2005 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG R230

Highlights

• Popular Obsidian Black with black anthracite interior
• 493bhp supercharged 5.4L V8
• Only four keepers with current one since 2014
• High specification facelift car with Panoramic roof
• Recent £5,000 overhaul of suspension by Mercedes
• Regularly serviced by main dealers and specialists

The Appeal

The R230 SL55 is as popular now as it was when new because nothing quite matches it. The clever Vario folding hard top makes it coupe or convertible to suit the weather while the hand-built 493bhp AMG 5.4L V8 offers serious performance and aural character. That these cars are as well built as you’d expect from a Mercedes merely dials up the appeal.

With its Obsidian Black paintwork, anthracite leather and optional Panoramic roof, this facelift SL55 will tick many buyers’ boxes. It is a low keeper car that has been with the current one since 2014. The condition is good for a car of this age and mileage, just a few minor cosmetic points to note in photos that are not untypical. The AMG split rim alloys could do with a refurbishment, which would add to its looks.

The maintenance history shows a run of regular work by main dealers and specialists. In 2025 the car went to Mercedes for £5,000 of work, including a suspension compressor. The ABC suspension system was checked again in August 2026 by MB Tech with no issues found. The vendor tells us that it would benefit from a service and ideally needs a couple of suspension struts replaced. The curernt MOT has expired so will need refreshed before the car can be driven away.

Once those jobs are done you get a nicely specified supercharged R230 with the sort of performance to worry most cars on the road.

Key Information

• Mileage: 106,905 miles indicated (supported by service and MOT history)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: expired
• Technical specs: 517bhp 5,439cc supercharged V8 petrol, 5spd automatic gearbox
• Paperwork: handbooks, wallet, V5C, spreadsheet of servicing and MOT history, recent invoices

Service history:

• 04/22 - 94,308 miles - Casterbridge (Mercedes specialist)
• 12/18 - 81,736 miles - Casterbridge
• 02/16 - 68,848 miles - Mercedes-Benz Doncaster
• 11/14 - 55,533 miles - Mercedes-Benz Doncaster
• 12/13 - 47,159 miles - Mercedes-Benz Doncaster
• 05/13 - 43,998 miles - Mercedes-Benz Warrington
• 12/09 - 20,534 miles - Mercedes-Benz Newbury
• 01/07 - 7,860 miles - Mercedes-Benz Newbury

The Detail

• New suspension compressor fitted by Mercedes-Benz in 2025 costing £5,000
• August 2026 suspension check by MB Tech as shown in invoices
• Recent tyres fitted to 19-inch split rim twin spoke AMG alloys
• Mix of Continental and Pirelli tyres fitted
• Alloy wheels are presentable but will have completed refurbishment by the time the auction ends
• Obsidian Black paintwork in good overall condition with some light age to note
• Photographs show paintwork scuffs
• Vario roof appears to work correctly
• Keyless entry and go reported as working
• Vendor notes the car requires offside front and nearside rear suspension struts
• A scheduled service is due
• Anthracite leather interior in excellent order for age with some wear to driver’s bolster
• Equipped with optional glass panoramic roof and wind deflector
• Heated, cooled, and massaging electric memory seats
• Bose sound system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and TV function
• Climate control and cruise control fitted
• No current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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