2008 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
This car is a real joy to drive on long trips of short jaunts around town. Its been a real gem for me over the first 18 months, with no issues to report, other than the turbo "chirp" noise that was fixed after adding some stop squeak. I What's funny is this is the first real sports car I have owned that my wife also loves. I have owned Vettes, a 911 and Boxster S and she wasn't crazy about the ride for anything other than a quick trip to the store. But she loves this thing, going to Aspen, or shopping or down the the Springs and back. Everyone loves this car. I love the throaty sound. Its so much different than a typical Mercedes purrr and makes you really appreciate the ride more. Get this if: If you are looking for the best bang for your shopping dollar in the luxury performance arena. You love the balance of precision, power and cruise comfort. You don't mind people staring. You love to sometimes rocket to the speed limit. You are tired of ragtops and want something that feels like a sedan when the top is up.
VS
Critical Review
Great looking car and fun to drive, particularly in the summer with the roof down. However, in four years of ownership (from 30k miles to 75k miles) I've had around $15k in repairs. A set of shock absorbers will set you back $7.5k - although fortunately I only had to get the rear ones done for a mere $4k. Various problems with the ABC system have cost me around $6k. Three problems with the electical/computer system another $3k. Various other issues bring the total up to $15k. I will not be buying another Mercedes and do not recommend this car unless you have money to throw away.
2008 SL-Class Reviews
Showing 8 of 175 reviews.
Bought a 2006 500SL for only $9k. Knew I would have to put money in as the car had two leaky struts, bad engine mounts, leaking valve cover gaskets. two bad front wheel bearings. Body and interior in near perfect condition however. Yet at the end of the day I have a $95K car that is more fun and comfortable to drive than a low mileage F430 Ferrari I recently sold! Fixing the ABC is well worth it. The ride is amazing, whether Intestate or rutted, twisty country roads. Body style my all time SL favorite. Mine came with black AMG wheels so I put a black grill on it for a very exotic look. Though only 302 hp, the seven speed transmission helps provide excellent acceleration and gas mileage - which is now averaging 18.5 mpg. Replaced radio with updated Panasonic. Years ago had an '89 560 SL and loved it - but this one has far better power and I do love the classic look - which Mercedes retained on the SL line until 2023.
Fast as Lightning, Sleek and Stylish, Good Price
Expensive Maintenance (all used German Cars)
Ballin on a budget, but not really- this car has everything except the new toys that people put in the front (computer screen navs). If you are looking for a car and not a computer this one is tough to beat. The handling, the speed, the acceleration... the sound of the engine... this thing is like a baby supercar and even back to 2002 you can still drive this in style in 2024. Awesome bang for buck horsepower.
STANDS OUT IN A CROWD
RELAIABILITY
I purchased a pre-owned 2005 with the AMG Sport Package. Beautiful car!! Everyone admired it when sitting parked or while driving. Luckily, my dealership suggested an, "extended warranty" which covered it, "bumper-to-bumper." If it had not been for this extended warranty, I would have paid quadropral, if not more!! Also, as there are only a certain number of dealerships, you are up to their discretion. I had been shown my, "rear differentia" leaking, when, alas, another M-B dealership already performed said. KEEP YOUR DOCUMENTATION WITHIN A BINDER. They were like, oh, ok...I hope they didn't literally drain any fluid. The CD Player from the dash as well as the 5-disc changer do not eject. There is pixelating which occurs on the screen. What ever happened to, When you Purchase a Mercedes, it's good for Life?! I've had the worst experience, though a good service writer, and yet, the car is, "joint custody" between myself and the dealership. I've given up and have returned to Japanese! (they actually had a hanging on the wall that stated, "make it a thousand." Otherwise, when driving correctly, it Is a tremendously phenomenal experience to behold....but, for how long?? You're always looking for a light to come one. Good Luck!, however, I'd RUNNNNN AWAYYYYY!!!!!!!!
After 18 years I'm still in love. Great acceleration, responsive, hugs the road like it's in love, too. Tight handling corners at higher speeds, and if you're going 80mph and need to find 100, it'll get you there quickly. At 130mph, its still a solid and easy to handle car. Not cheap on maintenance but the exhilaration exceeds the cost.
Very fun to drive
Sick car
It’s very rare to find this car I drove all the way to Florida to pick one up paid top dollars best vehicle ever very fast and reliable I love the performance I’m really impressed go amg 5 ✨
Like new
None
Only 3,488 miles, only driven on sunny Sundays. Garaged at all times. White Convertible gray inside. Spotless.
Great overall driving experience you can have.
Depreciates rapidly.
I've owned this car since new. I wanted one for a long time and I think that the retractable roof is the best idea ever. I have the custom luggage that fits behind the seats, expensive to buy but if you travel a lot a great investment. Only two major repairs, the cam cover at the rear of the engine was leaking oil and last year the power steering pump died. For the time I've owned it not too much to complain about.
Car has everything, roadster with sport package, great gas mileage for a 300 hp 8 cylinder. I got disabled and can’t drive it anymore break’s my heart to sell the car of my dreams
