and braking system that is defective from new and when the SBC throws a fault you have very little braking power to slow down a 4300LB car. I just experienced this for the 2nd time w/ my R230 SL. Thankfully Mercedes has extended the warranty for the SBC pump to 25 years but I hate being put in a dangerous situation. Also the valve body (conductor plate) in the transmission is defective from new and you could potentially by a low mileage one still on the original valve body that will fail and leave you stranded. Mine was replaced under the CPO warranty many years ago.
The '06-08 are better looking IMHO. This one grafts an angry face on a smooth body and it doesn't work as cohesively. But the Silver Arrow is '09 only so if you want red leather, tough!
Jeez. I am South African, 78, and love your shows. And your quirky sense of humor. It is lovely. And this SL 550 Merc!! OMG. If this car was in Joburg, I would be racing down to buy it right now. Incredible, beautiful condition. Thanks for your great shows and style.😊
The styling definitely held up over the years. Great car for sure. Great work on the camera Steven. Cars like this deserve the finest attention and you guys nailed it.
I just bought a 2012, timeless design. Yes, you need to keep up on some basic maintenance on this model (ABC suspension fluid/filters changes, roof hydraulics, etc) the reward is an amazing riding vehicle and a head tuner styling.
This is humorous. Good sales technique. I love this car. Have wanted one since the early 2000's . They've finally depreciated to where I can afford one.
I had a 2007 SL 550-same color combo with the AMG sport package. I recognize the beeping-the passenger needs to put the seat belt on. It was a great car. I owned it until 2018.
I have a white one exact same year. It has issues here and there but it's my favorite car I've ever owned. Of you can keep the maintenance up they are phenomenal cars
I had a 09 and the ABC air suspension needed replacement and the ABS module was throwing codes. Traded it ASAP. Great cars until they need maintenance.
Appreciate seeing the R230 SL's get their respect after being underrated for so long. Mercedes poured their overengineered souls into these R230's at the turn of the century -with a perfect send off to Bruno Sacco by his last car design. All I drive is convertibles and the driving refinement of this generation top down or up is unsurpassed. Mercedes can't even build them like this any more. The AMG versions were a voraciously virtuoso blend of performance and luxury too good to pass up.
The first SL550 was '06, not '03. It was still the SL500 '03-05 in this generation. I really appreciate that Raiti did this video but he didn't do much research. Just needed to crank one out. Didn't even mention the hydraulic suspension, the curse blessing of this vehicle. And didn't drop the top! But maybe the dealership asked him not to. Might've caught a hydraulic shower on film. That'd been cool, actually.
Sure! The 2009 Mercedes lineup has some awesome cars. If you're into sedans, the E-Class is a classic with a mix of luxury and performance. The C-Class is a bit sportier and more compact.The E-Class is larger, more luxurious, and generally more powerful than the C-Class. The C-Class is more compact and less expensive.
Please do an sl63 with the 6.2 from this era too, been looking into those and would love a quality review of one on UA-cam as there are none of recent good quality
Wow, they want all the money on that car at $22k. The first trip to the shop on that car is going to cost $5k-$7k, that’s why they go for cheap. I’d be interested at maybe 12-14k
These cars are cool! However, you gotta have a good, reliable mechanic that knows these cars so that you don't pay a fortune for maintenance and repairs at the dealership.
It doesn't look old at all. Gorgeous car, but those rusty lug nuts were a disgrace. I would have liked to see the power top in operation but a great review.
Leaf blower day is different in each state. Florida has a different day than California, Texas is different, and Vermont is different than New York, Washington DC needs a whole week for leaf blowing.
The USA had the best Grand Prix racing color combination, Metallic Blue with White Stripes. Germany had Silver, UK had Green, Italy had Red, France had French Racing Blue etc.
It’s definitely not a Toyota but at least it’s cheaper to maintain than all the newer 2020+ Mercedes. At least you can still work on this one yourself.
Not if you can fix it yourself. If your a diy kind of person any sl is an amazing value compared to other used cars of the same age. I got mine for half the price of a same year corvette.
No. The hydraulic suspension is When, not If. The hardtop hydraulics are also challenging. Batteries catch on fire. That M273 is good but only later years. But but, at least parts and labor are really really expensive.
Cars like this are best appreciated by the DIY community. Been daily driving my 07 S550 for almost 3 years and it's phenomenal and very reasonable to maintain. Also DIY my 2014 E63S...
Naturally aspirated V8, non-LED lights, a functional screen, analog gauges, no cameras, but ALL character.
Make Cars Great Again.
Unfortunately no manual transmission. Think how much fun that car would be with a manual transmission
and braking system that is defective from new and when the SBC throws a fault you have very little braking power to slow down a 4300LB car. I just experienced this for the 2nd time w/ my R230 SL. Thankfully Mercedes has extended the warranty for the SBC pump to 25 years but I hate being put in a dangerous situation. Also the valve body (conductor plate) in the transmission is defective from new and you could potentially by a low mileage one still on the original valve body that will fail and leave you stranded. Mine was replaced under the CPO warranty many years ago.
These cars aged so well.
YES!!!
The '06-08 are better looking IMHO. This one grafts an angry face on a smooth body and it doesn't work as cohesively. But the Silver Arrow is '09 only so if you want red leather, tough!
Agreed.
Jeez. I am South African, 78, and love your shows. And your quirky sense of humor. It is lovely. And this SL 550 Merc!! OMG. If this car was in Joburg, I would be racing down to buy it right now. Incredible, beautiful condition. Thanks for your great shows and style.😊
The styling definitely held up over the years. Great car for sure. Great work on the camera Steven. Cars like this deserve the finest attention and you guys nailed it.
You are so incredibly awesome! Thank you so much for your kind words!
A true silver arrow 15 years later. No replacement for displacement 😊 Thanks for great content, good sir 🫡👏
Nice car. The older I get, the more I like cars from 15-20 years ago.
Same. This would be a nice 2nd car to own
I just bought a 2012, timeless design. Yes, you need to keep up on some basic maintenance on this model (ABC suspension fluid/filters changes, roof hydraulics, etc) the reward is an amazing riding vehicle and a head tuner styling.
Joe man, 15 years, things changed quite drastically in the auto industry. Crazy to think on late 2000s not even a Mercedes Benz had a backup camera.
They started to show up around 06/07 on stuff. I want to say maybe 08 for Mercedes.
A lot of companies didn't have them. There are BMW i3s released around 2015 didn't have them, but that had Adaptive cruise control
Nissan/Infiniti who created them were the only ones who had them in a plethora of vehicles. We had one in our 07 FX35
Beautiful! The generation before it was even more iconic 👍🏻
This is humorous. Good sales technique. I love this car. Have wanted one since the early 2000's . They've finally depreciated to where I can afford one.
I had a 2011 GL550 withe the same engine. What a smooth ride it was. However I would keep an eye on that ABC suspension in the SL.
Best UA-camr ever
I can’t do it without your support!
Very nice 👍
I loved the late 70’s to mid eighties style of these
Same here Tom
I had a 2007 SL 550-same color combo with the AMG sport package. I recognize the beeping-the passenger needs to put the seat belt on. It was a great car. I owned it until 2018.
I have a white one exact same year. It has issues here and there but it's my favorite car I've ever owned. Of you can keep the maintenance up they are phenomenal cars
I had a 09 and the ABC air suspension needed replacement and the ABS module was throwing codes. Traded it ASAP. Great cars until they need maintenance.
Hey Joe I wanted to say keep up the good work and I hope you continue to review these older cars.
Thanks for saying that and I sure will!
Love the Mercedes coupes.
Thanks for taking a ride with me in this one David
This made me miss my SL 550 ~ she was a beast & I called her Trouble 💕 the absolute best!
The exterior design of this vehicle is very beautiful .
I love the Mercedes SL560 & even though it's not new I still love it.
You have great taste Luis!
@@RaitisRides Thank you Joe & by modern standards this car is low on tech.
@@LuisUrbietathis is true
@@RaitisRides That's cool
Awesome car and excellent review Joe! Thanks for sharing these sub-$30k gems for us😉 Really shows what you can get for a good value👍👍
Appreciate seeing the R230 SL's get their respect after being underrated for so long. Mercedes poured their overengineered souls into these R230's at the turn of the century -with a perfect send off to Bruno Sacco by his last car design. All I drive is convertibles and the driving refinement of this generation top down or up is unsurpassed. Mercedes can't even build them like this any more. The AMG versions were a voraciously virtuoso blend of performance and luxury too good to pass up.
Love it !!
That’s a Beauty - why can’t they sell cars like that now ?? !!
100% very reliable and smooth, i have the same engine and these are amazing
My buddy recently got a 2004 SL600 and it is just amazing. V12 twin turbo, early 2000s look and feel
Oh wow! That is a serious car.
@@RaitisRides A bargain too, got it for 19,000!
The first SL550 was '06, not '03. It was still the SL500 '03-05 in this generation. I really appreciate that Raiti did this video but he didn't do much research. Just needed to crank one out. Didn't even mention the hydraulic suspension, the curse blessing of this vehicle. And didn't drop the top! But maybe the dealership asked him not to. Might've caught a hydraulic shower on film. That'd been cool, actually.
I have a 2008 E550 with the same powertrain, have had it 11 years and this power is very reliable. I do like this generation SL and the 17-20 SL’s.
Looks great in silver with red guts.
Sl 600 would be another great car to review v12 power
4:20 the rust on the wheel nuts 😢
Sure! The 2009 Mercedes lineup has some awesome cars. If you're into sedans, the E-Class is a classic with a mix of luxury and performance. The C-Class is a bit sportier and more compact.The E-Class is larger, more luxurious, and generally more powerful than the C-Class. The C-Class is more compact and less expensive.
This particular SL has always been my dream car ❤
That is so wonderful to hear!
Glad to see Joe R doing a 2009 model
I hope you faired well in the hurricane Raitis rides 🙏👍
I just parked next to one of these yesterday and saw you just did a video on it lol
Most normies would think this is a brand new car, it's so timeless and good looking.
National leaf blower day, maybe I’m supposed to buy them a gift or something !!! I love your videos
Nice car ❤
This really is a sweet little ride ! Awesome review Joe, and as usual, phenomenal camera work. Job well done 👍🏼
Im digging that old style. I always love that style on the SL
Old school nostalgia luxury!
I love those older models!
These cars were such a flex back in the day.
Please do an sl63 with the 6.2 from this era too, been looking into those and would love a quality review of one on UA-cam as there are none of recent good quality
I just bought one and theres not much out there on youtube on them. Fischer fast made a good overview video recently it’s worth checking out
@@pickledude494 ok thanks
Early 2000s were some of the best years of the last 30+ years. Shame where we’ve gone as a planet since then
The driver of the blue car ahead of Joe blew that stop sign at 18:55
Welcome to Florida
Still looks so good
I totally agree with you
Wow, they want all the money on that car at $22k. The first trip to the shop on that car is going to cost $5k-$7k, that’s why they go for cheap. I’d be interested at maybe 12-14k
I have a ‘09 SL550. Love it!
🔥 & the SLR McLaren is legendary
The facelift of the R230 is personally my favorite generation of the SL. Let's also not forget about the SL65 AMG Black Series.
I like the way that you think!
Damn, 23k. I'd snatch that up in a heartbeat, love the look and sound.
There was no rear wheel steering on this generation nor the next, rear wheel steering was added on the newest 2022 model.
Absolutely correct.
These cars are cool! However, you gotta have a good, reliable mechanic that knows these cars so that you don't pay a fortune for maintenance and repairs at the dealership.
It doesn't look old at all. Gorgeous car, but those rusty lug nuts were a disgrace. I would have liked to see the power top in operation but a great review.
Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍
I had same car.
400hp now seems slow. …it handled ok.
Hard Top was amazing. But car was limited in size. No golfclubs in trunk.
I always thought of this car as the German Corvette.
JJ - my CLK550 is one of the best cars I've owned, drop top floaty cruiser with umpf
Leaf blower day is different in each state. Florida has a different day than California, Texas is different, and Vermont is different than New York, Washington DC needs a whole week for leaf blowing.
I love this review.
The USA had the best Grand Prix racing color combination, Metallic Blue with White Stripes. Germany had Silver, UK had Green, Italy had Red, France had French Racing Blue etc.
Long live the R230.
Last great SL.
I love this car so much!
Something about this car always reminds me of the Michael Keaton Batmobile (of course only in black!)
I like the way you think Chad!
does the drop top work?
Yes it does
@@RaitisRides Thanks Joe - looks sharp
Beautiful car but maintenance costs will kill you
It’s definitely not a Toyota but at least it’s cheaper to maintain than all the newer 2020+ Mercedes. At least you can still work on this one yourself.
The Maintenance on that thing will kill your bank account
Really
I thought to get one
Not if you can fix it yourself. If your a diy kind of person any sl is an amazing value compared to other used cars of the same age. I got mine for half the price of a same year corvette.
I have a R129 96 sl and I love it
@@Fitzy215What kind of major issues do they have?
Compared to what??
Yep still dig it 👌🏽
You can get a new stereo unit that has a screen, Car Play, rear camera, etc.
Nice one Joe!!
AMG baby! You ever review a black series?
Top was not working??
It worked he just didnt use it
Now we need joe to hunt down a black series SL of this variant ultimate on throat action. Joe, what’s your thoughts on the new Porsche 9/11 gt3?
If you have the skills you can probably make some of those events functional without compromising the structural integrity.
That’s Car Looking good
My fav 09 silver arrow!! Sl 63 would be better 😍
Very nice
Where can I buy it
nice looking ride
Are they reliable?
Probably not
@@brooklynknightss Yes MB are reliable but when they do break parts and persons knowledgeable to repair them other than the dealer are hard to find.
No.
No. The hydraulic suspension is When, not If. The hardtop hydraulics are also challenging. Batteries catch on fire. That M273 is good but only later years. But but, at least parts and labor are really really expensive.
Id rather have one from this generation of bigger supercharged V8's, than the chili farting 4.0TT trash😒
Is there any wayyyyyyy you can do a video on the new refreshed 2025 Honda Civic Si please
There is no difference from the 24
I'd buy it then buy the shop manual. Dealers would probably sabotage it to make more money.
Joe can you review the Kia k4
What about the sl65 black series v12 ❤
What a deal on that. What's the miles?
68k. They're very expensive to mantain
You buy that car then surprise, your due for your $10k 70,000 mile service.
Oh wow., is that real?
@@RaitisRides sup Raiti!!
Cars like this are best appreciated by the DIY community. Been daily driving my 07 S550 for almost 3 years and it's phenomenal and very reasonable to maintain. Also DIY my 2014 E63S...
Nice car
My papa has the same car but white
Who is selling it
Only the leather material is worth $22,000.
Nice ride, Rattie....
Torn away From WNBA Champion Ship game for This Raiti Review, Not Mad , excellent Call
Lmao wnba, GTFO
Joe , Is this better than Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren?
❤Joe❤Lori❤Steven🙏
Benz are pretty to look at but not own ..i have one damn its $*$$
Nice
Aging gracefully
Those rusty wheel lug nuts tho, wtf?
A 15 year old car? Must be a slow news day.
I own one. 42,000.00 miles