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United States market

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230)

2001–2011

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  • Lowest price

    US$7,500

    Since 2020

  • Median price

    US$20,000

    Since 2020 · n=75

  • Highest price

    US$63,500

    Since 2020

  • Sold cars

    75

    All time

  • Sell-through

    100%

    Of 75 lots

Mercedes-Benz SL

Based on 75 verified auction results

HOLDStablehigh confidence

US$18,250

Market value · recent verified sales

-2.0%

12-month change

Fair Entry

Stable prices. Negotiate on spec and condition.

Prices have been flat (-2.0%). No strong directional signal.

MSRP

Collectibility

5/10

Collectible

3-Year Forecast

US$18,250

+0%

5-Year Forecast

US$18,250

+0%

Market scores

71

Desirability

Good

75

Liquidity

Moderate

50

Resale Outlook

Option premiums

What every option is worth.

  • Sunroof / glass roof

    +US$6,939+35%

    9 with · 110 without · high confidence

  • Hardtop included

    US$3,148-16%

    40 with · 79 without · high confidence

  • Built ≤ 2004

    US$822-4%

    53 with · 49 without · high confidence

Premiums compare the median price of sales with each option against comparable sales without it, mined from verified auction listings. Prices are adjusted to the model's median mileage before comparing. Sales are pooled across markets on a relative-price basis, so exchange rates and market levels can't skew the split. Options interact in ways a one-at-a-time split can’t capture — treat each premium as directional rather than gospel.

Marque analyst note

The Mercedes-Benz SL R230 holds steady at a median of $18,250, down 2.0 percent year-over-year in a market that has tracked 41 sales over the past twelve months. The decline is modest and reflective of broader softness in the modern classic segment rather than any deterioration in the model's standing.

Transaction activity remains solid with 75 total sales recorded across the dataset, signaling good liquidity for buyers and sellers alike. The consistent turnover supports the "Good" liquidity rating and suggests the R230 maintains real market depth beyond a handful of enthusiast circles.

The R230 carries a collectibility score of 5 with a "Stable Modern Classic" classification, meaning it occupies the middle ground between everyday driver and serious collectible. High desirability continues to underpin the model, rooted in its design heritage, open-air appeal, and the strong Mercedes engineering reputation of the era.

Cars tracked in this segment average 46,081 miles, indicating that most examples in circulation have been well-maintained and moderately driven rather than neglected or heavily used. This mileage profile supports consistent pricing and suggests buyers are finding reasonably preserved examples.

The base case projects flat pricing through both the three-year and five-year horizons, holding at $18,250 with zero percent movement. This forecast reflects a market in equilibrium: no compelling growth drivers but also no structural headwinds threatening value retention.

At the current entry point and with a Hold signal in place, the R230 offers fair value for buyers seeking a collectible roadster with proven liquidity and stable ownership economics. The model is unlikely to appreciate materially but appears well-supported at current levels.

Depreciation Benchmark

  • Current avg valueUS$18,250
  • Annual appr. rate-2.0%/yr

Vehicle History Signals

  • Auction lots tracked120
  • Damage or salvage declared0 (0.0%)
  • No damage declared120 (100.0%)
No damage or salvage declarations found in the titles and descriptions of the auction lots we track for this model. That's a good sign, not a guarantee — always commission a professional inspection and history check before buying.

Est. Annual Ownership Costs

  • Insurance (agreed value)US$600
  • MaintenanceUS$1,210
  • StorageUS$3,220
  • DepreciationUS$1,070
  • Total annual costUS$6,100

For sale now · 1 live

All live deals

Market Liquidity

  • Active Listings1
  • Sales Last 12 Months75
  • Sell-Through100%

Market Snapshot

  • Active Listings1
  • Avg Sale PriceUS$21,851
  • Avg Mileage at Sale46,081 mi
  • Recent Price RangeUS$7,500 – US$63,500
  • Total Sales Tracked75

Recent sales

Showing latest 20
  • US$16,501

    Bring a Trailer · 17 Aug 2026

  • US$14,300

    mecum · 15 Aug 2026

  • US$30,800

    mecum · 15 Aug 2026

  • US$29,000

    Bring a Trailer · 15 Aug 2026

  • US$8,700

    Bring a Trailer · 14 Aug 2026

  • US$15,500

    Bring a Trailer · 13 Aug 2026

  • US$24,500

    Bring a Trailer · 12 Aug 2026

  • US$16,800

    Bring a Trailer · 10 Aug 2026

  • US$17,500

    Bring a Trailer · 10 Aug 2026

  • US$18,000

    Bring a Trailer · 9 Aug 2026

Indicative only — not investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future value.