Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (1990 - 2001) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Note that the 1990 has the higher power M119 engine. This is because the injectors are fully open. In a year or so power was reduced, due US emissions regs, and the injectors do not fully open. Also, this M119 is the closed deck design. In about 1993 the blocked was modified to an open deck casting. Potentially the closed deck block is stronger. There are details elsewhere on both these engine aspects.May 18, 2023

I always wanted a SL500 and bought one 6 years ago. For the most part this car has been extremely reliable. I am a mechanic and maintain it very well and feel this is the most important thing no matter what kind of vehicle you own. About the only problems I have had with this car were a speaker going out and changing the strut supports which was a very inexpensive repair. The most expensive maintenance item was servicing the transmission, which was about $250 for fluid and parts. Mercedes used to have a "sealed transmission" which supposedly never needed to be serviced. After researching this I found out that many transmissions of this type ended up failing so I elected to service it and it is still trouble free.The gas mileage is surprising good as well, with mild mannered driving you can expect 23 to 25 MPG on the freeway. If you are thinking of buying a used SL make sure it has been serviced and taken care of. Buying a fixer upper SL is not a good idea. The parts and repairs can be very expensive.Nov 23, 2012

Was built 15 years before it's time..the performance is tweeked abit but not much different from what Merc put into it, after all this years, the body is just as good and ofcourse I keep the car in the quality it deserves, no word on appearance, that you just see for yourself, "beautiful", well the gas is not cheap but for this am willing to drive and be hungry, maintenace is only a bother when looking for parts but that is a rarity, she just keeps moving. She is so much fun to drive own and take care of..Nov 17, 2010

This car caught my eye sitting and a used dealers lot. Not knowing what it was, I did alot of research. Finding a 2000 SL500 Designo Slate Edition for the cost of a new Fit or Fiesta seemed like a no brainer. The car is prisine, low miles and drives like brand new. The ride and quality of handling makes it a delight to drive, plus the added wow factor of a top down european luxury sports car.This car can make anyone feel like Thurston Howell III (or Lovey). It get good milage if you drive sensibly but would not use it as a daily driver if I had another car to use. It is a nice addition to my collection of drop tops and am very happy with it.Jun 22, 2010

Of all of the cars I have owned, the performance, looks and fun factor are all contained in the 1994 Mercedes SL500. It is a solid car with no squeaks or rattles. It averages about 20 mpg, which is it's only down side (especially since it requires Chevron's top gas). Maintenance is limited to oil changes, which are pricey, but with synthetic oil, lasts for 7,000 miles. With a removable hard top, this car rocks! It is also extremely safe because of its speed (easy to get out of tight jams) and handling.May 04, 2010

A stylish second car. You need somewhere to stow the hard top in the summer. Boot very small and rear seats for small kids only. It is a heavy car which damps acceleration, but is a solid convertible with minimal scuttle shake.Broad tyres and low centre of gravity means it handles well for such a comfy boulevard cruiser. Not for anyone over 6'2" as the knee room is quite limited. Beautifully smooth 6 cylinder engine and imperceptible auto gear change. Even turns heads now at 15 years of age.Oct 05, 2009

The car is a dream when it works. I bought it for it's classic looks as I love the body style, but after a bit of time, you need more power. Receiving delivery of my SL65 AMG in 2 days. The car is beautiful to drive, a pleasure to ride and makes a statement about it's owner. It's not about flash, but about class. Truly timeless in design and built like a tank. I spent over 20K restoring this car to showroom condition (it was already in mint condition, but for me, it was a labor of love.) I own an Audi A8, an SL65 AMG (delivery soon), an SEL 500, a Ford Explorer, and a Ford Expedition. While all the cars have their purpose in life, the SL 600 is a true dream. If you're considering one vs. the SL 500, I would spend the extra money on the 600. It's worth every penny.May 08, 2009