2003 Mercedes-Benz SL350

The Mercedes-Benz SL range for the R230 generation began with the V8-powered models in the UK. These were complemented later with the inclusion of an entry-level V6-engined SL 350 and some V12 models. When next to these, a V6 version might seem a little less powerful. But in reality, that wasn’t the case. With nearly 250 bhp, the rear-wheel-drive SL 350 had adequate power, and while not as sonorous or outrageously brawny as the other models, it combined open-top motoring with a decent pace with ease.

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 can prove to be a pretty fine way to experience that. The UK car was first registered in 2003, and among five owners in total, it’s just done 19,520 miles. That, in nearly two decades, is about a thousand-mile yearly average. Its condition though speaks volumes about how well it’s been maintained, from the bodywork to the cabin. It has had two plate changes, but it’s close to how it’d have left the factory when new. Accompanying it is a detailed service record, old tax discs, a spare key (along with the original), Mercedes-Benz paperwork, etc.

One would think it’d be hard to improve on what the R129 offered, but they’d be wrong, because with the R230, Mercedes-Benz didn’t just present a more curved design, it did so without losing an ounce of elegance. The way the R230 sits is only improved by the sleek appearance of the three-piece metal ‘vario-roof’, which as mentioned above, was standard on the SL now, unlike the early cars where the standard car came with a soft top whereas the hardtop was a standalone unit and not integrated with the convertible mechanism.

The black paintwork looks to be largely flawless on this 2003 example, with it helping highlight the car’s hugely likeable design and some touches that add character to its styling, like the vents in the front wing and on the bonnet. The quad headlamp design was followed by other Mercs from that era, but it probably looks the best on the R230. The AMG wheels on this example can help surface your love for this generation of SL, even if you’ve been claiming to prefer older SLs. Since this isn't an out-and-out AMG model, the standard bits keep it low-profile. And that somehow works exceptionally well in the R230’s case.

While the overall condition hides the SL 350’s age pretty well, there are tiny giveaways especially on the rubber seals that may lead one to believe that the car is old. Two decades old? No chance. Rust? There seems to be none. Use-related marks? There are a few but nothing substantial. It’s worth noting that the pillar around the rear window is discoloured.

For a car as momentous as an SL, the interior has to be top class; nothing less would cut it. The R230 didn’t disappoint when new, and like other previous cars which have adorned the SL badge, it still looks and feels special. This is the early noughties we’re talking about, so while the dashboard design wasn’t ruined by touchscreens, the dashboard wasn’t the simplest or barren, either, even by modern GT standards. 

From multifunction steering wheel to standard leather seats, climate control, etc., all of this was packaged in a neat layout. With the metal roof, it could basically be turned into a coupe at the press of the conveniently placed button for operating the convertible mechanism. Gone were the rear seats, but why would you care, especially when you could have the comfort of the electrically adjustable chairs all for yourself. 

Practicality: 0; Mercedes-Benz R230: 1

This example can lead to a lot of confusion, because of how well it appears. The bodywork is great, but the interior can be likened to that of a brand-new car. Okay, the plastics are a bit 2000s, but everything is clean, light, and almost unused. The driver’s seat does seem to exhibit some light sagging, the rubber seat where the metal roof sits over the windscreen shows its age and the driver’s door card also has some tiny marks.

Mercedes-Benz moved forwards with an SL which looked more curvaceous and had a wider range of more powerful engines. So much so that if there was a car that could’ve caused the fine line between GT cars and supercars to disappear, this would’ve been it. While it could obliterate many a sports car with its supreme performance and improved dynamics, the SL wasn’t ever going to be a one-trick pony. 

This car wouldn’t have let its S-Class brethren down when it came to interior comfort, and at the same time, it could make the 911 Turbo look a bit ‘basic’.

The SL 350 was the entry point to SL ownership back then. It was powered by a 3.7-litre V6 engine which made just under 250 bhp. It made use of the standard suspension unlike the more prestigious ones which had the brand’s automatic body control, but that means the SL 350 wasn’t lugging around an additional 30 or so kilos. It was claimed to hit 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, which might not put it anywhere close to the V12 models, but it didn’t miss out on the dynamic and technological improvements Mercedes made, including the brake-by-wire system. Also, it’s worth noting that the SL 350 was just about 50 bhp down on power when compared to the V8-powered SL 500, so the difference isn’t going to be huge, unless compared side-by-side.

The underside doesn’t look to be affected terribly by age, but it’ll definitely look better after a thorough clean-up. There’s some rust, too, and the underbody cover appears to have been slightly damaged.

The R230 Mercedes-Benz SL was launched as the successor to the now-much-loved R129. The SL 350 was the entry-level offering and the range also included other V8 and V12 engine versions, including some pretty desirable AMG examples, too. The V6-engined SL 350 was no slouch though. 

The example here was first registered in July 2003, has four former keepers, and comes with a filled service booklet. It has 19,520 miles on the clock and its latest MoT is valid till July next year. 

Looking at the MoT records, it has only failed once since 2007. Advisories haven’t been too common, either; the latest certificate states that it exhibits some rear service brake binding.

The R230 doesn’t look twenty years old and the same is the case with this 2003 example, which benefits from good upkeep and low mileage. It has a valid MoT, exceptionally clean interior and bodywork, and even a space-saver spare wheel. The underside does look to have some surface rust but everywhere else the car is nearly immaculate. Expected to be valued at £12,000 - £18,000, that does look like a lot of car for not a lot of money. But then the SL has always been that; the R230 probably more so…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.