About this Collectable
Mercedes 350SL (R230)
Development of a successor (R230) to the then-current SL generation began in early 1996. Notably, the virtual development took place in an ultra-modern computer room called “CAVE” (Computer Aided Virtual Environment), which had already been used in 1995 for the development of the W203. The supercomputer in the “CAVE” could generate life-size images of the designs using five projectors, allowing the designers to study every surface in detail. After more than five years of development, the new SL was unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt, and sales in Europe started in November 2001. Active Body Control (ABC) suspension was available as an option for the SL 350. Based on sensor signals and special hydraulic cylinders on the axles, ABC suspension compensates almost completely for body roll and dive tendencies when starting off, cornering (roll stabilization), and braking. A great system, but a real nightmare for older cars due to its complexity and exorbitantly expensive components. Just under 170,000 R230s were produced, and in November 2011, the last R 230, an SL 350, rolled off the production line. With a production run of just over ten years, the R 230 is one of the longest-produced vehicles of its time.
The SL 350 offered here was delivered new by Autoster BV in Arnhem and maintained there for the first few years, after which the car moved to the EMA in Eindhoven for maintenance. The owner before the previous owner bought the car 14 years ago from a Philips director who had purchased it only six months earlier, but was posted abroad and therefore had to sell the car again. This SL 350 was the right choice for the previous owner. No maintenance-intensive ABC suspension, the most reliable 3.7 V6, and an impeccable appearance without dents or scratches. He took good care of it, and the current owner is also an enthusiast who has invested quite a bit to get the 350SL completely up to par. The Mercedes still looks stunning.
Our opinion
The ultimate cruiser for touring to the South of France in peace and quiet, offering great comfort and excellent handling. Additionally, it features a delightful V6 that is not only reliable but also has sufficient torque and power for a quick overtaking maneuver. Most SLs are worn out, ruined, "tuned," or simply in mediocre condition and fitted with exactly the wrong rims. The example offered here is simply fresh and in very neat and original condition, inside and out.
About the seller
This SL belonged to a Philips engineer who had bought it from the Mercedes dealer (EMA) just six months earlier but was told by his employer that he would be posted to Asia for a period of five years. The car was in perfect condition. The previous owner had the car in his possession for 14 years and still found it very beautiful, but he drove it far too little in recent years and sold it via The Collectables to the current owner, who now also owns a Maserati Cabriolet. He invested heavily in the Mercedes, but finds 2 convertibles too much and therefore wants to sell the 350SL again via The Collectables.
Technical details
The specifications, upgrades, and maintenance history below provide a complete picture of the condition and equipment of this Mercedes 350SL.
Equipment
This SL350 is factory-equipped with, among other things:
Navigation system
Cruise control
Climate control
Leather upholstery
Heated seats
Alloy wheels
Modifications
This SL350 is completely original
Remarks
This SL 350 is in very neat condition and still largely has its original paint. Not a single dent or scratch to be seen, and it has even been treated with a glass coating. The 3.7-liter engine is, as is well known, trouble-free.
Recent maintenance history
The SL 350 has been meticulously maintained. Due to minimal use, the car has only undergone an annual inspection over the last 5 years; the current owner invested heavily in major maintenance just over six months ago. The key points of the recent maintenance history are:
24-12-2004 – 18,311km – Autoster service
20-06-2006 – 34,735km – Autoster service
30-05-2007 – 43,863km – EMA service
17-11-2008 – 59,192km – EMA service
20-05-2010 – 70,071km – EMA service
12-05-2011 – 98,041km – Garage Westerink service
29-06-2016 – 136,441km – Garage Stoffer service
03-04-2018 – 156,630km – Garage Stoffer service
15-05-2020 – 168,707km – Automotive service Vierhouten
28-08-2025 – 177,820km – Auto Kuipers, major service, spark plugs, brakes, serpentine belt, control arms, air conditioning service etc. (4,100.-)
Included in the sale
• Two keys
• Original booklets and invoices
Summary
Seller – Robert
Seller type - Private
Location – The Hague
Chassis number - WDB2304671F058413
License plate – 94-ND-DH
First registration – 25-07-2003
Mileage – 182,101 km
Verifiable - Yes, based on service booklets, invoices, NAP!
Warranty – No
VAT/Margin car - Margin
Body style - Convertible
Engine - 3.7 liter V6
Drive - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Automatic
Exterior - Silver-grey Metallic
Interior – Dark blue / Black
Upholstery – Leather
Smoker's car - No
Owners – 5 previous owners (previous owner owned for 14 years)
Tires – Michelin Cross Climate 245-45-17, DOT 2017, >5mm
Feedback sturen
The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. The vehicles are sold "as is" without any warranty unless otherwise stated. Bidders are responsible for verifying the accuracy of the description and may, if desired, conduct a personal inspection. All collectables on our platform may be subject to any inspection, investigation, or appraisal by buyers in advance, in consultation with the seller. Please consult our Terms and Conditions for more details.
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