1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class ▼
- Price Range: $4,300 - $24,000
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
- Brake performance
- Exterior finish
- Acceleration (V8, V12)
- Build quality
- Interior materials
Cons
- Cargo room
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
After 18 years in its prior form, a new SL two-passenger roadster debuted for 1990, with a choice of two engines. The 300SL used a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. A 5.0-liter V8, producing 322 horsepower, went into the 500SL. Each engine had dual-overhead camshafts and a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration. Built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a 99-inch wheelbase, the two-seater's body was 4.3 inches shorter overall than its predecessor. Both models were heavier, too. The 300SL weighed 458 pounds more than the previous model, while the new 500SL tipped the scales at 265 pounds more than the former 560SL. Both versions of Mercedes' luxury coupe/convertible came with a removable aluminum hardtop as well as a power soft top. A five-speed manual transmission was standard in the 300SL, with five-speed automatic optional. The 500SL came only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Safety was a major design factor in the new convertibles. A rollover bar was designed to flip into position between the seats when needed. Made of foam-covered steel tubing, the bar lay flush with the rear tonneau cover, ready to deploy within 0.3 second if sensors detected an impending rollover incident. The bar could be raised and lowered via a dashboard button, if desired. Antilock braking also was standard.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercedes-Benz SL500 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
Technology took center stage for 1991. Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), Mercedes' traction-control system, became optional on SL models with an automatic transmission. The ASR system applied brake force to the drive wheel that was about to slip, and also reduced engine power if needed to maintain traction. An ASD (antilocking differential) joined the option list for 300SL models with manual shift. That system engages only at speeds up to 18 mph. Also newly optional was an automatically adjustable suspension, called the Adaptive Damping System. This one adjusted shock-absorber firmness several times per second at each wheel, to one of four settings, based on road surface and how the car was being driven.
1992 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
No significant changes were evident for 1992.
1993 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
A new 600SL model debuted this year, with a V12 engine that produced 389 horsepower. The V8 in the 500SL lost 7 horsepower, now rated at 315.
1994 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
An inline 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine ousted the 3.0-liter from 300SL models. Torque output grew, but the new engine had the same 228-horsepower rating as its predecessor. At the same time, model designations switched to SL320 and SL500. A Bose Acoustimass sound system now was standard.
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
A new Electronic Traction System went on the SL320 for 1995, able to control the throttle as well as the brakes. A portable cellular phone with voice-activated dialing joined the option list.
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
Side-impact airbags went into 1996 models. A new Electronic Stability Program (ESP) antiskid system became standard on the SL600 and optional on the SL500. It used sensors to monitor steering angle, individual wheel speed, lateral acceleration, and brake pressure to determine when the car was sliding. The ESP system then applied brakes to individual wheels as needed, to help maintain control. All models got a fresh grille, body-color bumpers, and 12-hole alloy wheels. Both the V8 and V12 now drove a five-speed automatic transmission. New xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights were standard on the SL600 and optional for the SL500.
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
A unique new "panorama" hardtop became available as an optional alternative to the standard lift-off aluminum roof. Heat-resisting tinted glass ran the full length of the new top. A new front-seat occupant-detection sensor could deactivate the right-side airbag when it determined that the passenger seat held less than 26 pounds. An integrated HomeLink transmitter was installed, and a new rain sensor varied the intermittent wiper rate to match actual precipitation.
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
Mercedes-Benz dropped the six-cylinder SL320, leaving only V8 and V12 models. Those added Brake Assist and a new Baby Smart feature that could recognize the presence of a child seat.
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
Revised internally this year, the V8 engine dropped to 302 horsepower. Exterior trim was now body-colored, and 17-inch wheels became standard.
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
New options for 2000 included heated seats and an adaptive suspension for the V8 version. Mercedes' TeleAid emergency system became standard. A Sport package featured newly designed 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, and different lower-body styling.
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
Both SL models got "aerodynamic" lower-body styling created by AMG, Mercedes' performance division. The SL600 rode on new two-piece AMG wheels. The TeleAid system added remote door unlocking, vehicle diagnostics, and alarm monitoring.
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
Changes were few for the short 2002 season, as Mercedes-Benz prepared to launch a redesigned SL as an early 2003 model.
Our road test for the 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Beautifully finished, these refined road cars blend strong performance with solid engineering and luxurious trappings. Much more athletic than its 1980s predecessor, the SL is impressively stable at speed, with a rock-solid bearing that inspires confidence. Comfortable and luxurious, the SL also delivers a sporting feel with commendable road manners, though it's too heavy to qualify as a genuine sports car. Sound ergonomics and attention to detail round out the benefits. Above 3000 rpm or so, the V8 engine feels virtually like a runaway freight train. Just a touch on the gas pedal is answered by a gush of power, as the V8-powered SL moves away from a stop with no sense of strain. Passing power is impressive, too. Acceleration is sufficient with six-cylinder power, especially from the newer 3.2-liter, but it can't match the V8. In the late 1990s, Mercedes-Benz claimed an SL500 could accelerate to 60 mph in a swift 6 seconds. On the down side, gas mileage is grim. All versions suffer far less than most convertibles from body quivers on bumpy roads. Suspensions do a good job of absorbing bumps, but you still notice most imperfections because of the stiff, low-profile tires. An SL can get a bit jiggly on broken pavement. Handling is characterized by quick response and little body lean. Braking is powerful and fade-free. Engine sounds are nicely muted, but tire roar is noticeable on coarse surfaces. Occupants get plenty of seat travel and a multitude of adjustments, along with good head room. Simple, unobstructed gauges are accompanied by clearly marked controls, and the trunk ranks as adequate for a two-seater.
Value for the Money
Even though they're too heavy and bulky to rank as sports cars, precious few automobiles provide open-air motoring with this much comfort, safety, style, and speed.
Even though they're too heavy and bulky to rank as sports cars, precious few automobiles provide open-air motoring with this much comfort, safety, style, and speed.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercedes-Benz SL500 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission jerks when placed in drive or reverse or makes a grunting noise as the fluid deteriorates requiring a drain and refill (of at least 70 percent of the fluid) with revised ATF. (1997-99)
Brakes:
The ABS (antilock brake system) light may come on intermittently and the charging-system light may also come on, but very dim, if the alternator is not charging sufficiently and electrical loads are high. (1990-2002)
Clutch:
The clutch pedal may stick on 30SL models due to heat boiling the fluid. A countermeasure, insulated, slave cylinder is required. (1990)
Engine stalling:
The engine may stall when the transmission is shifted into gear due to water entering, and corroding, the neutral safety switch. (1992)
None:
Prior to 1994, engine compartments on the 600SL were not treated with antirust coatings. If desired, a wax type coating only should be applied after thorough cleaning. (1990-94)
None:
The hot film mass-airflow sensors have a history of failure often caused by ill-fitting air filters or housing covers and by damaged protective screens located in front of the airflow sensor. (1990-1999)
Timing belt:
Timing-chain tensioner weakness causes knocking and rattling from the front of the engine, especially when hot. (1997-98)
Valve cover leaks:
Oil weeps at head gaskets, leaks at valve cover gaskets (1990-95), rear end caps (1990-97), oil-pan gaskets (1990-92).
Valve cover leaks:
During aggressive driving, especially in turns, oil can get into the air filter-housing requiring a vented valve cover. (1990)
Water leak:
The central locking system fails from leaks in the system allowing moisture to form in the lines which freezes in cold weather. (1990-02)
Water leak:
Rain water drips on the starter causing failure requiring a redesigned water drain. (1998-99) Also, water leaks into the molding at the top of the windshield (1999), between A-pillar and soft top (1997), at the A-pillar on hardtops (1994), at the roof near the front doors on hardtops (1994), and from the outside mirrors (1990-95).
Wheels:
In tight turns, the drive wheels may chirp due to the limited-slip differential. The problem can be reduced by removing one of the clutch plates. (1990-97)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $655 |
| Alternator | $440 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,525 |
| Brakes | $810 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $0 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,405 |
| Exhaust System | $785 |
| Radiator | $610 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,340 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| SL500 | $20,500-22,500 | $18,900-20,700 | $13,300-14,600 |
| SL600 | $24,000-25,800 | $22,300-24,000 | $15,600-16,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| SL500 | $18,200-19,700 | $16,700-18,100 | $11,600-12,600 |
| SL600 | $21,200-23,000 | $19,500-21,200 | $13,800-15,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| SL500 | $16,300-17,800 | $14,800-16,200 | $10,400-11,400 |
| SL600 | $18,500-21,000 | $17,000-19,300 | $11,800-13,400 |
| 1999 | |||
| SL500 | $14,800-16,300 | $13,500-14,800 | $9,300-10,300 |
| SL600 | $17,000-18,500 | $15,600-17,000 | $10,900-11,800 |
| 1998 | |||
| SL500 | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| SL600 | $15,200-16,700 | $13,800-15,200 | $9,600-10,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| SL320 | $10,600-12,000 | $9,500-10,800 | $5,600-6,400 |
| SL500 | $12,200-13,700 | $11,000-12,300 | $6,800-7,700 |
| SL600 | $13,700-15,200 | $12,500-13,800 | $8,200-9,100 |
| 1996 | |||
| SL320 | $9,500-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| SL500 | $11,500-13,000 | $10,400-11,700 | $6,300-7,200 |
| SL600 | $13,000-14,500 | $11,800-13,200 | $7,500-8,400 |
| 1995 | |||
| SL320 | $8,400-9,700 | $7,600-8,700 | $4,400-5,000 |
| SL500 | $10,300-11,800 | $9,300-10,600 | $5,500-6,300 |
| SL600 | $11,500-12,800 | $10,400-11,500 | $6,300-7,000 |
| 1994 | |||
| SL320 | $7,500-8,800 | $6,800-7,900 | $3,800-4,400 |
| SL500 | $9,500-10,700 | $8,600-9,600 | $4,900-5,600 |
| SL600 | $10,600-11,800 | $9,500-10,600 | $5,600-6,300 |
| 1993 | |||
| 300SL | $6,800-8,000 | $6,100-7,100 | $3,200-3,800 |
| 500SL | $8,700-9,800 | $7,800-8,800 | $4,500-5,100 |
| 600SL | $9,800-11,000 | $8,800-9,900 | $5,100-5,700 |
| 1992 | |||
| 300SL | $6,100-7,200 | $5,300-6,300 | $2,600-3,100 |
| 500SL | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 1991 | |||
| 300SL | $5,500-6,500 | $4,700-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
| 500SL | $7,200-8,200 | $6,400-7,300 | $3,500-4,000 |
| 1990 | |||
| 300SL | $5,000-5,900 | $4,300-5,000 | $2,000-2,400 |
| 500SL | $6,500-7,500 | $5,700-6,600 | $2,900-3,400 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe/convertible | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4125 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 7.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For its first four years on the market, the SL came with a 3.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam inline six-cylinder engine (as the 300SL), or in 500SL form with a 5.0-liter V8. The inline six produced 228 horsepower, versus 322 for the V8. Manual shift was standard on the 300SL, with five-speed automatic optional. The 500SL came only with a four-speed automatic. A 3.2-liter six replaced the 3.0-liter in 1994, and a 389-horsepower V12 engine went into the new SL600 in 1993. Six-cylinder models disappeared after 1997.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I6 | 3.0 / 181 | 228 | 201 | 5-speed manual: 16/22 5-speed automatic: 16/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I6 | 3.2 / 195 | 228 | 232 | 4-speed automatic: 17/24 5-speed automatic: 18/24 |
4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 5.0 / 303 | 302 | 339 | 5-speed automatic: 16/23 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V12 | 6.0 / 365 | 389 | 420 | 5-speed automatic: 13/19 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | 5.0 / 303 | 315-322 | 332-347 | 4-speed automatic: 16/20 5-speed automatic: 16/23 |
4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-92 500SL:
During removal/installation of the air filter housing the preformed vacuum hose may be misrouted, resulting in loss of brake power assist.
1996:
The drive-belt pulley can crack. If it breaks, the car will be without engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.
1997:
The electrical-ignition filament of the airbag gas generator can become corroded in a very humid environment.
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