The Good
The 2000 SL-Class offers a blend of performance and comfort. The powerful V8 and V12 engines provide exciting performance. The car is known for its solid construction and, with proper maintenance, decent reliability. The luxurious interior and iconic design appeal to those seeking prestige, while its robust engineering offers some peace of mind to the practical buyer.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2000 SL-Class include hydraulic systems for the convertible top and suspension, which can be costly to repair. Electrical issues are also common. Rust can develop, especially in areas with harsh winters. High maintenance costs associated with a luxury vehicle of this age are to be expected. Be sure to check the soft top condition.
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Quick Overview
Key Specs for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
- Engine Options:
- SL500: 5.0-liter V8
- SL600: 6.0-liter V12
- Horsepower:
- SL500: 302 hp
- SL600: 315 hp
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- SL500: 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
- SL600: 13 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times (estimated):
- SL500: ~6.2 seconds
- SL600: ~6.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable - SL-Class vehicles are not designed for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- SL500: Leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power seats with memory, Bose sound system, automatic roll bar, xenon headlamps, alloy wheels.
- SL600: Builds on SL500 features, adding more luxurious trim, sometimes including exclusive leather options, and typically more standard features. Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS) is common.
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2000 |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL-Class |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Passenger Sedan |
| Category | Convertible |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | BREMEN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
| Engine Size | - |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | - |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Have?
How long will the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern cars, but included anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control (ASR). Safety features included dual front airbags and a pop-up roll bar that automatically deploys in the event of a rollover. Optional features might include a hardtop, upgraded leather, and a CD changer. Crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for vehicles of this age are less comprehensive than modern testing. However, the SL-Class was built with a strong safety structure and benefited from Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety engineering. Given the age, safety performance is reasonable but significantly lower than newer vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It's important to note that modern safety expectations are much higher than in 2000. It did feature side impact airbags which were a new feature during that time.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Prices and Market Value
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Cost of Ownership
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Fuel Efficiency
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Compare to Other Passenger Sedan?
Ranks #793 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 793 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a Good Passenger Sedan?
Danijetpilot on June 14, 2018
Excellent carExcellent engineering, makes it a technologically advanced car always ahead of it's time in safety features; beautiful styling gives it a timeless beauty no mater how old it is; exhilarating drive, great handling and great performance. Very reliable mechanically with no issues.
Top down on April 8, 2018
Highest Quality Convertible you can own.Solid and unshakable. Nobody does it better than Mercedes. German engineering with a twist of fun. This body style is classic and built better than later models.
SL experience on October 4, 2017
Great Car!what needs to be said about an SL500 that you don't know? It has been a sign of class ans style since it's inception!
akaferrari on September 14, 2017
it wasnt how i thought it would be..the vehicle i test drove a 2000 sl500 and was a disappointment. the dealership didnt bother fixing the upholstery, so the interior wasnt good.besides a couple dings on da cosmetic the exterior was in an ok shape.performance wasnt what i expected it.the car is heavy n not enough H.P from take off,but did a lot better on the freeway. pick up speed is very good.handleling is very easy n rides nice...but i dont like the gas milage .i was payin attention to the fuel gauge n saw it move...the dealership had it priced at 3950 dollars as it...needs a new upholstery or fix the old one..minor dings but body is in very good condition..i wouldve bought it but couldnt come to an agreement.
Dave on April 17, 2017
Great CarFun to drive and reliable. Gets pretty good mileage on the highway and respectable mileage in town.
PREVIOUS JAGMAN on September 2, 2012
MOVING ON UPWith a one-time business bonus of $17 several years ago, I bought a fully restored, cherry '59 MGA roadster. Two years later, I sold it and bought a cherry '96 Jaguar XJS 6 cyl. convertible. Then sold that and bought a new Mitsubishi Eclipse V6 convertible. It was a pocket rocket, but better for a 17 yr old (I'm 74). I was pining for an '83 Fiat Spider roadster when I found the car of my dreams at a local Cadillac dealer. I traded the Mitsu w/ 5K miles for a 2000 Mercedes Benz SL500 V8 roadster with only 17K miles (!), which I've owned since February 2012. In retrospect, if I could have afforded it and had the garage space, I should have kept all of them. Let me tell you, when people speak reverently about German engineering, they are understating it. This car is sooo much more of a car than the Mitsu. It is solid! It is comfortable! It is beautiful! It is, as my wife says, "therapy" within which to drive and ride. The Jaguar was more suave in its looks, power and ride, but the Mercedes is every bit as good in a more Germanic way (and I'm Italian). I may revert to another Jaguar someday, but only after clocking many, many miles on the SL500.
Hollywood on April 23, 2012
DREAM CARDREAM COME TRUE NO DISAPPOINTMENTS AT ALL. CAR IS EVERYTHING I EXPECTED IT TO BE PLUS SOME. THE SL 600 IS AWESOME
Mr Merc on July 7, 2011
Great car for a nice dayLove my SL500 convertible. Wonderfully balanced ride and power. The car has all the bells and whistles - heated seats, CD changer, hard top and soft top.
Doc T on May 10, 2010
Great car with a couple problemsI've had the car, a very low milage one, for about a year. It has great power and comfort. There were a couple problems, radio display, CD changer, and a plastic wheel well piece that needed repair. I guess it was just the age of the car. Overall, a great vehicle.
Coffey on April 22, 2009
Head turner!I had a 03 S55, which i like very much, great performance, but give me a engine with row power over a Supercharge or Turbo engine any day! meanwhile this car will hold it value a lot longer and is much better to bet up on and a lot smaller. Both cars are a dream.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.