2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class consumer reviews

I have owned the s-class mbenz, Lexus models, and currently mbenz & audi. As far as reliability, performance and sporty the SL500 is bye far the best car I have owned. All my younger nephews call it a modern hot rod puts a smile on my face, driven American made convertibles and sports cars since 1987 ( 16 years old at the time ) I have to say Europeans do crank out a better car. Now that I can afford them, My suggestion is to get a pre-owned save lots of dough.

The SL 500 is a gorgeous car inside and out. Rarely do you find a car with both a stunning exterior and a perfectly manicured interior. Overall, I love this car. It's a perfect combination of power and luxury. Very impressed with the steering and handle of the vehicle...it's perfect on the highway or on the city streets. If you are looking for a classic, super luxury / high performance 2-seater look no further.

I have owned 15 or more cars in my life. Six of which have been various MB models. The SL HAD always BEEN my dream car. But that dream quickly turned into a very expensive nightmare after purchasing one. Within one month of the factory warranty expiring, I spent almost three thousand dollars just to fix the ABC. TWENTY FOUR DAYS later, another $1,700 for a repair on the transmission. And the list goes on and on. Long story short; I have spent more money in repairs for this one car than I have for all of the other vehicles I've ever owned COMBINED! Don't get me wrong, I still have an affection for the MB badge. The car performs extremely well... When it's not in the shop. It looks great. It's an attention getter. It's also mechanically unpredictable. The phrase 'now what?!' continually crosses my mind whenever I hear a new noise or smell a new odor coming from under the hood. Maybe this model is like some wine, just a bad year.

If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. The SL constantly requires dealer service. I bought the car intending to keep it for many years. I ran out of patience after a year and a half of monthly and sometimes weekly visits to the repair shop. The top froze in mid-air and would neither fully open nor close. The car cannot be driven that way, and the tow truck won't tow it that way..., the trunk would often not seal closed, the central locking system would not unlock, the electric consumers would often go offline..the list goes on and on. Buyer beware.

I have owned many cars in my life(over 50), this is the nicest and best overall. I have owned many that were faster, some that rode better, some that handled better, and 1 or 2 that looked better(66 Corvette comes to mind) But none that combine those things into one car like this one. Very luxurious, smooth, quiet, polished and nice.

We have the "Very First" 2004 Mercedes Benz (V12) SL600R that was ordered and made especially for us. Little did we know at the time it was ordered that it would be the first one of it's kind. It has a beautiful RED exterior with tan leather interior. To our knowledge it is only one of 3 to 5 that were even made, as it was not a production car, but special order only. It draws attention were ever we go and people always ask what kind of car it is. We took delivery of it on Christmas Eve day 2003, Fresno, CA! It handles like a dream!

Sure there are some things I can complain about... but..... the most beautiful, fun, uber-cool car I have ever owned. Hugs the road, lots of power, comfort galore, GREAT ROOF, gorgeous looks, especially with top down. Lousy Nav system, no bluetooth phone. Could have a little more power, my next car will be a SL55 AMG...

2004 SL500: There isn't a time I've walked up to my car, and not thought how gorgeous it is. My commute is a joy now. No matter how good or bad my mood, just driving my car notches it up. It handles like magic, literally. I've pushed the limits on empty mountain roads and have been shocked at how it sticks to the road like it's on rails, and the automatic control features manage and correct the car the few times I've put it into a skid (on purpose to test this feature). I truly adore this car. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would not even consider an alternate.

2004 SL55, purchased new in 4/04. 16k miles before dumping it for $82k. Over 20 dealer warranty overnight repair visits. This is the most unreliable car I've ever owned. Superchargers replaced. Problems came back. Tough luck, said MB USA Corporate Customer Service. Brake rotor problems, Ventillated seats never ever worked, Parktronic sensors replaced, Interior trim problems. My biggest aggravation was from the super-charger squeaks that came from every slightest acceleration. Oh, but I also loved this car! The sound of the compression and pure adrenaline was so much fun. Still, I love my new Lexus I350...not a problem yet. Good luck