2004
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Starts at:
$126,250
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New 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Roadster 5.0L
    Starts at
    $88,800
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Roadster 5.5L AMG
    Starts at
    $120,050
    14 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Roadster 5.5L
    Starts at
    $126,250
    13 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V12
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Notable features

Retractable roof
493-hp V-8 in SL55 AMG
493-hp, 5.5-liter V-12 in SL600
New seven-speed automatic in SL500
Active Body Control active suspension

The good & the bad

The good

Acceleration
Ride comfort
Luxury upholstery
Seat comfort
Handling

The bad

Navigation-system display
Minimal trunk space
Control layout
Price

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years old or less / less than 75,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles
Dealer certification
164-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2004
    4.3
    Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
    Starts at
    $88,800
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V12
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2000
    3.9
    Jaguar XK8
    Starts at
    $66,500
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2013
    5.0
    Aston Martin DB9
    Starts at
    $183,300
    13 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V12
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2002
    5.0
    Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
    Starts at
    $83,800
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 29 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.7
Value 3.9
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 3.9

Most recent

A Love/Hate Relationship

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.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.0
124 people out of 126 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Bullet proof drivetrain.

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.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
52 people out of 52 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • AMG (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class reliable?

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class owners.

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. 79.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 29 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 3.9
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 3.9

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