Description
The early to mid 2000s spawned a generation of Mercedes that could arguably described as some of the prettiest they have ever produced. The design language of that era managed to encapsulate the understated aura of previous cars, whilst brining in a new type of beauty.
The cars were elegant, the lines were swooping and flowing. None however, rivalled the beauty of the R230 SL. The replacement for the R129, it had big boots to fill. Mercedes has always focussed on bringing the latest and greatest technical development to its hero car and this generation was no exception. Gone was the fabric folding top and a separate hard top, instead a fully automated folding hard top assembly. That in a matter of moments would effectively turn your convertible, into a coupe.
This example, is not just any SL. It’s an SL55 AMG. The AMG treatment resulted in this luxury cruiser gaining a whole host of AMG goodies, including a supercharged 5. 4-litre V8. Externally, the car is finished in Obsidian Black Metallic. The paint work is in good shape, but does show some age related marks and stone chips, which of course is to be expected of a 20 year old car.
At the front, sits a four-slat grille with large centrally positioned three pointed star. The grille is flanked by Xenon projector headlamps. To the sides you’ll start to see the first hints of AMG treatment, V8 Kompressor badges adorn the wings. The wheels are 22-Spoke 18” items, finished in silver and wrapped in a matching set of tyres. The rear of the car is finished off with a small lip-spoiler, AMG badging and the iconic quad-exit exhausts.
Step inside and you’re greeted with the pinnacle of mid-2000s luxury and technology, with some added 2024 upgrades. The theme is simple, a black leather steering wheel sits infront of a black leather wrapped dashboard. Whilst the original sound system was great in 2004, it lacked the connectivity of today. The owner therefore made a series of upgrades utilising Rockford and Focal amps and a Pioneer DAB headunit that also benefits from Apple Car Play & Android Auto. It is of course a benefit of this era of car that they’re still upgradeable, this has helped the interior to remain fresh, and not appear dated despite its age.
Under the bonnet, is where the party really gets started. You’ll find a 5. 4-litre Supercharged V8, that produces 493bhp. That’s enough power that when the SL55 was released, it was claimed that with the 155mph limiter removed, it would be capable of reaching over 200mph.
The engine runs smooth, and the transmission shifts perfectly. This is no doubt thanks to the car’s regular maintenance. Mercedes of this era were fitted with what they described as lifetime gearbox fluid, thankfully, this advice was ignored and the gearbox has been serviced. Infact, the car’s maintenance records are impressive, with key failure points like the ABC (Active Body Control) struts being replaced at the front in 2018 and at the rear in 2024, whilst in 2021 the complex SBC pump which handles the ABS was replaced by our onsite Mercedes specialist Starwerks.
Alongside, these key measures the car has always been subjected to regular maintenance. The service records show;
03/ 2021 - 65, 325 miles - Independent Specialist
04/ 2019 - 61, 883 miles - Independent Specialist
11/ 2017 - 59, 169 miles - Independent Specialist
11/ 2016 - 55, 527 miles - Independent Specialist
05/ 2015 - 52, 292 miles - Independent Specialist
10/ 2013 - 43, 238 miles - Independent Specialist
07/ 2011 - 38, 211 miles - Independent Specialist
07/ 2010 - 34, 344 miles - Independent Specialist
07/ 2009 - 30, 641 miles - Independent Specialist
06/ 2007 - 19, 269 miles - Mercedes-Benz Manchester
07/ 2006 - 12, 519 miles - Mercedes-Benz Manchester
R230 SLs represent excellent value for money, you gain a whacking great supercharged V8 that is mounted in a pretty and classy bodyshell. They’re modern enough to be practical but are fast becoming modern classics, and are a becoming more scarce on our roads.
With the prominence of the AMG badge at the rear, or the historical significance of the models use as an F1 safety car it’s surely inevitable that these cars will become even more soughtafter. Especially when they’re presented like this one, with an extensive maintenance record and just 82, 000 miles on the clock.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
