2007 Mercedes-Benz SL350 (R230)

Highlights

• Gorgeous SL350 in one of the best colours
• Electric folding hard top
• Genuine low mileage car, under 40k miles
• Lots of service history
• Lovely condition throughout

Overview

If you’ve even a drop of petrol running through your veins, you’ll know that ‘SL’ is a pretty special badge.

The first of Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Sports Leicht’ models appeared in the 1950s, as the gorgeous 190SL convertible or outlandish 300SL ‘Gullwing’, and each generation has become a benchmark for other cars in its class since, both in terms of quality and in technological innovation.

Early SLs, later Pagodas, third-generation ‘R107’ models and even the fourth-gen R129 model have all become highly collectible in their own right, which means that the 2002-2011 R230 model will surely follow suit? After all, it was a magnificent car in its day – inspired by Formula One technology, with a nose modelled on that of the McLaren-Mercedes F1 car.

In 2002, when it made its debut, it was arguably the most desirable luxury sports car in the world; typically over-engineered and blessed with new technology such as PARKTRONIC parking assist and DISTRONIC adaptable cruise control – features that were in their infancy in 2001 when the SL debuted, but which are bragged about by lesser manufacturers today.

The R230 also introduced the company’s trademark electric folding hard top – or VarioRoof - to the model, which had debuted four years earlier on the SLK.

It was a handsome car but also a very expensive one. At launch, it was offered only as the 386bhp SL500, with the less expensive (but far from cheap) SL350 coming along the following year – and that’s what we have here.

In many respects, the 350 is the one to have. With fuel prices creeping upwards, it pays to be frugal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself, and the V6 SL is a case in point. As grand and imposing as the large V8-engined models, it’s a GT convertible with genuine 30mpg fuel economy. It also does away with the ABC system fitted to SL500 and AMG models – the hydraulic, dynamic stability system very much a boon when new, but a potential headache when well-used. With its simpler multilink rear end and coil springs, the SL350 is far cheaper to maintain, yet still a dynamically capable performer.

This example is a 2007 example in popular and stealthy Obsidian Black, one of the most sought-after colours for an R230. With three previous owners before the vendor, the car is in fine overall condition and has covered only 38,000 miles from new.

History and documentation

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor
• Four owners from new
• MOT to October 2025
• Genuine 38k mileage
• Two keys
• Original handbooks, wallet and folders
• Services at 7,268 miles (2009 - main dealer), 10,021 miles (2010 – main dealer), 12,194 miles (2011 – main dealer), 17,874 miles (2013 – main dealer), 20,396 miles (2015 – main dealer), 21,595 (2016 – main dealer), 23,592 (2017 – specialist), 24,918 (2018 – specialist), 31,649 (2021 – specialist MB), 38,111 (2023 - specialist)
• Current mileage 38,118
• Previous MOT certificates back to 2019
• All receipts for work and service carried out in current ownership are supplied
• Battery receipt
• ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Smart grey leather
• Electrically adjustable, heated seats
• Black Ash wood trim in very good condition
• All interior equipment works as it should including the folding roll over bar
• Panoramic glass roof
• Cruise control
• Climate control
• Functional Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system
• Original first aid kit and tools
• Spacesaver spare wheel which, as a demonstration of how well the car has been looked after, was recently fitted with a new tyre
• BOSE sound system
• Mercedes dealer fit sunblind/windbreak

Exterior

• Gleaming Obsidian Black

• Excellent overall condition and all original paint

• Bi-xenon headlamps

• Brighter sidelight bulbs fitted to replicate daytime running lamps

• Very minor micro dent to offside ‘A’ pillar and no evidence of past accident damage

• Some minor scratches to passenger door

• Slight discolouration to driver’s door mirror glass and o/s front foglight reflector

• Driver’s door mirror indicator cover has a slight crack

• Wheels recently been refurbished

• Continental Contisport Contact 5 Tyres all round – fronts are new with zero miles and rears have 6mm tread

• Underside is in excellent condition with recent photos taken during the MOT test

• Some minor chips and road marks to front lower valance

Mechanical

• 3,724cc V6
• Seven-speed G-TRONIC automatic gearbox
• Serviced less than 50 miles ago
• 272bhp
• 0-60mph in 6.9 secs
• Recent auxiliary battery and heater valve
• Reported by the vendor to run and drive without fault

Summary

It may not be the flagship model, nor the fastest, but the SL350 is still swift, responsive and bestowed with a feelgood factor that few others can match. When new, this was a very expensive car and it still has the sense of occasion that comes with one today.

With its low mileage, fresh MOT and impressive service record, as well as the sought-after colour scheme, this has to be one of the nicest SL350s you can buy – plus, it fully complies with the Greater London ULEZ scheme, meaning you can drive it inside the M25 with impunity should you so wish.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Surrey.