About this Collectable
The development of a successor (R230) to the then SL generation began in early 1996. What was special was that the virtual development took place in a state-of-the-art computer room called ‘CAVE’ (Computer Aided Virtual Environment), which had already been used for the development of the W203 in 1995. The supercomputer in the ‘CAVE’ could generate life-size images of the designs using five projectors, allowing the designers to study each 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. Optional Active Body Control (ABC) suspension was available with the SL 350. Based on sensor signals and special hydraulic cylinders on the axles, ABC suspension virtually compensates for roll and dive tendency when pulling away, in corners (roll stabilisation) and when braking. A great system, but a real crime for aging cars because of its complexity and prohibitively 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 time of just over a decade, 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 also serviced there for the first few years after which the car moved to EMA in Eindhoven for servicing. The current owner (Victor) bought the car 14 years ago from a Philips director who had bought the car only six months before, but was posted abroad and so had to sell the car again. This SL 350 was the right choice for Victor. No maintenance-prone ABC chassis, the most reliable 3.7 V6 and impeccable looks with no bumps or scratches. He has therefore been very careful with it, as the Mercedes still looks stunning.
Our opinion
The ultimate cruiser for touring to the South of France in peace and quiet with plenty of comfort and a puffy roadholding. Plus a lovely V6 that is not only reliable, but also has enough torque and power for quick overtaking. Most SLs are consumed, ruined, ‘tuned’ or just in mediocre condition. The one offered here is simply fresh and in very clean condition inside and out.
Equipment
This SL350 is equipped ex-factory with, among other things:
Navigation system
Cruise control
Climate control
Leather upholstery
Seat heating
Light-alloy wheels
Modifications
This SL350 is completely original
Remarks
This SL 350 is in very clean condition and still mostly 1st paint. No dents or scratches to be seen and also still in glass coating. The 3.7 litre engine is as we know problem-free. The keyless go on the left door falters and the glove box goes stiff.
Recent service history
The SL 350 has been neatly maintained. In the last 5 years, due to minimal use, the car has only been inspected annually, so we recommend a service at the time of commissioning.
The main points of the recent service history are:
24-12-2004 - 18,311km - Autoster service
20-06-2006 - 34,735km - Burt Autoster
30-05-2007 - 43,863km - Colour EMA
17-11-2008 - 59,192km - EMA treatment
20-05-2010 - 70,071km - EMA treatment
12-05-2011 - 98.041km - Service garage Westerink
29-06-2016 - 136.441km - Service garage Stoffer
03-04-2018 - 156.630km - Service garage Stoffer
15-05-2020 - 168.707km - Service automotive Vierhouten
Included in the sale
- Two keys
- Original booklets and invoices
About the seller
Victor already had a Mercedes SL (R129) and wanted the newer model (R230). This SL belonged to a Philips engineer who had bought it from the Mercedes dealer (EMA) just six months before but was told by his employer that he would be posted to Asia for a five-year period. The car was in perfect condition. He has owned the car for 14 years now and still likes it very much but he drives it far too little in recent years. It is always inside his garage behind the house and his wife thinks she should be allowed to use the garage in the meantime.....
Summary
Seller - Victor
Seller type - Private
Location - Elspeet
Chassis number - WDB2304671F058413
Registration number - 94-ND-DH
First registration - 25-07-2003
Mileage - 177,432km
Demonstrable - Yes, using booklets, invoices, NAP!
Warranty - No
VAT/Margin car - Margin
Bodywork - Convertible
Engine - 3.7 litre V6
Drive system - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Automatic
Exterior - Silver grey metallic
Interior - Dark blue / Black
Upholstery - Leather
Smoking car - No
Owners - 4 previous owners (last owned for 14 years)
Tyres - Michelin Cross Climate 245-45-17, DOT 2017, >5mm
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. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.
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