2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class consumer reviews

A few concerns to address, the first is ABC active body control is a concern for this car. I own Phone Doctor in Frederick Maryland and hardware tech is my passion so I want to give my feedback. I love the classy lines of the exterior. The interior is equally elegant and tasteful without gaudy disco lights. I was mesmerized into test driving a 2005 SL500 because my daily driver is a 2001 Mercedes s600. The audio system is lackluster, next weakness is the headlights, but the biggest problem is the ABC (active body control) hydraulic suspension. The audio system is disappointing and leaves me feeling flaccid but I’m used to twelve inches of JL systems shimmed into my high school hoopties. The audio system is not the deal-breaker for this $90,000 machine. And the mediocre headlights can be remedied with aftermarket auxiliary lights. The biggest weakness is the high performance suspension system. Mercedes likes to call it ABC (active body control). The hydraulic pump, seals, and mechanical moving parts gets weak and loses its performance anywhere between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. It’ll cost just as much to replace the ABC system than it does to purchase your 2nd hand sl500. If you’re in the market for one make sure you have an extra $20,000 in socked up before you drop your drawers and plop $15k on your first SL500. A dream ride with one last caveat: This car will draw a lot of attention from single ladies!

My 2005 sl has been nothing but great! The inerior is just about perfect, and the exterior shines better than new. ONE notoriours problem is with the leveling system. Mine as others started to sink to the left when garaged..yikes! I was quoted around $3500 to fix it, but I found a great mechanic to do this for $800 including other maintenence. Thus car handles like a dream. Top up or down, it has great appeal and I cant tell you with way Iike it best. You can steal one of these cheap too..but make sure the owner kept it nice! My interior is perfect, yet Ive seen others quite shabby.

My Sunday beach runner for two. Hard top/convertible, perfect for senior single to do day trips to the coast with a pal. While the maintenance will be a little higher, its perfect for a used grand touring roadster and so far its a blast and have had no issues. Certified Benz and Beemer, Scottsdale did a complete certification inspection and prep job. Out the door for under $20k.

This is the best convertible I have ever owned. It looks great has the retractable hardtop and all the tech needed. Great Cruising vehicle and the massaging seats make long rides a Joy!

Beautiful car. Runs perfectly. Solid feel. Very comfortable. Found a great deal on this car. 54,000 miles. Runs and looks like new. Full carfax. Dealer maintained. LOVE my new SL500

I got her used in 2007 with 12,000 miles. Sold her today with only 47,000 miles...we are very tall, older and our painful knees just can’t handle getting in/out, anymore...she’s low to the ground...we MISS her already....She was absolutely the greatest, most enjoyable car we have ever owned...handled beautifully, always extremely reliable...a REAL PLEASURE to drive!

Best car in class love this car smooth ride perfect feel of the road love driving 125 on the open roads .Only 300 made in USA

I bought a 2019 GTc, so I need to let go of my first Mercedes Benz. I am the second owner, but have had the car since 2009. This car has an exceptional interior and just a scratch or two on the front and back bumpers. The car has never been wrecked and the wheels have no curb rash whatsoever. And everything on the car works like new. My only complaint with this car was the 2005 electronics and sound system, but that was remedied with a $4,600 custom Kenwood sound system. The car has a large touchscreen as well as the original steering wheel controls. The Kenwood DDX9904S receiver has Bluetooth (audio and phone), hands-free telephone, Satellite Radio, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto), CD/DVD player, Kenwood back up camera, Focal Speakers, JL Audio 700 watt amplifier, and 8" Kicker Subwoofer. Personally, I typically stream Spotify or Internet Radio, but the local HD Radio sounds great too. The stereo was professionally installed by Car Toys in The Woodlands, TX. The speakers and amplifier are located in the original locations, so the system looks factory. You might find a comparable SL500 when it comes to mileage and condition, but I don't think you will find one with a 2018 sound system like this. In fact, my 2019 GTc doesn't even have Apple CarPlay. This car had a sticker price of over $90,000 when new, and actually better than new with the new sound system. The car was recently serviced (oil change) about a month ago.

Great car to walk up to in a parking lot. A beautiful work of art. Did coilover conversion at first sign of ABC trouble. Is not a glitch free car. Read all reviews before purchasing. This car is not for everyone. You must be ready to invest a few thousand periodically if you drive it everyday as I do.

It is a fast responsive car, handling is the best I've driven, the lcd is a problem to upgrade. I would definitely buy another. Buy a used one so you dont take a hit. Theses cars last forever