- Seller: Ralph S (Contact)
- Location: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
- Mileage: 102,434 Shown
- Chassis #: WDBFA68F8XF173628
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 5.0-Liter V8
- Transmission: Automatic
This 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is an exceptionally tidy survivor that can still turn heads twenty-seven years after it left the showroom floor. The V8 under the hood delivers impressive performance, and its lack of exposure to snow and salt means it is rust-free. It is ideal for anyone seeking a luxurious wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. The owner feels the time is right for this German gem to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $7,995.
The history of this Mercedes is reassuring for enthusiasts seeking a rock-solid classic. It spent its life in sunny Florida until 2018. Since then, it has called Wisconsin home. It has never seen snow or salt, spending its winter months snuggly tucked away in a garage heated to a constant fifty degrees. Therefore, it is unsurprising that it is rust-free. The Bright Silver paint is exceptionally good. It hasn’t developed patchiness, shining beautifully from every angle. Scrolling through the image gallery reveals a couple of minor imperfections that don’t detract from the car’s overall appearance. However, a reputable shop would have no trouble addressing those small imperfections. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the deal includes a color-matched hardtop and a custom car cover. The owner confirms that they haven’t fitted the hardtop since 2018, because he prefers fresh-air motoring. It is in excellent condition and fits nicely on the included stand. The power top, in contrasting Black, is new. The owner recently rebuilt its hydraulic system, ensuring that it functions perfectly. It fits as tight as a drum, with no sagging or other shortcomings. The trim and glass are in good condition, as are the beautiful alloy wheels.
This Roadster is more than a pretty face because it possesses genuine performance credentials. Lifting the hood reveals a 5.0-liter V8 that generates 306hp. A five-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while power steering and four-wheel power disc brakes with anti-lock are standard fare. Mercedes designed the SL 500 to handle long-distance, high-speed cruising on German autobahns, so cross-country adventures won’t pose any challenges. It would be equally comfortable in heavy city traffic, requiring little more than a light tickle of the gas pedal to keep pace with those around it. The owner replaced the tires, brakes, struts, and motor mounts. The car has only clocked 15,000 since the work was completed, and can be considered a turnkey proposition. It drives and handles superbly, with no fluid leaks or other problems. Considering the company’s well-earned reputation for mechanical reliability, it should serve its new owner faithfully for many years.
The interior is the only area where this Mercedes shows any age. However, it remains extremely presentable. Some surfaces, most notably the tops of the doors, show sun-related deterioration. The carpet is also discolored in areas, but it isn’t badly worn. The seat leather looks supple and inviting, and the woodgrain trim has a few small cracks, though it hasn’t waved the white flag from age or UV exposure. The interior isn’t pristine, but it won’t embarrass the buyer if they hit the road with the top lowered. Befitting a classic of this caliber, the interior features airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise controls, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo system.
If you have your heart set on spending the upcoming summer months behind the wheel of a classic Convertible, this 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is a worthy candidate. It offers potential buyers a lot for their money, from performance to looks, and luxury motoring. It has led a sheltered life, allowing the buyer to reap the benefits of the current owner’s devotion to this beauty. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery to appreciate how nice this Mercedes is. There is a good chance that doing so will motivate you to contact the owner, and I will understand if you do.
Looks like a good buy. It is fairly easy to find Mercedes, BMW’s and similar European super cars that are priced low. I have been temped many times and have always chickened out ,because if it has a significant problem you loose big time.
Sure sounds odd that it’s spent 19 years in Florida then goes north to one of the coldest states in the union.
I would have to see service records and the Car Fax. Would bet that it’s had numerous owner name changes. One of which probably has occurred very recently.
Not so odd. Old retired folks down in FL. Then end up in assisted living or worse. Family still up North has to clean up the estate.
Other scenario is somebody looking for these cars and the best to find them is in FL or CA where the money is.
Me, too. Had a 75 450SL never put hard top on which means it spent winters in my garage. When I traded it in on a Ferrari the dealer who delivered my car and drove the 450SL back broke down en route. ALWAYS EXERCISE YOUR CARS BY DRIVING THEM SO THEY ALWAYS RUN PROPERLY. The dealer even brought another along to see what a great car my 450SL was.
looks like a previous owner got tired of staggered rear tires and swapped a pair or front rims in order to make the tires last longer — economical thought — but party fowl on stance on look of the vehicle!!
OEM sizes are as they are now. No rim switching
OEM sizes are as they are now. Bigger tires rear than on front thus giving it the superb handling.
Very nice. Properly maintained, Mercedes can last much longer than the mileage shown here, like three times or more. The key is professional maintenance and diligence. GLWTS
Yes, thanks for your input. I don’t want to sell, but I’m in my 70’s and it’s getting a little hard to get in and out of it. I am replacing it with a newer Benz E 350. I’ve been an auto tech for over 50 years, so car has been well maintained. It’s a really great car. Hoping somebody will enjoy as much as I have.
This looks like a fair price for a well-maintained R129. I would have been interested if it weren’t 2,000 miles away.
Last year, I helped a customer of the independent M-B auto repair shop I have my M-Bs serviced at sell her 2000 SL500. It had 70K miles and had also been maintained at an exceptional level.
Like this seller, she enjoyed the convertible and stored her hardtop on the lift in her garage. In her case, it sat near the top of her garage for nearly 20 years. Unfortunately, this meant the glue that held the fabric to the liner disintegrated. We went ahead and had a new headliner installed prior to sale.
I owned a gorgeous 1977 450SLC (C107) at the time. Otherwise, I would have picked up her SL500.
I wish the seller all the best on the sale. These are fantastic cars that provide an amazing driving experience.
I dont like small cars, ya’ll know that. I have bought a couple and missed my land yachts too much.
IF I were to ever buy another small car this would be the one. Along with the final year Cadillac Allanté.
These are the pinnacle of luxury sports cars. And if I HAVE to have a small car, it needs to be luxurious.
Spoiled brat that I am!
This is a great buy and the miles are low for the age. I bought a 99 500SL a couple years ago. Car had 230K on the odometer and the car still felt like a low mileage Mercedes. For those who know the M113 and the 722.6 transmission are the best engine and transmission Mercedes made. Rock solid. The customer has taken care of the top hydraulics so all this car needs is someone to enjoy. These cars are quick and have a wonderful v8 noise. I won a 94 600SL now and frankly it’s not worth the extra hassles.