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Curated Auction

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)

At a Glance

Highly Spec'd | Smart Presentation | Modest Miles | Recent Tyres and Mercedes Service | Long MOT

  • Mileage~70,646 on the Clock
  • Transmission5G-Tronic Automatic
  • Engine5.0-litre
  • LocationWarwick

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£2,500
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£2,500

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

Bulletproof V8 power meets timeless, folding-hardtop luxury grand touring.

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the R230-generation SL-Class, it wasn't just launching a new sportscar: it was redefining the modern grand tourer. Striking a masterful balance between traditional sports car dynamics and effortless luxury, the SL500 became an instant icon of success. It is a car that manages to feel incredibly special every time the door is opened, capturing a unique era of engineering where mechanical durability and cutting-edge comfort perfectly aligned.

The SL500 is powered by the legendary 5.0-litre M113 V8, widely regarded as one of Mercedes’s most bulletproof, reliable engines. This naturally aspirated powerplant delivers its performance in a smooth, linear wave. Combined with a seamless 5G-Tronic automatic transmission, it provides effortless overtaking power alongside a refined, sophisticated exhaust note.

Sitting perfectly at the sweet spot of Mercedes-Benz history, the R230 SL500 is modern enough to offer exceptional comforts like active suspension and ventilated seating, yet analogue enough to escape the overly complex touchscreens and intrusive driver aids of the modern era. Its classic long-bonnet proportions, sweeping flanks, and distinctive twin-oval headlamps have aged gracefully, cementing its status as a highly desirable modern classic.

The crowning achievement is its revolutionary folding aluminium hardtop, which effortlessly transforms the car from a secure, whisper-quiet luxury coupe into a glamorous open-top roadster.

Finished in elegant 'Diamond Silver Metallic' over a 'Silk Beige' Exclusive Nappa Leather interior, this 2004 example is highly specified, including with the desirable panoramic glass hardtop. The vehicle is accompanied by its complete owner’s pack housing an impressive service history, and benefits from over £7,000 of investment within the last two years. Most recently serviced in May 2026, the car is supplied with one key and holds a valid MOT until June 2027.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Andrew the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

One of the best cross-continental grand tourers ever built.

Since its acquisition by the current owner, this vehicle has been used extensively for long-range trips to Spain. It has proven to be the ultimate cross-continent grand tourer, offering an unmatched combination of luxury, interior space, and effortless V8 performance.

The car is currently being professionally stored at a facility in Warwick on behalf of the owner.

Andrew would be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Andrew
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The sensational exterior remains in excellent shape, highlighting Mercedes' renowned build quality.

Wheels and Tyres

While the 19-inch AMG two-piece alloy wheels show minor wear and light curb marks on the nearside wheels, they still present very well overall.

At the front of the car are Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, 255/35, and at the rear Falkens 285/30 - all are date-coded from 2025. We noted a minor chunk taken from the sidewall of the rear nearside tyre.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The exterior presents very well and is free of any noticeable corrosion or panel damage, aside from a minor, treatable dent on the boot lid. The panels align flush with the body, all doors open and close effortlessly, and the window drop functions correctly.

The car's underside is clean, with no significant issues noted across the floor pans, wheel wells, boot floor, or engine bay.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The 'Diamond Silver Metallic' paint retains a deep lustre and an even hue throughout, catching the light with a healthy shine. While the car shows a handful of minor, age-related stone chips and a few surface marks, the only other notable imperfections are located on the offside A-pillar and around the boot lid emblem.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition overall, showing only minor delamination on the rear screen. While the Bi-Xenon Headlamp lenses exhibit mild signs of ageing, the rest of the lighting looks smart and clear.

The exterior trim is in good shape, with both bumpers sitting flush with the body. There is a mild colour mismatch visible in direct sunlight, along with minor paint loss on the wheel arch ends.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Fully equipped and immaculate, the cabin's exceptional presentation reflects careful owners.

Seats and Carpets

The heated and ventilated leather seats present well, showing only mild creasing on the driver's side, while the electric adjustment motors operate flawlessly.

Throughout the cabin, the carpets are in good condition with no signs of dampness.

The boot trim is equally tidy, exhibiting some wear on the main carpet.

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Dashboard

The dashboard presents smartly and is free of significant wear, exceeding expectations for a car of this age and mileage.

The leather and wood veneer are in excellent condition, with only a minor hairline fracture on the ashtray lid. All dials, controls, and switches are crisply presented and are reported to operate flawlessly.

The Alcantara roof lining, door cards, and interior trim are all smartly maintained.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel shows minor signs of use, but the gear selector remains in excellent, presentable condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Once in motion, the SL500 feels composed, remarkably stable, and beautifully hushed.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts without hesitation, idling smoothly with no untoward noises or vibrations. All dashboard warning lights extinguished as they should, and the exhaust was free of any unusual smoke. Furthermore, the car remained completely leak-free during our visit.

The engine bay presents very well, with healthy hoses and ancillaries that clearly reflect a history of regular maintenance.

The 5G-Tronic automatic gearbox operates flawlessly, delivering seamless gear changes and a responsive kick-down that engages quickly and smoothly without any hesitation or harshness.

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Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the suspension absorbs imperfections evenly and is completely free of mechanical noise. It rides smoothly over road dips and ripples without any floating or bouncing, cornering confidently at speed with no rattles or strain.

The rear suspension dampers appear to sink when the car is parked; this will require investigation. However, the suspension lift button successfully raises the vehicle, and it maintains its correct ride height while in motion.

The car brakes confidently, pulling up straight and true with no vibration or unusual noises.

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The Drive

Under the bonnet sits the legendary 5.0-litre M113 V8, widely celebrated as one of the most reliable and bulletproof engines Mercedes-Benz ever built. Cementing the car's reputation as a powerful luxury cruiser, the V8 idles quietly and delivers smooth, rapid, and effortless acceleration. Whether the roof is up or down, the drive remains exceptionally refined.

The car feels smooth and stable on the road, easily absorbing bumps while masking its weight with a planted, confident feel. Power delivery is perfectly linear, building in a smooth, predictable wave free from hesitation, flat spots, or sudden surges, all accompanied by a sophisticated, muted V8 growl.

Crucially, there are no reported issues with either the oil pressure or engine temperature.

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Electrics and Other

We didn't test all electrical components on the day, but Andrew told us everything was in working order as far as he was aware.

The panoramic hardtop lowers and raises flawlessly, operating smoothly without any delay or mechanical strain.

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VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

That over £7,000 has been spent since 2024, including three consecutive main dealer services, demonstrates meticulous upkeep.

First registered in March 2004, this example is accompanied by its complete owner’s wallet, which includes six service history stamps alongside three recent main dealer service invoices. The car benefits from significant recent expenditure, including a £1,700 hydraulic roof cylinder and a central locking pump replacement. Receipts are also present for an upgraded metal gear selector mechanism (£1.9k) and a replacement hydraulic suspension (ABC) pump fitted in 2024. The vehicle is supplied with one key and holds a valid MOT until June 2027.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
08-06-2026 MOT 69,600
29-05-2026 Mercedes Service 68,834
30-05-2025 Mercedes Service 67,321
30-05-2024 Mercedes Service 66,817
25-03-2021 MOT 59,702
08-10-2020 Mercedes Service 59,632
29-06-2020 MOT 58,629
19-07-2019 MOT 55,623
11-07-2018 MOT 50,071
10-07-2018 Mercedes Service 50,066
11-05-2017 MOT 45,210
27-05-2016 MOT 44,025
01-06-2015 MOT 41,550
02-06-2014 MOT 38,999
01-05-2013 MOT 36,128
27-04-2012 Mercedes Service 34,161
27-04-2012 MOT 34,161
04-05-2011 MOT 30,772
18-03-2010 MOT 26,923
13-01-2010 Mercedes Service 23,057
14-05-2009 Mercedes Service 10,396
27-03-2009 MOT 8,562
30-05-2008 MOT 7,021
02-03-2007 MOT 4,631
04-05-2006 Mercedes Service 3,531
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Mercedes Benz SL500
  • Transmission 5G-Tronic Automatic
  • Reg. Date 12-03-2004
  • CC 4966
  • Mileage ~70,646
  • History Since 2024
  • Colour Diamond Silver Metallic
  • Interior Colour Beige
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # WDB2304752F073942
  • Engine # 11396330557345
  • Last Service 29-05-2026
  • MOT 07-06-2027
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 8
  • Tyre Brand Michelin/Falkens
  • Tyre Age 2025
  • # of Keys 1
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Key Feature Modest miles and regular servicing
  • Vehicle Registration GN04 FRY
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2 door Convertible
  • Auction ID 3901
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Warwick

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £2,500
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    2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230)
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE NOT MET
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    Auction Ends Thu 27th Aug at 7.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  3
    £2,500 bid by Mattybp22.08.26 @ 00:02:29
    £1,300 bid by Paddytwojags21.08.26 @ 12:17:43
    £1,100 bid by mikeypat20.08.26 @ 11:02:58
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a SL500 like this is £477 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Warwick

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    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
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    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

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    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

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