1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

Description

In September 1995, Mercedes-Benz showcased visually and technically refreshed SL models at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, featuring subtle body styling changes like redesigned front and rear bumpers, colorless glass covers on the front indicators, and a modified radiator grille with six slats, which enhanced the car's dynamic appearance. Technically, the SL models introduced xenon-gas-discharge headlights, providing twice the intensity of conventional halogen lights with dynamic headlight range control to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. Additionally, a new five-gear automatic transmission with a torque converter lockup clutch replaced the previous hydraulic system, featuring an electronic control unit for adaptive gear shifting and improved compactness and weight. These wonderful innovations ensure that the following cars were truly world class offers, making examples like this 1998 SL 500 still sought-after today as a modern classic that can be used in virtually any situation.  

Highlights 

• Finished in Smoke Silver Metallic (702) with a Beige Leather (265) interior 

• The final model year for the venerable 5.0-liter “M119” V8 factory rated at 315 horsepower 

• Five-speed automatic transmission 

• Dark Brown (8023) power folding soft top 

• Staggered-width AMG monoblock five-spoke alloy wheels with new tires reported to have been installed approximately 1,000 miles ago 

• Upgraded Kenwood radio with a new power antenna 

• Replacement rear-view mirror, visor trim, and vanity mirrors installed 

• Recent mechanical work done includes:   

  • New spark plugs 

  • New ignition coils 

  • New power steering pump 

  • New heater valve 

  • Recharged the air conditioning system 

  • New secondary air pump 

  • New evaporative system line 

  • Engine oil and filter change 

• The option plate reveals the following options: 

  • 241 – Electrically adjustable left seat with memory 

  • 242 – Electrically adjustable right seat with memory 

  • 249 – Automatic dimming interior mirror 

  • 309 – Cup holder 

  • 501 – Outside rearview mirror, right, heated 

  • 551 – Anti-theft / anti-break-in warning system 

  • 612 – Xenon headlights  

  • 810 – Sound system 

  • 873 – Heated seats 

Features 

• Integrated car phone 

• Power steering 

• Central locking 

• Power windows 

• Automatic climate control 

• Power disc brakes 

• Carpeted trunk 

• Fog lights 

• Door mounted storage compartments 

• Power antenna 

• Leather wrapped steering wheel 

• Heated windshield washer jets 

• Convertible occupant rollover protection 

• Cruise control 

Known Imperfections 

• The CARFAX Vehicle History Report lists a damage report on 24 September 2011, stating, “accident reported: minor damage. Damage to front. Minor damage is usually cosmetic, including dents or scratches to the vehicle body.” 

• The CARFAX Vehicle History Report lists a damage report on 18 August 2014, saying “damage reported: very minor damage. Damage to front. Minor damage is usually cosmetic, including dents or scratches to the vehicle body.” 

• Convertible top wear including an approximately eight inch long tear in the headliner 

• Paint chips 

• Lights in the vanity mirrors are inoperative 

• Seat belt warning light illuminated 

• Small dent in the front of the hood and on the rear in the trunk lid 

• Minor damage to the right front fender lip that has been touched up 

• Scrapes on the wheels 

• Wear on the seats, including torn seams, and a hole in the passenger seat back 

• Hole in the right rear speaker cover 

• Minor cracking of the interior wood trim 

• Stone chip in the passenger side headlight and a crack in the driver’s headlight 

Included 

• Color-keyed hard top 

• Hard top stand 

• Tools 

• Owner’s manual 

• Original radio 

• Single “flat” key 

Ownership History 

This 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 was sold new in Washington state in April 1998 according to the CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The second, Colorado based owner is reported as purchasing the car in May 2003 with 46,563 miles. Lastly, the third, and current owner purchased the car in July 2016.