1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

1998 Mercedes Benz SL500 Roadster Since the release of the historic Gullwing coupe, the SL-Class has set the benchmark for what a premium roadster should be with its continued strive for excellence in performance, technology, safety, and style. High end roadster rivals include the BMW 6 Series and Jaguar F-Type. In 1989, we saw the release of the fourth generation SL-Class roadster with a 5.0 liter V8 powering the 500SL and a 3.0 liter straight six powering the 300SL. With technology that includes electronic stability control, antilock brakes, adaptive damping shock absorbers, and front airbags, the SL-Class was one of the most sophisticated cars on the market. Thx MotorTrend  For consignment, a 1998 Mercedes Benz SL500 roadster with a title verified 132,767 actual miles. Frequent oil changes and numerous repairs have been relayed by the consignor and this well sorted personal luxury sports roadster is ready to provide years of a more high end driving experience to its next steward.   Exterior Enveloped in two stage White, the exterior of this presents cleanly and includes the optional hardtop, which is electronically released and relocked on with the touch of a button. Upon its removal, you have the black canvas top with three plastic windows that remain sight unseen when folded electronically behind the driver and passenger. Integrated body matching white bumpers, aero inserted and smoothed headlights, a swept back front glass, ribbed tail lights, and we have a sports car with fantastic lines, maintaining its luxury class status. Mercedes 5 spoke AMG 18-inch alloy wheels are on all 4 corners with staggered ZR rated tires that have a mid 2019 date code. Imperfections include numerous chin scrapes and chipping paint, and some curb rash on the wheels.   Interior Tan leather and MB Tex, with plush padding and stitching allow the driver and passenger an almost endless array of recline, height, temperature and stiffness options at the touch of a series of buttons on the door which shows some patina in that area and on the handle. These buckets have some cracking in the bolsters in their front sections but are in otherwise good condition. There is a storage area behind the two bucket seats, as well as a wonderfully fully lined trunk in light tan velour. Doors are lined with a tasteful mixture of light tan leather, molded vinyl, and highly lacquered burl. This burl can also be seen in the center console housing the AM/FM radio, window controls, top actuator as well as the shifter. The dash is a beautiful complimentary tan and brown leather and molded vinyl and analog gauges keep you informed of all major functions. A leather wrapped sport steering wheel can be adjusted to ergonomic alignment for the driver, no matter what size they are. Manually moving the shifter or simple automatic shift modes can be chosen at the driver's will and a standard and winter/wet shifting mode can be had with the flip of a toggle. Tan carpeting is fairly clean and has protective tan rubber mats on top.  Drivetrain A 5.0 liter V8 drinks from an electronically controlled fuel injection system and enjoys a 315 horsepower rating. Behind it, a 5-speed Daimler Benz 5G Tronic automatic transmission sends power to the rear axle with 2.56 gears while 4 wheel power disc brakes are on board to help slow this luxury cruiser down. The clean bay shows some usage but a large plastic shroud keeps things looking tidy and clean.   Undercarriage For the mileage, the underside is remarkably clean with some typical soot, minimal surface rust, and some residual oil on the pan. Dual exhaust flows through stock style mufflers before exiting through twin tailpipes. Independent coil spring suspension is equipped front and back. Drive-Ability Comfortable and capable is the immediate feeling relayed by the quality of materials and ergonomics. The 5 liter is a quick starter and provides very good power while the low profile tires grip curves with c