2003 Mercedes-Benz SL350

Highlights


・Car cover and private plate included
・Only 56,000 miles in 18 years
・Recent machine polish and refurb
・More economical V6 model

The Background

Perhaps one of the more famous badges in the Mercedes stable, the SL (officially meaning “Super Leicht”, or “super light”) has been with us since the 1950s and adorned many of the company's most desirable vehicles.
This fourth-generation R230 model made its debut in 2001 – in fact first appearing as a safety car in the 2001 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim – and, following a 2006 facelift, remained in production until 2010 before the R231 replaced it.

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The History

The SL350 here was first registered in July 2003, and seems to have spent all of its life in the north of England. Its original “NX” prefix plate marks it out as a citizen of the north, and every MOT has taken place at garages in the region – Carlisle, Stockton, and Newcastle.
At just over 56,000 miles from new, the SL has managed a modest 3,000 miles a year on average – up to 9,000 in its busiest year – so it has seen regular but sparing use.
The current owner is the car's eighth – equating to a little over two years per owner – having  picked the SL up in November 2020 as a “treat” purchase. However he's finding little opportunity to drive it and is keen to see it move to an enthusiast.

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The Paperwork

Along with the original owner's handbook – which is a pretty weighty tome – the SL350 comes with a wallet folder of paperwork that covers roughly the last five years.
The folder contains MOT certificates across that time - although as the car's first test was in 2006, this is all available through the MOT check website – and a selection of satisfyingly small bills and receipts, suggesting that this once-£56,000 car isn't actually all that expensive to run.

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The Interior

There's no disguising that the SL is a big car, but it is a pure two-seat convertible on the inside – albeit quite a roomy one!
The two seats are in good condition, with the passenger seat the better of the two. There's only some superficial signs of wear on the driver's seat bolster, and no major marking, staining or tears to be concerned about. All the electric functions on both seats – located on the door panels – seem to operate as they ought.
There's good quality carpeting throughout, and it all looks to be in excellent condition, with AMG over-mats protecting them further – although these look to be similarly well preserved. Clearly the occupants have been diligent in wiping their feet before they get in!
Behind the front seats is a small storage area with a couple of pockets, one of which contains that classic piece of 00s infotainment: the CD multichanger. Like the glovebox and the door pockets, these are all suede-lined and all in very good condition.
Everything electronic that we poked and pressed looks in full working order, from the infotainment screen to the various heat and seater controls. We couldn't test the in-built phone system – a pleasingly executive addition! - as there's no phone attached, but otherwise everything works as it should.
The boot is spacious even when the roof is folded down; there's a moving protector which also serves as a guide for how much you can stow when the roof is off, and also a convenience function for moving the roof panel out of the way slightly for easier access when loading and unloading.
One additional note is the presence of the original first-aid kit, in the front storage space of the passenger seat.

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The Exterior

On the outside, the Mercedes is in very impressive condition. The silver paintwork has benefitted from a recent machine polish and it's certainly come up a treat. You would be hard-pressed to say this is a car coming up on 20 years old.
The owner has recently also repainted the black panels either side of the rear screen, which had started to see some sun damage – not an unusual occurrence – so these are also back to their best. There's also an AMG car cover, so the new owner can keep everything in great condition.
One thing SL fans will spot is the front grille. This is the single-bar item from the SL55 model, rather than the four-bar SL350 version. The original is available with the car, although the fitted item adds a little more road presence.
All of the vehicle lighting seems to work as it should, and there's no damage to any of the glass elements or the windows.
The five-spoke wheels are all in generally good condition, but there is a small area on all four – around the wheel bolt recesses and centre caps – where some of the lacquer is coming away. All four tyres are in good condition, with the nearside front being a relatively newer item.
As you'll see quite readily, the car is on a private plate and this is included with the vehicle.

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The Mechanics

This pre-facelift SL350 comes with a 3.7-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic, and while the V8 might grab the headlines and make the best noises, it's still a decent and reliable unit – and not only more frugal at ~25mpg, but rated as the better-handling car even without the “ABC” air suspension option.
It also makes some pretty good noises itself. The SL350 starts up without a fuss and is both subtle at low speeds and plenty rorty enough when provoked into action!
The engine bay is pretty much clean enough to eat off, and there's no signs of fluid leaks anywhere; all signs under the bonnet point to a car that has been well kept and wanted for nothing.
On the road the SL's suspension and brakes all appear entirely capable of dealing with the not inconsiderable weight of the big coupe, with no complaints or untoward noises, and the gearbox operates smoothly in all forward gears and reverse.
It's also worth noting that the rear battery – the R320 has two, with the rear one responsible for cabin electronics – has recently been replaced.

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The Appeal

Although the last of this generation of SL left the factory a decade ago, the design has remained pretty fresh. It's a big, chic coupe that will fit in just about anywhere it goes, and the “Vario Roof” gives it a stylish approach to all-weather motoring.
With the more sensible V6 under the nose, the SL350 is the wise choice for someone who wants a car equally at home cruising around city streets as it is on a cross-continent jaunt.


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As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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Vehicle specification
  • Year 2003
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model SL350
  • Colour Silver
  • Odometer 56,000 Miles
  • Engine size 3724
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Northumberland
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
19 bids
  • ho•••• £8,550 09/11/21
  • Wi•••• £8,500 04/11/21
  • al•••• £7,700 03/11/21
  • cl•••• £7,500 03/11/21
  • Sa•••• £7,200 03/11/21
  • cl•••• £6,700 03/11/21
  • Sa•••• £6,500 03/11/21
  • cl•••• £6,200 03/11/21
  • al•••• £5,800 03/11/21
  • Sa•••• £5,600 03/11/21
Message C&C Auction Team

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