2004 Mercedes Benz SL600 (R230) |

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2004 Mercedes Benz SL600 (R230)

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Mileage~52,636 on clock
Transmission5-Speed Automatic
Engine5.5-litre
LocationSawbridgeworth

AUCTION CLOSED

2004 Mercedes Benz SL600 (R230)

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

The SL600 has supreme comfort with astonishing power; it has become one of the last of a breed.

The SL has long been established as the flagship tourer for Mercedes-Benz, having originally been used as a designation by the company since 1954. The 5th generation, the R230 series, was unveiled in 2000, and as a halo model, highlights desirable features such as the ‘Vario Roof ’ retractable hardtop, keyless entry and an active suspension system.

Each successive generation of the SL would exude virtues of quality, style and glamour, to complement the comfort and equipment. The SL600 was the highest-powered non-AMG R230 available, which made its presence known by the virtues of its 510 bhp V12 5.5-litre twin-turbo engine. Needless to say, its on-road performance was up there with the very best at the time, yet few supercars could match its refinement, practicality and vast dealer network.

The SL600 became one of the last non-AMG R230 V12 Mercedes models to be sold, and offers a fascinating glimpse of a company at its peak engineering confidence, just before the era of excessive driver control aids dominated the supercar arena.

This beautifully presented 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL600 is finished in brilliant silver metallic with a charcoal leather interior. It comes fully equipped, including a BOSE sound system, it has been family-owned since 2010 and comes with an impressive maintenance and service history. Reading only ~52,636 miles on the clock, it has two keys, an MOT to April 2026 and was last serviced in July 2025.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting John 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 really nice example of a well-looked after SL600, there was no question of taking the car on.

John is a classic car enthusiast who handles high-quality, low-mileage sports cars and seeks out cars that have been cherished by careful owners.

John will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

John

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The timeless design with sporty proportions and elegant lines is highlighted by its smart finish.

Wheels and Tyres

The 18” 5-spoke alloys are smartly presented, with minor marks noted on the nearside front wheel, but all are free of kerb damage.

The front and rear of the car are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, with the front showing a spec of 255/40 and 285/35 to the rear - these are date-coded from 2014 to 2018 on the rears. The front tyres' wear is flagged up as an advisory on its latest MOT.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Mercedes and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The underside of the car is solid, with no issues noted on the floor pan, engine bay, boot floor, wheel wells and suspension mounts.

The exterior presents well, with a positive panel flow all flush to the body. The doors open and close with ease, all having consistent shut lines.

Being picky, there is a small spot of corrosion forming on the nearside rear wing just above the rear bumper and wheel arch. We also spotted slight corrosion on both rear wheel arch lips.

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.

Paint

The brilliant silver paint finish has an even consistency and a positive lustre. There are a few minor stone chips on the bonnet and top of the offside wing, but these have not penetrated beyond the top coat. There is also a minor surface mark on the boot lid.

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.

Glass and Trim

The headlamp lenses show mild fogging but appear to be ideal candidates for treatment - all of the other lenses are in good shape.

The glass and seals present well, although the rear glass shows mild signs of lamination damage on the edges.

The trim and bumpers are well-mounted and free of marks or scuffs.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The luxurious interior with high-quality materials has allowed the cabin to retain its appeal.

Seats and Carpets

The graphite leather climate control seats are in good shape with mild creasing, and the age-related bolster wear on the driver's side.

The passenger seat motor needs repeated button pushes to tip forward - maybe due to little use.

The carpets and mats are clean - all are dry.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents positively, the leather padding, facia and burr walnut are free of significant marks.

The controls and switches are in good condition, with just the radio button being a little sticky, and the driver's side cup holder jammed. The dials are clear. All of the functions are said to work as they should.

The door cards and interior trim are in good condition.

The boot trim has a few marks, but appears to have been carefully used.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good shape.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The V12 engine provides smooth and substantial power, making it the ultimate grand-tourer.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start process was event-free, with no issues with the engine upon start-up. It idles smoothly with no wobbles, and all the dashboard warning lights remained off. There were no fumes from the exhaust. The engine was repeatedly started during our visit with no ill effects, and we didn’t notice any fluid leaks.

The engine is cleanly presented, with an impressive file of documentation suggesting careful maintenance.

The five-speed automatic gearbox was demonstrated to operate seamlessly with a positive feel and smooth kick-down.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride was smooth with no issues heard from he wheels, absorbing the road with no unwanted thuds or squeaks. A 2018 main dealer bill for £2,700 for new braking components is present in the paperwork section.

The car brakes confidently, free of negative nosies, squeals and wobbles. We had to take a little evasive action, as an oncoming motorist misjudged their overtaking timing. The Mercedes’ ability to control the manoeuvre appeared to have got us out of any trouble.

The Drive

A super-smooth cruiser with a sporting edge, the punch of the twin-turbo 500 bhp V12 creates imposing drama and presence, yet it proved easy and manageable to drive, thanks to its practicality, comfort and flawless quality.

There’s very little to give away the immense power lurking in front of you; the engine has civility that disguises its power, which is part of the SL600’s appeal. Our driver, Theo, was careful with his right foot, so we were treated to a measured and leisurely drive which allowed us to focus on the comfort, control and poise of the car.

The handling is controlled, with a balance that seems to eliminate any lean. The ride is smooth, the suspension absorbs the road without any drama. The steering remained true throughout the drive, offering a good feel and no play or vibrations.

The car comes up to temperature without issue, and there were no reports of oil pressure issues.

Electrics and Other

The hardtop with panoramic glass retracts without any issues - the motors are free of strains and offer a good seal.

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History and Paperwork

Well-maintained throughout its life and it has £3,500 worth of mechanical bills in the last two years.

First registered in May 2004, the car comes with several older V5s, which trace the Mercedes back to its second owner and document its first owner. The last registered keeper purchased the car in 2010, and the ownership was passed over to his wife in 2024.

The car comes with an impressive folder of documentation, including invoices that go back to 2011 and has 11 service stamps. The most recent invoices show that £3,500 was spent at the SL Shop in the previous two years, including a 2024 invoice for a new water pump, idler pulleys and auxiliary belts.

Amongst the earlier invoices, £3,500 was spent at the Mercedes main dealer. The paperwork covers mechanical maintenance to the engine, suspension, brakes and sensors. There are also a total of £1,600 on body cosmetics. It retains almost all of its MOT certificates back to 2010.

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From Trade Classics:

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time - we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

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

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
28-07-2025	SL Shop Service	52,536
24-03-2025	MOT	52,433
03-04-2024	MOT	52,224
19-07-2023	SL Shop Service	51,936
16-03-2023	MOT	51,560
09-03-2022	MOT	50,360
13-07-2021	Independent B Service	49,575
24-03-2021	MOT	49,457
15-01-2020	MOT	49,135
22-07-2019	Mercedes A Service	47,651
16-01-2019	MOT	47,112
16-03-2018	MOT	44,986
10-08-2017	Mercedes B Service	43,219
21-03-2017	MOT	41,875
16-01-2017	MOT	41,724
21-01-2016	MOT	40,019
06-01-2016	Mercedes B Service	39,972
10-12-2014	MOT	36,564
08-01-2014	Mercedes A Service	33,908
18-11-2013	MOT	33,416
02-10-2012	MOT	30,449
03-01-2012	Mercedes B Service	28,902
30-09-2011	MOT	28,117
21-09-2010	MOT	25,244
04-12-2010	Mercedes A Service	21,958
04-01-2010	MOT	21,602
09-01-2009	MOT	15,729
17-01-2008	MOT	8,718
16-01-2008	Mercedes B Service	8,697
12-10-2005	Mercedes A Service	2,232

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Key Details

ModelSL600
Transmission5-Speed Automatic
Reg. Date01-05-2004
CC5513
Mileage~52,636 on clock
HistoryExcellent
ColourBrilliant Silver Metallic
Interior ColourCharcoal
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB2304762F060301
Last Service28-07-2025 - SLSHOP
MOTYes Exp. 02-04-2026
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers3
Tyre BrandMichelin Pilot Sport 3
Tyre Age2014 / 2018
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypeTrade
Previously Owned15 Years
Key FeatureHistory and Condition
Vehicle RegistrationM60 OMM
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2 Door Convertible
Auction ID3117

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Vehicle Location

Sawbridgeworth

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Seller : JohnHa

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2 Comments

JohnHa

Seller

10 months ago

Good morning – Thanks you for your interest. In reply to your question, I can purely state that all available information has been provided within the substantial maintenance records shown. Regards John

brandyboy

10 months ago

Hello John
Can you please advise me on the precise nature of the work carried out described as – body cosmetics at a cost of £1600 within the description of the 600 SL
Thanks in advance
brandyboy

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