2003 Mercedes Benz SL500

This is the ultimate luxury roadster on the market today that the average person could conceivably own. Unlike the prior SL-Class, which had a plastic rear window in its fabric top, the 2003 version gets a retractable hardtop. At the push of a button, the new vario roof transforms the roadster into a watertight coupe and back into a convertible in 16 seconds.

New electronic brake control, which Mercedes claims is the first in the world, retains hydraulic components but has no mechanical link to the brake pedal. Operation is electronically controlled, varying brake pressure to each of the four wheels based on vehicle dynamics and other conditions that it monitors constantly. Variable brake proportioning can apply added pressure to the outside wheels in order to enhance safety when braking in turns. The system can sense wet conditions and react to emergency situations.

Active Body Control (ABC), which was previously available only on the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and S-Class, is an active suspension system that virtually eliminates body roll.

An Electronic Stability Program is also standard. On the safety front, a new type of head and thorax side-impact airbag is installed in each door.

Occupying the upper end of the sports-car scale, the SL-Class goes against such competitors as the Jaguar XK8 convertible, the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and the more costly Aston Martin DB7 Vantage.

An evolution of the previous-generation SL-Class roadster, the new SL500 has changed substantially in appearance, but it also exhibits some styling touches that are reminiscent of SLs from the distant past.

For example, the automaker says that clear-glass xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are considered a more dynamic variation on the familiar twin-headlamp theme.

A new “intelligent” tilting mechanism ensures that the roof retracts into the upper section of the trunk.

Navigation is a nice added extra touch.

Our stock # 12820 is sale priced at $39,970.00.  We welcome trades and can arrange shipping anywhere. Call Ames, Peter or Harry toll free at 866.689.1973 today.