2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230) |

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2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230)

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Mileage~74,805
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0-litre
LocationWimborne, Dorset

AUCTION CLOSED

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230)

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

A refined open-top grand tourer that pairs V8 performance with relaxed luxury - offering smooth, confident power in an effortlessly stylish package.

The R230 represented a major step forward for the SL, bringing with it a new level of technology and refinement - most notably its fully electric folding hardtop, which transforms it from coupé to convertible at the push of a button.

Launched in 2001 and produced through to 2011, the R230 SL-Class enjoyed a long and successful run. The SL500 sits at the heart of the range, powered by a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8, producing around 302 BHP and capable of achieving 0–60 mph in c.5.5 seconds. Performance is matched by sophistication, with features such as Active Body Control using adaptive suspension to produce a composed and comfortable drive under all conditions.

This example has been with its current owner for around a year and has covered ~74,800 miles. Finished in the ever-popular Mercedes Brilliant Silver with a full black heated leather interior, it presents beautifully and offers a refined, comfortable space for both driver and passenger.

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

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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.

Meet the owner

A genuinely rewarding car to drive, made even better by the deep, characterful sound of its naturally aspirated 5.0L V8: it's a proper old-school experience.

Tony acquired the car in 2025, adding it to his collection of performance-focused vehicles, including several other V8s. This SL500 stood out as the ideal car for daily use - but was also equally suited to relaxed weekend drives.

Due to his health, the car has seen lighter use and has been kept garaged. With this in mind, Tony has decided it’s time for the car to move on to a new owner - ideally an enthusiast who will continue to drive and enjoy it as intended.

Tony would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Tony

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The R230 introduced a more modern and sculpted look, with smoother lines and a sharper front end that set the tone for Mercedes-Benz design in the years that followed.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with R230 17” seven spoke original alloy wheels, finished in silver. The wheels appear to be in very good condition, with some minor signs of kerbing around the edges on the front offside alloy.

The wheels are fitted with Continential ContiSportContact 3 tyres, which also appear to be in fair visual condition, with a good amount of tread remaining. They are dated 2011/2012, and minor signs of visible cracking are beginning to show on the outside walls.

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.

Bodywork

The bodywork appears to be in good overall condition, with panel gaps aligning well visually around the car.

There are, however, some minor age-related marks including light scuffs and blemishes. Notable areas include marks on the offside door edge, cracked aerial, a light scuff to the front nearside sill and some minor bubbling on the hard top convertible roof.

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

Paint

Finished in 'Mercedes Brilliant Silver’, the paintwork presents well with even colour and coverage across all panels.

There are some swirl marks visible, consistent with the car’s age - nothing that a professional detail wouldn’t significantly improve.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition for the car’s age. During our visit we didn’t notice any obvious cracks or discolouration.

The window seals appear good and consistent with the overall condition of the car.

The door handles and window surrounds also present well.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin offers a well-balanced mix of comfort and quality, with soft leather, intuitive controls, and a layout designed for relaxed, long-distance driving.

Seats and Carpets

The Black leather seats have retained their shape well over the years, with some light creasing and marks appearing with age, especially on the bolsters.

The door cards and carpets present in a similar manner, showing consistent condition throughout the interior.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard in this SL 500 R230 shows no major damage or scuffs, and no warning lights were displayed during our visit.

The odometer displayed ~74,805 miles at the time of consignment.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Mercedes leather steering wheel presented well for its age.

The gear selector looked to be in good shape too, both consistent with the age of the car.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

At its heart is a 5.0L V8 producing ~302 BHP, and capable of accelerating 0–60 mph in around 5.5 seconds. The 4-speed automatic gearbox ensures seamless power delivery and easy cruising.

Engine and Gearbox

The 5.0-litre engine, producing approximately 302 BHP, is paired with an automatic gearbox.

On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well moving the car around Tony's grounds - the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran well.

Tony reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving, and for a closer look underneath the SL500 and its engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears to be in good condition, providing a smooth journey on the short drive around Tony's home.

During our short drive in the car with Tony's wife, it felt just as you'd expect for a sports car from this era, coming to a stop without a fuss too.

The Drive

The SL500 offers a composed and comfortable driving experience, pairing a supple ride with the strong, effortless performance of its 5.0-litre V8.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Tony reports that everything is functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

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History and Paperwork

With a comprehensive history and current MOT, this ready-to-enjoy R230 offers strong value and a desirable, 5.0-litre V8 powertrain.

Offered in largely original specification, this SL500 benefits from its 5.0-litre V8, original factory wheels, and a classic Mercedes colour scheme that suits it perfectly.

Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports, servicing, and parts this Mercedes has received over its life.

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, and 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 on 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 bid/s, 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
08.10.2025	MOT	74,787
29.10.2024	MOT	74,709
22.12.2022	MOT	74,700
08.07.2020	MOT	74,642
27.07.2018	MOT	74,619
15.09.2016	MOT	74,433
26.02.2015	Service (MD)	73,926
19.02.2015	MOT	73,720
04.07.2014	MOT	73,610
16.05.2013	MOT	70,404
13.08.2012	Service (MD)	66,383
25.05.2012	MOT	64,401
24.05.2011	MOT	57,485
10.01.2011	Service (MD)	55,106
25.05.2010	MOT	51,177
25.06.2009	Service (MD)	43,529
26.05.2009	MOT	42,766
11.03.2008	MOT	32,883
16.01.2007	MOT	26,022
13.07.2006	Service (MD)	22,217
06.06.2005	Service (MD)	11,513

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Key Details

Year2004
Model500SL (R230)
TransmissionAuto
Reg. Date17.01.2004
UK Reg. Date31.01.2005
CC4966CC
Mileage~74,800 on clock
HistoryPresent
ColourMercedes Brilliant Silver (C744)
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB2304752F072923
Engine #11396330555228
Last Service26.02.2015
MOTYes. Exp - 28.10.2026
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers6
Tyre BrandContinental
Tyre Age2011
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~1 year
Key Feature5.0L V8
Vehicle RegistrationAY53 LUD
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeConvertible
Auction ID3503

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Wimborne, Dorset

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : Tony2

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2 Comments

Delwar

2 days ago

Hi – can you comfirm the roof works consistently with no errors and there is no water ingress into the boot area . Is there any corrosion or rust on the car ? How many owners has the car had in total ? Thanks

Tony2

Seller

Delwar

2 days ago

The roof works consistently ? with no water ingress into boot. The car has been described accurately. It’s had 7 owners.

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Vehicle Location

Wimborne, Dorset

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