This 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 shows registration history exclusively in California since new. Finished in Black (040) over Beige Leather (205), power is provided by a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes the factory AMG Sport Package, 18" AMG wheels, power-folding hardtop, heated seats, a wood/leather steering wheel, Bose surround sound and COMAND infotainment with DVD navigation. Notable service in October 2023 includes new top hydraulic cylinders and a new ABC pump. The included Carfax report shows 58 service history records with the most recent service in July 2026 including a new alternator. Now with just under 99k miles, this V8 roadster is now offered for sale by the current owner with a Carfax report and a clean California title.
The body is finished in Black (040) and features a power-operated folding hardtop with a pop-up wind deflector. The hydraulic cylinders for the top were replaced in October 2023 and the seller reports proper working order. Exterior equipment includes front fog lamps, power adjustable mirrors, and the factory Sport package consisting of AMG front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and dual exhaust tips. An aftermarket carbon fiber front lip has been added along the bottom of the front bumper. Prior paint work is noted on various body panels and imperfections include a missing headlight washer cap, minor rock chips on the front end, and some clear coat failure on the hood and quarter panels. The seller notes a small window gap between the driver door and rear quarter glass with detailed photos provided in the gallery. The hydraulic dampeners that hold the trunk open need to be replaced and have no impact on the functionality of the folding hardtop.
Factory 18” AMG wheels are mounted with 235/45 Michelin tires up front and 285/35 Delinte tires in the rear. The seller notes visible curb rash along the lips of the wheels with various other imperfections shown in the photos. The Active Body Control suspension received a new ABC pump in October 2023. New front brake pads were installed in May 2024.
The cabin is upholstered in Beige Leather (205) and features darker contrasting leather on the upper door panels and dashboard while wood trim lines the center console and door panels. Both seats are heated with three-position memory. Notable wear items include a tear on the driverseat back bolster, hairline cracks in the wood around the top controls and steering wheel, worn leather around the shifter boot, partially missing and cracked center dash vent, worn center arm rest, a missing seat belt cover on the passenger seat, and imperfections in the leather along the center console and dash. Interior amenities include cruise control, COMAND with DVD navigation, Bose surround sound, a CD changer and dual-zone automatic climate control. An OEM Mercedes-Benz branded flip phone is located in the center console and the seller notes the passenger glove compartment does not open.
The wood/leather steering wheel shows wear on the finish and frames a 160-mph speedometer along with a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. Configurable digital displays show outside temperature and a digital odometer which currently reads just under 99k miles.
This R230 is powered by a 5.0-liter M113 V8 which was rated at 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The included Carfax report shows 58 service history records. Recent service includes a new alternator in July 2026, an oil service and front brake pads in May 2024, and a new ABC pump and all roof hydraulics replaced in October 2023. Modifications include a Top Speed Pro exhaust with quad tips at the rear. Additional service in the last two years includes a new main battery, auxiliary battery, fluid top off, and new trans electrical connector.
The Carfax report shows linear mileage updates with an accident reported in 2013 and three damage reports from 2009, 2014, and 2016. Registration history is exclusive to California since new and 58 total service history records are shown.
Videos below show the hardtop in operation, the ABC suspension raising and lowering, the aforementioned window gap, a cold start, and exhaust note.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
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6 Comments
$5,500 bid placed by @McConnell3
$5,250 bid placed by @BD450SL
$5,000 bid placed by @dirtynails44
$4,750 bid placed by @BD450SL
$3,500 bid placed by @dirtynails44
$2,835 bid placed by @BD450SL
$2,253 bid placed by @McConnell3
With a little less than three hours left to bid on my SL 500 , I wanted to take this opportunity To send a big thank you to everyone who has followed along, placed a bid , asked questions and participated in the auction for my SL500 here on the MB market , I truly do appreciate it ! Just like anyone who has ever listed their car on an auction website, I will be religiously, checking and refreshing my listing essentially every minute for the next few hours until the auction ends so please feel free to reach out with any comments or questions. I’ll be happy to answer with whatever I can with either my words, pictures or videos ! Good luck to all the bidders!$2,003 bid placed by @BD450SL
$1,500 bid placed by @McConnell3
$1,250 bid placed by @stpaul7
$1,000 bid placed by @Milio1108
@Ilovebigtoys I would shop around local independent mechanics that specialize in Mercedes Benz models , I also received a ridiculous quote from the first few shops before I found one that was competent but also fairly priced.My Quote on Austin, TX was $9,600.-! Ridiculous. Thank you for your referral!@Ilovebigtoys the roof repair was a $3000 repair ,but it was worth every dollar to be able to put the top down on warm LA driving days . the shop that did the repair and most of all the work on my car is listed below . Enjoy your SL500 in good health ! Thank you for sharing your experience with the R230 platform Independent MB shop that repaired my roof : MB Tech 9207 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770. 626 288-3429.@mhlam I have a 2005 of the same car, even same color combo. I have experienced the same issues as you and also replaced the hydraulic suspension on all 4 corners. When the top hydraulics stopped working I stopped investing in the enormous repair bills on this plattform. I did have to replace the alternator ($963 for a 150W Alternator ) and new main battery as the failing Alternator had killed the Battery. The car runs great, has new Tires, new sway bars, ne disc brakes and pads, as well as a new ARC pump ( Autiomatic Ride Control). My question to you is: Who repaired the retractable roof and how much did it cost? I have not found a price that warrants this repair and I am using the car as a coupe only and have disabled the Buttons for the roof and for the roll-over bar. My car only has some 59K miles and it is a shame that the repairs by far exceed the value of the car. Your input is appreciated. Ilovebigtoys TexasHello my name is Michael and I am selling my R230 SL500. This R230 was my first experience with the Mercedes Benz platform. This car was a labor of love ,I have a soft spot for cars that have been neglected by their past owners and just need some love, care and attention. I purchased this car from its previous owner with a failing ABC pump and a roof that did not work. The first two major repairs to my first Mercedes Benz was the replace the ABC pump with a brand new OEM MB unit. I was so excited the first time I was finally able to press the ABC sport button on the car and the suspension tightened up and I got to experience why the ABC suspension in this car was such a big deal when it came out. The second major repair was the complete replacement of the hydraulics in the roof. It was one of the priciest repairs that took me a while to save up for. In fact I think I drove the car in coupe form for its first 6 months of ownership before I was able to afford the repairs. Just like a working ABC pump, the first time I was able to put the top down ,I was amazed by how all those metal roof pieces folded away so cleanly, I still remember the first time I was able to look up at the clear blue sky while sitting in my SL500. Lastly my favorite part of this car was the fact that it came with the AMG sport package. Although I did not have the supercharged v8 of the SL55, I definitely did have its look ! I have owned this car for 3 years and am only selling it because I would like to try my hand at a turo rental business and would like to free up some funds to purchase a more appropriate car for that rental platform. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have any questions regarding my SL500 listing, I will be checking my listing daily ! Thank you !