2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Redridepilot on December 21, 2020

This is the 2nd SL class I've owned, so ill try to keep this objective. These are state of the art vehicles with features way ahead of their time. They are built straight forward and repairs can be undertaken by the owner more than one would think. If you can find one in a salvage yard, you can learn how things come apart with little risk of damaging your own. The value of the experience sometimes outweighs the time it takes to learn. If that makes any sense... This car is easy to love, who wouldn't? Neck breaking acceleration, sexy good looks, the way it cradles its occupants, and surrounds them with luxury appointments unmatched by other maker's offerings. The feel is rock solid at the wheel and pedals, despite how heavy the car feels. More than enough ponies, to confidently pass or merge, and brakes that could stop a semi-tractor. The gauges are well placed, and logical information comes at your finger tips with the multi-function steering wheel. The cockpit seating seems to have an Infinite number of positions, and the easy exit feature will undoubtedly preserve the leather of the lumbar lobe. Controls are semi-ergo friendly; however the roll bar and hard top controls would be better positioned anywhere besides directly under your elbow. Concealing the roll bar up/down switches beneath the top control, does not demonstrate forethought by MB engineers. Driving the car is truly exhilarating, top up or top down. The sound remains with BOSE, and a disc changer allows for more choice. Staggered wheels are staple with the MB roadster, and improved with 35/40 series width adding to the nimble agility already demonstrated by the car. So... What's to hate? Depreciation! I feel sorry for the 1st owners of an SL. At the same time i envy that they can take it in stride. If it were not for these brazen buyers, i would never be able to afford this car. Repairs and failures... Fortunately, I've got advanced wrenching ability or this car would keep me in hock up to my neck. Although the hard top is a mastery of elegance in motion, it is delicate and prone to failure. The deck lid/boot cover/trunk lid, can present quite a challenge when, (not if), the latch fails. There is literally no way to get at the repair w/o creating damage in the course of gaining access to the latch assembly. I ended up designing and fabricating a tool that can reach the manual release levers from the rear of the cockpit. This body style incorporates a fuel cel that has an internal problem. A baffle becomes disconnected and creates an obnoxious clunk at the storage bulkhead. The fix is said to call out 18+ hours of tech time to remedy. (Ouch!) The bottom line is: you take the good with the bad, and hope that you can DIY when the time comes for repair. Till that time...enjoy the love.

FJA on August 13, 2020

Its weird to read bad reviews on this car, specifically the sl55. Im on my third one. All used. My latest purchase was October 2019. a 2004 sl55. daily driver. I am second owner. Top up and down every day. 95 south Miami traffic and heat. She's been perfect. You just need to find one that the service was kept . The suspension is only a problem when neglected. and now with all the parts and certified techs (private) its a $4,000 fix. Or , do like some others and go coil over for under a grand. I would get in mine and drive anywhere with out any hesitation.

Kat on October 28, 2019

This is my dream car . It is fun and sexy and built for curves . The top tucks into the trunk with the touch of a finger ,so you can drop the top at a red light .

Nard1945 on August 9, 2019

After two weeks the hydraulic and pneumatic systems messed up so badly that I’m facing an $11,000 repair bill. I believe this vehicle was severely misrepresented by the seller and I made a very big and expensive mistake by purchasing it.

Surreymac on May 14, 2019

Lovely car superficially but a total moneypit. From fly by wire braking rip off replacement when nothing wrong with it. To a central locking pump located in the boot despite water ingress issues. This car has multiple design faults all denied by Merc but confirmed on any and all owner forums. Common parts failures have their prices increased by Merc. Outrageous. It looks great but if it can go wrong it will and there are no economical repairs. Merc replace not repair and wow will you pay for replacements. I bought from new in 2004 and having owned it for 15 years it is without doubt a complete money pit. I am now replacing the replacements.

Cool Jay on May 12, 2019

I found a museum quality 2004 SL500, perfect inside and out from top to bottom..Silver with grey interior, Mercedes really puts xxxx good paint if not the best quality paint you can find and their silver is just stunning.. Came with upgraded 20” AMG wheels which really make it pop.. The hardtop convertible is amazing and nothing more exhilarating hitting 89-100 plus MPH with the top down.. A real head turner and compliment catcher and people think it’s a $100,000 car, if it still looks new like mine does.. It’s so nice driving day and at night with the top down and I’ve driven 360 miles straight with the top down one warm sunny day.. The car is gorgeous with the top up or down and there aren’t a whole lot on the road which gives you some exclusivity and a degree of sophistication.. Expensive to work on? Yes, try to DIY the minor things, find a good German car INDY for the rest.. I did replace the dreaded ABC pump but all the other items were typical things you’d need to repair, service or replace on any car that age with that mileage.. I just love it, a lot of bang for your buck, it’s extremely well built, it’s very heavy, built like a bank vault and using the best quality materials.. The depreciation is a god send and has put me behind the wheel of a car that is very high quality that I couldn’t afford when it was new.. I’ve owned 5 BMW’s and four Mercedes, and this is hands down the best car purchase I ever made..

Turner on January 15, 2019

The car is very clean and runs good. Rides very good and very thing works . Good car to have fun in and for summer trips.

jtheires on December 4, 2018

I love this car, but it can be expensive to repair. Retractable hard top is superior to the 2-top solution implemented in previous model years. I drive this car year-round in a cold weather winter area, and have had only a few "white knuckle" experiences driving in ice/snow. Great styling, comfort and cockpit design. Lots of power to master the highway in style.

JC5050 on February 15, 2018

Love the Vehicle. Its sleek design and tremendous amounts of power. It is a must have. For the price nothing can beat it especially if you can work on the car on your own.

Dutchman647 on October 29, 2017

The 2004 MB SL600 is truely a smooth riding car with awesome power. This car handles like a sports car and rides like a Bentley. Great value for the money.