Mercedes-Benz Buyers Guide

 

 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500

*
MSRP: $85,990
Invoice: $79,971

Gas Mileage:
CTY: N/A    HWY: N/A    CMB: N/A
Engine/Fuel: 8 Cyl
Transmission:
Door/Body Style: /convertible, sports car, CVT
Drive Type:

Prices/Warranty

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  • General
  • MSRP: $85,990
  • Invoice Price: $79,971
  • Destination Charge: $
  • Warranty
  • Basic (Month):  
  • Basic (Mileage):  
  • Powertrain (Month):  
  • Powertrain (Mileage):  
  • Rust (Month):  
  • Rust (Mileage):  

Engine & Emissions

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  • Engines & Emissions
  • 4966 cc 5 liters V 8 front engine with 97 mm bore, 84 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, overhead cam and three valves per cylinder
  • 80 liter 21.1 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
  • Coefficient of drag: 0.29
  • Emission control level California
  • Fuel economy
  • Multi-point injection fuel system
  • Premium unleaded fuel
  • Engine
  • Compression ratio: 10
  • Cylinders: 8
  • RPM @ Peak Horsepower: 302

Dimensions

See the interior and exterior dimensions.
  • Exterior Dimensions
  • Overall Length (in): 178.5
  • Overall Width (in): 72
  • Overall Height (in): 51.1
  • Wheelbase (in): 100.8
  • Curb weight (lbs): 4045
  • Curb weight (lbs): 1835
  • Interior Dimensions
  • Headroom front (in): 37.7
  • Hip room front (in): 53.2
  • Leg room front (in): 42.9
  • Shoulder room front (in): 54

Features

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  • Exterior
    • Body color front and rear bumpers
    • Day time running lights
    • Delayed/fade courtesy lights
    • Door edge hazard lights
    • Front fog lights
    • Front spoiler
    • Gloss paint , black paint , metallic paint
    • Headlight control with time delay switch-off and dusk sensor
    • High pressure headlight cleaners
    • Projector beam lens gas discharge bulb headlights
    • Rear fog lights
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
    • Air conditioning with climate control
    • Passenger seat secondary ventilation controls
    • Ventilation system with recirculation setting, micro filter and active carbon filter
  • Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
    • Bose audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer
    • Eight speakers
    • Element antenna
    • Telematics
  • Instrumentation
    • Clock
    • Coming home device
    • Computer with average fuel consumption
    • Cruise control
    • External temperature
    • Low fuel level warning
    • Low washer fluid level warning
    • Oil pressure
    • Online information system
    • Service interval indicator
    • Tachometer
  • Wheels & Tires
    • External dimensions: overall length (mm): 4534, overall length (inches): 178.5, overall width (mm): 1829, overall width (inches): 72, overall height (mm): 1298, overall height (inches): 51.1, wheelbase (mm): 2560, wheelbase (inches): 100.8, front track (mm): 1560, front track (inches): 61.4, rear track (mm): 1547, rear track (inches): 60.9, curb to curb turning circle (mm): 11034 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 36.2
    • Four-wheel ABS
    • Front and rear alloy wheels with 17 inch rim diam and 8.5 inch rim width
    • Front and rear tires with 255 mm tire width, 45% tire profile and W tire rating
    • Inflatable alloy rim internal spare wheel
    • Rear-wheel drive
  • Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
    • Automatic operation rear view mirror
    • Driver power heated body color door mirrors with automatic operation , passenger power heated body color door mirrors with automatic
    • Electric hardtop convertible roof with glass rear window
    • Front power windows with two one-touch , rear power windows
    • Heated washer
    • Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
    • Rear window with defogger
    • Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch and includes power windows
    • Tinted glass on cabin
    • Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor

Safety Features

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  • Safety Features
  • Bucket heated electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, six adjustments and tilt adjustment
  • Concealed system convertible rollover protection
  • Driver front airbag , passenger front airbag with occupant sensors
  • Front side airbag with occupant sensors
  • Memorized adjustment on door mirror position and steering wheel position with six driver's seat positions, six passenger seat positions and head restraint
  • Two height adjustable electric adjustable head restraints on front seats
  • Anti-Theft
  • Audio anti-theft protection: code
  • Immobilizer
  • Peripheral anti-theft protection
  • Braking & Traction
  • Brake assist system
  • Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
  • Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs

Read Reviews

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*Fuel Economy Guide

Research the yearly spend on gasoline for every Mercedes-Benz in our database.

  • The fuel economy calculations assume annual mileage of 15,000 miles, 45% of which is highway miles and 55% city miles and fuel costs of $2.79 per gallon. These figures can be adjusted to more accurately reflect your driving style and fuel costs in your area:

     






 

*NHTSA Test Results

Get crash test results, service bulletins, and product recalls for every Mercedes-Benz model.

  • Click a car name to see the crash test details for that model.

     

     

    Crash Test Data for 2003 Mercedes-Benz

    Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Front Star Rating Side Star Rating Rollover Resistance Rating
    Driver Passenger Front Seat Rear Seat
    2003 C230Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 C-Class
    2003 CL-ClassNot
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 CLK-ClassNot
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 CLK-ClassNot
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 E-Class
    2003 G500Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 ML-ClassNot
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 S-ClassNot
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 SL-ClassNot
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested
    2003 SLKNot
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested    		Not
    Tested

     

    Service Bulletins for 2003 Mercedes-Benz

    2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E350
    Bulletin Number: 033008
    CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. *NJ
    Bulletin Number: 2007010002
    REMOVE FRONT WHEEL HOUSING WATER DRAIN NOZZLES IF PRESENT AND CLEAR WATER DRAIN PASSAGES. *KB
    Bulletin Number: 2008020001
    MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CHECK FUEL FILTER MODULE ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OR REPLACE IF NECESSARY. MODELS 211 AND 219 AMG. MODEL YEARS 2003-2006. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *PE
    Bulletin Number: 20-P-053398
    XENTRY: RATTLING/THUMPING NOISES FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING ON ROUGH ROADS OR WHEN DRIVING OVER ROAD UNDULATIONS. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 168 AND 172. *JS
    Bulletin Number: 40-P-052794
    MERCEDES BENZ: FRONT OR REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT ROLL UP CORRECTLY. DIRT DEPOSITS ON THE SEAT BELT GUIDE DUE TO SOILED SEAT BELT. ALSO INCLUDED MODELS 169, F CELL, 246, AND 231. NO MODEL YEARS GIVEN. *JS
    Bulletin Number: 40-P-053441
    XENTRY: MERCEDES BENZ: REVERSIBLE EMERGENCY TENSIONING RETRACTOR IS COMPATIBLE WITH WIRING HARNESS, MODEL E350 MODEL YEAR UNKNOWN. *JS
    Bulletin Number: 461018A
    STEERING WHEEL HEATER NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY OR INOPERATIVE AT COLD TEMPERATURES. MERCEDES BENZ MODEL 211. MODEL YEAR UNKNOWN. *TT MODEL 211 (E SERIES). UPDATE 8/8/2008. *PE
    Bulletin Number: 462046
    PLAY IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. MODELS 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. MERCEDES BENZ. *KB UPDATED 5/13/09. *PE
    Bulletin Number: 470036
    MERCEDES: THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DOES NOT MATCH THE ACTUAL FILL LEVEL. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A FAULT IN THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FUNCTION CHAIN: HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRICAL LINES AND THEIR CONNECTIONS, REAR SAM OR IN
    Bulletin Number: 472051
    MODEL E350, CODE 914 (PZEV FUEL TANK) - ENGINE STALLS / DOES NOT RESTART. MY 2003-2007. *NJ
    Bulletin Number: 8210196
    REVISED REPAIR PROCEDURE AND ADDITIONAL APPLICABLE MODELS. MODEL 170, 202, 208 AND 210 MODELS. FRONT FOG LAMP(S) INOPERATIVE. MERCEDES-BENZ. *TT MODEL YEARS: 1994-2004. UPDATED 09/09/08. *PE
    Bulletin Number: LI05 20-P-067123
    Oil in engine wiring harness
    Bulletin Number: LI07.08-P-060993
    Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
    Bulletin Number: LI-27-19P056458
    XENTRY (MERCEDES): COMBINATION OF FAULT CODES P060C00 AND/OR P060600, CAUSING VARIOUS TRANSMISSION SYMPTOMS DUE TO CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT, SOFTWARE INDUCED INTERNAL CONTROL UNIT FAULT IS DETECTED. MODEL 212.098, 212.298, 212. 095, 212.19
    Bulletin Number: LI-27-20
    MERCEDES-BENZ: THE VEHICLE JERKS OR HAS HARD SKIPPING SHIFTS. THERE ARE MANY POSSIBLE FAULT CODES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKUP CLUTCH HAS A CLOGGED FILTER. *RM
    Bulletin Number: LI32-22-P-048597
    MERCEDES BENZ (XENTRY): VEHICLE DROPS AT REAR AXLE, DISPLAY MESSAGE-AIRMATIC-SERVICE REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE DROPS AT THE REAR AXLE AFTER STANDING FOR A LONG TIME. DAMAGED SEALING RINGS IN AIR SUSPENSION ELEMENT ON REAR AXLE CAN LEAD TO MI
    Bulletin Number: LI32-22-P-051722
    MERCEDES: AIRMATIC MALFUNCTION. LEAKING AIRMATIC SYSTEM AND NOT A FAULTY COMPRESSOR. *KB
    Bulletin Number: LI32-22P051722
    XENTRY(MERCEDES): MALFUNCTIONING OF THE AIRMATIC IN THE DISPLAY. *PE UPDATED 3/9/12. *PE
    Bulletin Number: LI46-20-P-048484
    XENTRY: STEERING LEAKY AT INTERNAL OIL LINES. CONNECTOR OF INTERNAL OIL LINE OR SEALING WASHERS/O-RINGS DAMAGED. NOT NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM. REMOVE STEERING; REPLACE BOTH INTERNAL OIL LINES; INSTALL STEERING. MO
    Bulletin Number: LI46-40-P-047549
    MERCEDES: CRACKING/CREAKING NOISES FROM FRONT AXLE WHEN VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO TORSION OR WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THIS IS MAINLY HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING SLOWLY. RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN TH
    Bulletin Number: LI-47-00
    XENTRY: M271.8 EVO ENGINE HAS POOR ACCELERATOR RESPONSE- LACK OF POWER UNDER FULL LOAD AND HIGH RPM. ENGINE DIAGNOSIS WARNING LAMP (CEL) LIGHTS UP, VEHICLE IS IN LIMP-HOME MODE (MAY OR MAY NOT BE INTERMITTENT). *JS
    Bulletin Number: LI-54-18
    MERCEDES BENZ (XENTRY): WIRING HARNESS IS DAMAGED IN AREA OF ROOF FRAME. VEHICLE CAN NOT BE STARTED BECAUSE THE CHASSIS CAN BUS AND/OR INTERIOR CAN FAULT CODES STORED IN QUICK TEST. *PE
    Bulletin Number: LI54 30-P-068430
    Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
    Bulletin Number: LI-58-40
    XENTRY (MERCEDES): ENGINE WARNING LAMP IS CURRENTLY ON OR WAS ON AND A DELAY FAULT OF THE CAMSHAFT ADJUST TO CURRENT OR STORED IN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. MODELS 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, AND 403. NO MODEL YEARS LI
    Bulletin Number: LI72-10P-055044
    MERCEDES (XENTRY): THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE, ON FRONT DOOR, IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO THE BOWDEN CABLE BECOMING UNHOOKED FROM CLIP AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MODEL 207. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
    Bulletin Number: LI72 20-P-068322
    Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
    Bulletin Number: LI82.70-P-060004
    iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
    Bulletin Number: LI91-40-P-047183
    MERCEDES: SEAT BELTS, EMERGENCY TENSIONING RETRACTORS. MODEL SERIES 204 (WITH CODES 299 AND 800), 207, 212. SEAT BELT CAN ONLY BE PULLED OUT WITH GREAT EFFORT. AT THE SAME TIME A NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE REVERSIBLE REEL TENSIONER GEA
    Bulletin Number: LI91 45-P-066075
    Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
    Bulletin Number: LI-91-60-P052463
    XENTRY(MERCEDES): BULLETIN REGARDING THE 4 SPOKE STEERING WHEEL CHROME BADGES ON DRIVER AIRBAG THAT ARE PEELING AND/OR DISCOLORED. *PE
    Bulletin Number: P-047526
    MERCEDES BENZ: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-ANALOG POINTERS NONFUNCTIONAL AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL ANALOG POINTERS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (A1) MAY NOT BE FUNCTIONAL FOR APPROX. ONE TO TWO MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED. FULL FUNCTION
    Bulletin Number: PB-72-20-31D
    MERCEDES BENZ: TAILGATE DOES NOT OPEN FULLY IN COLD WEATHER. THE TAILGATE NOT OPENING FULLY IN COLD WEATHER, DO NOT REPLACE THE STRUTS. *PE
    Bulletin Number: SB-32-22-78
    MERCEDES: AIR MATIC VISIT WORKSHOP DISPLAYED WITHIN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MODELS 164, 211, 219, 221 AND 251. INCLUDED 4MATIC, AMG (COMPRESSOR) AMG, BLUETEC AND WAGON. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE UPDATED 9/18/09.
    Bulletin Number: TB-P-047927
    MERCEDES: FOLLOWING FAULT CODES ARE ENTERED IN THE CONTROL UNIT AND DISPLAYED-FC5320 DRAIN VALVE:OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODELS SERIES 211, 219; FC5260 DRAIN VALVE OPEN CIRCUIT OR INSUFFICIENT VALVE CURRENT IN MODEL 2
    Bulletin Number: TSB-82-00-695
    MERCEDES: PART CHANGE TO BANJO BOLT FOR HEADLAMP MOUNT. THE LATCH FOR THE BANJO BOLT FOR THE HEADLAMP MOUNT IS NO LONGER NEEDED; THEREFORE, THE NEW PART IS NOW SCREWED ONTO THE LAMP FRAME USING A THERMOPLASTIC NUT *PE

     

    Recalls for 2003 Mercedes-Benz

    No recalls exist.

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