Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near Kildeer, IL under $50,000

Chris Reis was very helpful and knowledgeable about the differences between the CX-5 and CX-50 Hybrid and made my trade-in an efficient experience.

This is the 2nd SL class I've owned, so ill try to keep this objective. These are state of the art vehicles with features way ahead of their time. They are built straight forward and repairs can be undertaken by the owner more than one would think. If you can find one in a salvage yard, you can learn how things come apart with little risk of damaging your own. The value of the experience sometimes outweighs the time it takes to learn. If that makes any sense... This car is easy to love, who wouldn't? Neck breaking acceleration, sexy good looks, the way it cradles its occupants, and surrounds them with luxury appointments unmatched by other maker's offerings. The feel is rock solid at the wheel and pedals, despite how heavy the car feels. More than enough ponies, to confidently pass or merge, and brakes that could stop a semi-tractor. The gauges are well placed, and logical information comes at your finger tips with the multi-function steering wheel. The cockpit seating seems to have an Infinite number of positions, and the easy exit feature will undoubtedly preserve the leather of the lumbar lobe. Controls are semi-ergo friendly; however the roll bar and hard top controls would be better positioned anywhere besides directly under your elbow. Concealing the roll bar up/down switches beneath the top control, does not demonstrate forethought by MB engineers. Driving the car is truly exhilarating, top up or top down. The sound remains with BOSE, and a disc changer allows for more choice. Staggered wheels are staple with the MB roadster, and improved with 35/40 series width adding to the nimble agility already demonstrated by the car. So... What's to hate? Depreciation! I feel sorry for the 1st owners of an SL. At the same time i envy that they can take it in stride. If it were not for these brazen buyers, i would never be able to afford this car. Repairs and failures... Fortunately, I've got advanced wrenching ability or this car would keep me in hock up to my neck. Although the hard top is a mastery of elegance in motion, it is delicate and prone to failure. The deck lid/boot cover/trunk lid, can present quite a challenge when, (not if), the latch fails. There is literally no way to get at the repair w/o creating damage in the course of gaining access to the latch assembly. I ended up designing and fabricating a tool that can reach the manual release levers from the rear of the cockpit. This body style incorporates a fuel cel that has an internal problem. A baffle becomes disconnected and creates an obnoxious clunk at the storage bulkhead. The fix is said to call out 18+ hours of tech time to remedy. (Ouch!) The bottom line is: you take the good with the bad, and hope that you can DIY when the time comes for repair. Till that time...enjoy the love.

I worked with Regis on a 2000 Corvette and can say it was the easiest buying experience. I’d asked to have the front fender alignment looked at and he had it fixed along with a missing trim piece. The car was in excellent shape and all modifications were disclosed. He’s very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Pricing was very fair and I was in and out within a half hour on the day of pick-up. You can tell he genuinely enjoys the work he does and it shows. Thank you Regis and everyone at Illinois Motors for helping me find my dream car.

My 2014 SL550 has been absolutely trouble free. It's actually one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. I live in Denver and frequently travel to Winter Park which involves a twisty mountain pass that crosses the Continental Divide. During summer months, I'll drive this car and the handling capabilities of the car allow it to shine. It's extremely agile and corners like a 911, with similar power (insane power to weight ratio from the twin-turbo V8, with all aluminum frame and body construction). Let's just say I like to drive in a spirited manner, and demand a lot from a car's power and handling. This car's capabilities are vastly unknown by the general public. To put it in perspective, no stock Mustang, Camaro, Charger, or Tesla has ever beaten me off the light in this car, and they sure try. I'm convinced every Tesla owner seems to just think their car is faster than ANY other car out there, and it's most definitely not. I frequently have Tesla drivers want to race me from a light in this car. The juvenile in me comes out and smokes them every time. The styling of this car might be controversial to some, but wherever you go or park, I've never had a car where so many people get giddy with excitement over how great they think it looks. Be ready for that...lol

Come see, he is very frienly and attentive, a good place to buy and shop.

By far the best Mercedes I have ever owned. I might say the last of the real Mercedes. 2015 SL400 may be the last real Mercedes.

Merek was a pleasure to work with. No pressure at all. Super smooth transaction from start to finish! Thanks for everything!

Once in a lifetime opportunity to drive, worth the money used, to experience the torque and low end/ high end horsepower and speed.

Inquired when I located the car online. They responded in a timely manner and we set up an appt. Staff was very friendly. Price point and negotiations were very fair. No pressure sales. They handled all the paperwork, licensing and registration. The entire process was very easy.

I've enjoyed all 3 of the SL's I've had over the last 22 years starting with the 97 SL 500 and now it's time to upgrade my 2011 to the new blunt front end that came out in 2012; I did not like the look, however it grows on you. I'm retired now so no more new SL's, but a low mileage 2014 or 2015 will do nicely as I don't like the 2016 front end, yet. The reason for the blunt front end is the European Union Pedestrian Impact Regulations that were announced back in 2005; it's to protect pedestrians from up to 25 MPH hits, so no more pointy front ends.

we purchased a Subaru here ! we went in and out under an hour !!! would recommend them !

Although this car is not my everyday car (for that I kept my Toyota Corolla), it is definitely perfect for pleasure! Drop the top and take off. It is definitely luxury. It was very low mileage for a 2007, but very clean -- almost new -- and beautiful! It rides beautifully. Hugs the road and you cannot feel bumps -- so smooth! It does have a lot of power, though, so not for the faint of heart or the youngsters! The sound system is fabulous, too. Have been enjoying driving this more than I could have ever imagined. Cannot imagine ever getting rid of this car -- just wish I would have found it sooner! Actually pretty comfortable, too. Love the dual climate controls and the messaging seats. We are going to be driving it from Virginia to Iowa to visit my family soon and looking forward to the fun and frolic with this little beauty!

Waiting to get back home to do the deal so sharpen your pencil I’m coming for the 2013 red Mercedes

TWIN TURBO, SMOOTH VERY FAST, THE RITE SPORTS CAR FOR 2 PEOPLE. VERY COMFORTABLE.at a push of a button, your dream comes avalable in a flash.

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!

A car that can provide exhilarating performance, and comfortable highway cruising. It simultaneously provides top up solidarity and safety with top down panache with beautiful elegance. The “experts” say it is heavy. It is, but some right foot snaps away that illusion. They squabble about “dead steering” and brakes that are a bit numb. But If you toss it into a turn or need to stop it , be assured it will perform with aplomb, without the fussy twitching of a boy-racer. All cars, even ones with $100,000+ price tags, are compromises between performance and comfort, nimbleness and stability. This car is not aimed at a testosterone-fueled owner clawing up the ladder, but rather a confident owner that needs to prove nothing other than to show up. And for me, that makes this car the perfect compromise. It never fails to bring a smile. Few machines provide this level of comfort, performance, and design quality. And if a machine can bring joy along with performance, hasn’t really done its job In a spectacular way?

I purchased a car in early April and I had a pleasant experience. Mike the owner/manager of the facility ensured that any concerns that I may have had were addressed promptly. I’ll for sure look to purchase here in the future.

In my opinion, the 1999-2002 SL500's represent the very best two-seater convertible in the world at any price. Sure there are now metal-retractable-top convertibles, and they're very slick - however, as far as classic rag-tops go, there is nothing that beats the SL500 in all six categories... In the under $100K price-range, there was nothing at the time to beat it - the Jaguar XJS and XK8 are both nice, but the SL is just more solid, more subtle and engineered to perfection. Whether it's competing with a Porsche Cabriolet, a BMW Z8, a Jaguar or any number of other prestige-brand luxury two-seaters, the SL holds its own against convertibles even in a higher price-range, such as late-90's early 2000's Aston-Martins, Maserati's (99-2002), and even the comparable Ferrari's (355 Spyder)... To find a car more competent, fast, stylish AND comfortable is not easy - at any price. I bought a '99 SL500 with 42K miles on it - it has been just stellar. I bought in 2009 for $20K (less than a fifth of its almost $100K new-car cost). Fast, fluid, fun - and safe, reliable and efficient... People don't buy these for the gas-mileage, but they are as efficient as anything new in the same class - I get over 20mpg average, and that's with a 300hp V8... Even the brand-new models don't do much better. In any case, I cannot fault this car in any category - the styling, both inside and out, is timeless, elegant and sporty. The car rides beautifully, is hushed at all speeds, handles nimbly (especially for such a heavy car) and feels solid as a vault. Although I had to do a fair amount of maintenance to get the car perfect when I bought it (such as power-top actuators, etc.), there were no surprises, as we had the car inspected. A properly-maintained car is incredibly reliable and durable - they are built to deliver lots of trouble-free motoring, and they are just about the classiest thing out there. Although this model (99-02) is now passing the ten-year mark, it is still so modern in every respect - from performance to comfort and safety... The only thing it doesn't have is Navigation and parking sensors - two things I've never missed, as the car is a very modest size (easy to park), and it's easy to use a smart-phone for navigation... Bottom-line: the safest, most reliable convertible of this genre - a beautiful, elegant car that still holds its own thirteen years later...

Had an opportunity to buy a car for my son and we stopped in to Oswego Motors. They were very helpful in know our price range and what we were looking for. We were not able to find on site they went out and found a vehicle that was perfect for our son. Safe, affordable and good size. The staff communicated well and helped us along this journey.

Always wanted an sl55 amg and finally found one for a reasonable price. The ABC suspension is a huge expense but the car is solid aside from that. With a few modifications and consistent upkeep this car will be a classic sports car for years to come.

What an incredible car dealer. Purchased a car and they have absolutely gone above and beyond all expectations. The sales process was wonderful and then when we needed a little warranty work, so fast and professional. Made the whole experience the best vehicle purchase in my lifetime. Well Done and Thank you so much!

This car was in excellent condition. 22,000 miles clean car fax. One owner. No dings great leather. Changed to 550 in 07 from SL 500 on 06. Quick enough!! All I’ve done is change out ALL FLUIDS. Cost a bit to do. Overall elated with purchase

Great service very welcoming beautiful dealership, staff very friendly and helpful, cars and price are on point. Thank you Autos of Chicago I will be back!

It’s a very beautiful car! Very sporty, classy and great! It’s legendary!!!!! I can not described how I feel when driving the SL. Thanks there is nothing like purchasing your dream car

I was in an accident and needed a car asap! Check in hand I walked into Lucky Motors not knowing what to expect from the reviews. Thank God I went here first! They saved me what could amount to 6-8 hours in another dealership. Chris was nice and to the point. My experience was great even though I had a small issue with the key they called someone and had another key made while I waited. Thanks to Lucky Motors for being kind and thorough!

Great car, but expensive to own and maintain. Style is superb, every conceivable option and feature. Problems with computer suspension system, body hardware and cracks in wheels.

George was very knowledgeable in helping me narrow down what I was looking for and ultimately finding a car. Would recommend!

I bought my 2003 mb SL500 in 2023 with 30,000 original miles. It runs excellent has a bullet proof engine and design will always be IN vogue cuz of its sleek design. I got all the previous repair receipts from original owner which is great to know the history. As with any 21 yr old car there may be repairs. I have a great MB independent repair shop called Star Motors in Gainesville Fl who really knows these cars and they fix them right and for less than a dealer. Sure thing’s can go wrong and I have found repairs about 25% more than Honda or Toyota. One has to factor in repairs no matter what. I like the 5.0 engine and one thing is they last! They ride so smooth on the wide tires on the highways and there tight steering. Bose sound system still working great afte all these years. Buy one have it inspected if your worried. There in my view great cars. Depreciated a lot since new at $100,000 out the door. So paying 15k to 20k is a bargain. You’ll love it!

All was good. Came to close and hit With a &1500. Dealer fee! Sorry not on this planet!

not the cheapest to maintain with a hydraulic top and suspension however it's a pleasure to drive and it makes you feel special which to me is worth the money I spend on it

It was very excellent. The sales representatives was very professional and curious. He went above and beyond. Even tho me and my wife live 2hrs away. He responded promptly to our calls and delt with any issues we had.

it is a super car without the screaming flamboyance of most super cars. Inside it is even more elegant than outside with the 2 vanity mirrors, lean design with so much beauty you just don't want to leave the car. The passengers are always delighted by the good taste it presents. Driving is fun and it is quite and strong matching its classiness. Handling fantastic and super reliable. Maintenance is key. Overall it seams to be low key due to the incredible Mercedes quality of the area.

Barry at Icars of Chicago has been phenomenal since day one, and he truly shines even a year after I bought my car. When I reached out with a follow-up issue, he didn’t hesitate—he jumped in, listened carefully, and helped me get things sorted quickly. It’s rare to find a dealer that stays engaged long after the sale, and Barry embodies that in every interaction. What stands out most is how they stand behind what they sell. I felt supported and respected from the moment I walked in, and that commitment hasn’t faded over time. The team’s customer service is second to none—honest, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure you’re happy with your purchase. Their focus on building long-term relationships, not just closing a deal, is the best I’ve seen anywhere. If you’re shopping for a car and want a dealership that treats you like family while delivering real value and ongoing support, I’d absolutely recommend Icars of Chicago and Barry in particular. Their customer retention is unmatched, and that peace of mind is priceless.

Very professional and easy to deal with. The salesman walked me through the whole deal. I would recommend this company if you’re looking for a good deal. MGM

This car is a great cruiser with plenty of power and handling to keep it fun. If you are looking for a lively sports car, buy a Porsche, but if you are looking for a fantastic luxury sports convertible, there is no better car. This car is absolutely packed with every option you can image to make you drive pleasant. With the top down at 80mph and the windows up, there is virtually no wind in the cockpit. On cool nights, turn on the airscarf to blow warm air on your neck. The driving experience is impressive. The suspension system creates the illusion of a much lighter car when needed, but gives you that rock solid, heavy Mercedes ride always. This is no light weight machine. The V8 is smooth, but not chest-pressingly quick. Think locomotive, rather than racecar. That is not to say it is slow, but in this day and age of twin turbos, the normally aspirated SL is much more linear in the way it gets to 100mph. All that said, there are some things that Mercedes forgot in 2011. Generally speaking, the interface that houses the navigation system, radio, phone, etc is difficult and not intuitive. As well, the phone interface is maddening and the mic is noise sensitive (not a great feature in a convertible). Lastly, the gas mileage is measured in feet not miles (I average 14.7mpg to work). But, in a car that automatically turns on the air conditioned seats when you remotely put the top down and is powered by a creamy V8 mounted on a truly mind-blowing suspension, the minus fall away pretty fast. After all, this is a Mercedes SL.

Great experience. The sales rep was very helpful in guiding us through the process of choosing the right car. They took the time to explain all the key features clearly, which made the decision much easier. The Honda Accord we purchased was clean and well prepared. I'm very happy with my car and would definitely recommend this dealership to others.

Its weird to read bad reviews on this car, specifically the sl55. Im on my third one. All used. My latest purchase was October 2019. a 2004 sl55. daily driver. I am second owner. Top up and down every day. 95 south Miami traffic and heat. She's been perfect. You just need to find one that the service was kept . The suspension is only a problem when neglected. and now with all the parts and certified techs (private) its a $4,000 fix. Or , do like some others and go coil over for under a grand. I would get in mine and drive anywhere with out any hesitation.