your right foot, even though it doesnt leap with joy, it pulls strongly all the way to the limiter, and while it does you can enjoy the amazing exhaust note, a strong deep V8 roar that I would put up with an Aston Martin, the great thing about the sound is it appears at the perfect times, at idle, and under power, not intrusive at all. But most impressive to me is the quality this car holds. everything is as good as it can be, the leather is perfect, the plastics are soft and smooth, the metal matches up perfectly, and when you park it you cant help but look back smoothly and smile.
January 30, 2009This is not a car for just anyone! This is the CAR ! that has it all. The ride ! the look ! and the Power ! with all the extra's Long trips are no problem, with both seats heated, ventilated, and Massage mode, makes any ride a pleasure.
March 13, 2014What owners say
Its a good car for sports minded people. The car has a good acceleration, braking and handling. I always felt safe in this car and it's always a pleasure to drive the car and have fun. People have nice comments about the car
May 18, 2014The SL500 was a 92 thousand dollar low production drop top to compete with jags amazing xk and bmws 6 series, now 4 years later I was able to buy my car for about 35 thousand, and only an expert can tell it from new, The SL follows a classic mercedes look, but sadly doesnt look as good as a 645 or a jaguar, which is dissapointing, but the interior is simple, very high quality, and surprisingly safe, in a s550 youd be worried to let anyone below 21 sit in it becuase they might move to quickly and scratch a trim piece, in this everything is laid back. The power comes from a five litre 302 horsepower 339 lb foot V8, with this the car should put c6 vettes in tail light view, yet the mercedes 4300 pound curb weight holds it back to 6.3 0-60 not very fast at all, which is emphasized when you think a 350z with a 3.5 litre v6 with the same horsepower and far less torque will be a 60 more than a half second faster then you, in your hundred thousand dollar sports car but when you start this car up, your not tempted to see what it can do, your more relaxed and opted to marvel as the folding aluminum roof with the full glass window takes its 16 seconds of glory, and glance at the tach to see just 1500 rpm at 70mph, or play with some of the toys like the ride height adjustment. anyway this car puts you in a place where your heart beat is lower than a meditating munk, and that can all be changed with a push of the sport button and a nudge from your right foot, even though it doesnt leap with joy, it pulls strongly all the way to the limiter, and while it does you can enjoy the amazing exhaust note, a strong deep V8 roar that I would put up with an Aston Martin, the great thing about the sound is it appears at the perfect times, at idle, and under power, not intrusive at all. But most impressive to me is the quality this car holds. everything is as good as it can be, the leather is perfect, the plastics are soft and smooth, the metal matches up perfectly, and when you park it you cant help but look back smoothly and smile.
January 30, 2009This is not a car for just anyone! This is the CAR ! that has it all. The ride ! the look ! and the Power ! with all the extra's Long trips are no problem, with both seats heated, ventilated, and Massage mode, makes any ride a pleasure.
March 13, 2014best bang for the buck!!! Incredible power and fun to drive
December 31, 2020The 2004 Mercedes SL500 is an exciting car to drive or just look at. I’m 6’2” tall and I have head room with the top closed. Some features are dated and require updating, mainly the radio for a better hands free experience and navigation, there are plenty of affordable options for this. The value is down because of the Active Body Control hydraulic system which scares people away, but there is now a coil over spring conversion kit which is cheaper then replacing 1 of the shock absorbers and eliminates the fear of a hydraulic issue stranding you on the side of the road.
March 15, 2021had it 4 years and hard to let go - all boxes ticked, except 'soul'
December 22, 2007It was a great ride but way over priced. It had a couple of oil leaks as well.
November 14, 2020Ive looked at three of these cars and all three had issues with the battery being dead and the hardtop not opening and closing. After doing research it seems that alot of them have something that is draining the battery when the car sits a long time.
February 18, 2024everything is fantastic, except the handling
December 22, 2007Trims & specs
Base MSRP $126,970 | Seating 2 |
Engine 5.5L 493 hp V12 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $120,770 | Seating 2 |
Engine 5.4L 493 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 11.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $89,520 | Seating 2 |
Engine 5.0L 302 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$89,520 - $126,970
Current avg. market price
$16,072
Trending up by 0.1% this month
May 2026 - October 2026







