Mercedes-Benz SL

Name: 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take

After twelve years, the SL was redesigned for the 2003 model year. This coupe/convertible now employs the same retractable metal roof mechanism first introduced in the smaller SLK. The car can convert from a fixed roof coupe to an open top roadster at the touch of a button. The previous SL was not particularly sporty to drive, but the new one, with much better body control and a modern rack-and-pinion steering is markedly more agile. The V8 is smooth and powerful, the AMG model even more so. The SL comes with an extensive list of safety and high-tech features.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2003 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL

$7,850 - $12,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Acura NSX

$37,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW Z4

$5,875 - $6,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Corvette

$7,950 - $11,175

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda S2000

$14,250

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata

$5,975 - $7,125

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK

$5,150 - $7,425

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Porsche Boxster

$6,600 - $8,825

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

2 front

Rear

5-liter V8 (302 hp)
5.5-liter V8 supercharged (510 hp)

5-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2012-2020

2012 Redesign Year

This generation brought a significantly revised car, one that is wider, longer and fitted with a host of high-tech safety features. While we appreciate the outstanding fit, finish and creature comforts, the look of this version of the SL leaves us somewhat cold. The previous design looks much better. With that said, exceptionally powerful turbocharged V8 and V12 engines are offered, along with an adjustable-opacity feature for the folding hardtop. Practically every known electronic driver's assistance safety feature is also available. Ride quality and handling are unsurpassed, with the SL performing like a much smaller and lighter sports car when called upon to do so, while providing outstanding smoothness and ride comfort when it is required.

2007-2011

2007 Redesign Year

The 2007 redesign made the car sportier to drive despite its size and weight. The folding hardtop transforms the SL from a quiet and refined two-seat coupe into a convertible at the touch of a button. Still though, we found room for improvement in the transmission, some of the interior details, and the controls. Fit, finish and seat comfort are excellent, as is the equipment level and the overall style of the car.

2003-2006

2003 Redesign Year

This premium two-seat roadster, with its folding hardtop, manages to combine both sporty handling and a decent ride. The V8 engine is strong and responsive. Handling is agile, with direct steering. Fit, finish and seat comfort are excellent, but some of the controls are overly complicated. Sleek styling, an abundance of luxury equipment, and outstanding over the road dynamics make this version of the Mercedes-Benz SL one of the most desirable two-seat automobiles offered.

1996-2002

1996 Redesign Year

The 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offered six-, eight- and 12-cylinder engine choices. These cars could be had with most any luxury and safety feature, such as dual-zone climate control, HID headlights, and stability control.