2003 R230 SL600 - This model captured my attention.

[Lemmand]

I was perusing several vehicle and motorcycle websites to pass my lunch break as usual when I came across a bike on eBay that I could consider. Subsequently, I encountered this:

[Lemmand]

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/2003-mercedes-benz-r230-sl600-v12-nR5kKg?bsft_aaid=a5ce63ed-6419-48b8-adb6-8692f74daf04&bsft_bk=block2&bsft_clkid=3f25926b-b08a-4ce7-89e2-b50976e1ba44&bsft_eid=1212925b-00e4-91e8-531b-1883b8d147d6&bsft_ek=2025-04-25T08%3A00%3A00Z&bsft_lx=37&bsft_mid=aa8f84fa-3d30-466e-b70e-1a3aef046728&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_pid=35b26201-d113-4507-abce-70b5f8c97275&bsft_pp=11&bsft_tv=57&bsft_txnid=3c1f436f-6d56-4978-9027-5608c6d0bb25&bsft_uid=e80a97f4-81ee-4dec-a8e4-24d80da53e0e&utm_campaign=targeted-non-uk-non-europe-new-design-automated-email-09-06-24&utm_content=targeted-make-test-non-uk-non-europe-new-design-automated-email-10-06-24&utm_medium=email&utm_source=blueshift

[Lemmand]

The vehicle appears appealing; I am confident that the price will far exceed its current valuation, as well as my comfort threshold.

[CrawlerTagz]

It is an appealing concept, however I hesitate at the notion of £16,000 "invested since 2008." “£16,000 over 17 years: that does not impress me significantly,” to paraphrase the philosopher, Shania.

That appears to indicate "self-performed maintenance," rather than service by the primary dealer.


The mileage appears to be consistently 2,000 miles per year recently, which is favourable.

Requires two new tires to replace the current eight-year-old ones that maintain traction for 500 horsepower.

Historics recently sold a comparable SL600 with 80,000 miles for £8,500 last month. Parcel 265

I appreciate the V12 engines; yet, their operational and maintenance costs are prohibitively high, resulting in their owners rarely accumulating regular miles.

[Markwe]

The bids filed are impressive, and one cannot prevent anybody from attempting, correct?

I appreciate this statement from the owner: “It may be pertinent to note that I am in my 70s.” I spent 46 years with Rolls-Royce Aerospace as a production specialist and quality manager, hence I am accustomed to maintaining accuracy. I possess two further performance vehicles, an SL55 and a Bentley Continental, and I have recently sold an Arnage; they are all mere indulgences. I utilise an Audi four-wheel-drive as my primary vehicle.Despite the expense, I hope they receive a favourable price, as the automobile has evidently been properly maintained. acquires.

[Kenjibb]

The MOT history does not indicate an individual who adequately maintained the vehicle.

[Markwe]

Indeed, I concede my error; the owner has not demonstrated astuteness, particularly regarding the inspection of tyre wear. Nonetheless, commendations are due for their financial investment in rectifying issues to ensure the impressive Mercedes-Benz passes the MOT, thereby securing a 12-month certificate for reassurance, or perhaps merely postponing the next inspection.

[CrawlerTagz]

An annual expenditure of one thousand dollars on maintenance and repairs does not constitute "extravagant spending" for the upkeep of a V12 engine.

Examine Lot 265 from Historics last month. This indicates a greater likelihood of costly upkeep, and it has only attained a value of £8,500.


It requires much courage to undertake the upkeep of a V12 when a newer, lower-mileage SL may achieve comparable speed.

[Markwe]

Opinions will invariably differ; yet, as subjective viewpoints, none can be deemed right or incorrect, as it ultimately depends on one's perspective.

When discussing a car that is well-maintained and has no intention of modifications, with an annual mileage slightly exceeding 3,000 miles, minimal faults arise, normal wear and tear is disregarded, and advisories noted during MOTs are addressed, I maintain that investing in the upkeep of that exquisite Mercedes-Benz is my perspective; however, I fully acknowledge your viewpoint, despite my disagreement.


In my opinion, the expenditure of £16,000 since 2008 is more than sufficient.

[Markwe]

While the second vehicle you referenced may have incurred greater expenditures and exemplifies extravagant spending, I was not alluding to that particular one.

[Shmoein]

A former contributor here owned a modified W211 E55, which he sold to acquire an R230 SL600. He appreciated the V12 temporarily, but promptly sold it and acquired another E55. Some of you may recall Tony, known by the forum alias Ginger E55, who was a frequent participant at MSL GTG events in the past.

It was likely the apprehension of an exorbitant cost impending that convinced him the V8 represents a superior long-term investment for high-speed enjoyment.

[CrawlerTagz]

It is important to note that both Mercedes and Jaguar have historically catered to a distinct and limited market for the V12 engine.

The V12s exemplify understated luxury, equipped with several features, yet operate quietly.


The AMG, or XJR, has consistently been the prominent sporty option: loud exhaust, several sports features, enhanced seats, and a significantly elevated silhouette.

The AMG models surpassed the V12s, such as the SL600, by a ratio of 13:1, with 150 SL600s remaining in the UK compared to 2000 SL55, SL63, and SL65 models.

[Finestey]

I concur.

I possess two customised vehicles: a Jaguar XKR and a factory C4 Corvette, both equipped with stainless steel sports exhausts. However, my spouse has prohibited me from making similar modifications to the CL, as it would fundamentally alter the car's character, which I regard as inherently elegant.