MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS (1995-02) SL280 2DR CONVERTIBLE 2.8 AUTO 5SP
The MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS (1995-02) SL280 2DR CONVERTIBLE 2.8 AUTO 5SP is a classic luxury convertible that stands out in the UK market for those seeking stylish open-top driving combined with the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand. As part of the iconic SL-Class, it’s a two-door convertible renowned for its elegant design, smooth performance, and comfortable ride—ideal for those who enjoy leisurely journeys or weekend drives in good weather. This model is well-suited to wealthier enthusiasts, older drivers, or anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their everyday driving or special occasions.
What makes the SL280 particularly notable is its combination of a refined 2.8-litre engine, automatic transmission, and the quality craftsmanship Mercedes-Benz is known for. It’s a car that offers a memorable driving experience, with a focus on style, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Compared to its rivals, this model is appreciated for its durability, timeless design, and the prestige associated with the Mercedes badge. With an average used price around £7,150 and average mileage of approximately 89,387 miles, the SL280 is a compelling choice for those seeking a desirable classic convertible with a good balance of performance and reliability.
average use
The most recent mileage readings for the Mercedes-Benz SL Class (1995-02) SL280 convertibles show a diverse distribution. The most common mileage range is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, accounting for approximately 14.9% of recent recordings. Notably, a significant portion—around 12.8%—of vehicles have recorded between 40,000 and 50,000 miles, indicating a decent number of lower-mileage cars. There is also a notable presence of higher-mileage vehicles, with approximately 6.4% each in the 120,000–130,000 and 160,000–170,000 mile ranges. The data suggests a wide spread of mileages, reflecting the varying usage and age of these vehicles, with large clusters at both lower and mid-range mileages.
vehicle values
The private sale valuations for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (1995-02) SL280 2DR Convertible highlight that the majority of vehicles (approximately 69.2%) are priced between £6,000 and £8,000, with a significant portion (38.3%) in the £6,000–£7,000 range and nearly a third (31.9%) in the £7,000–£8,000 range. Smaller proportions are found at higher and lower price points, such as 14.9% between £8,000 and £9,000, and only minimal percentages (around 4.3%) in the £3,000–£4,000 and £9,000–£10,000 brackets. This suggests that the most common private sale price for these vehicles is clustered in the £6,000–£8,000 range, indicating a strong market median within this bracket.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the Mercedes-Benz SL Class (1995-02) SL280 2DR Convertible models from that period were manufactured around the year 2000, accounting for approximately 78.7%. A smaller proportion, about 21.3%, were produced in 2001. This suggests that the production was predominantly centered in the year 2000, making vehicles from that year more common within this model range.
colour popularity
Based on the data for the Mercedes-Benz SL Class (1995-2002) SL280 2DR Convertible 2.8 Auto 5SP, the most common main paint colour is Silver, accounting for approximately 44.7% of vehicles. Green and Blue follow with 10.6% and 21.3%, respectively, making them also relatively popular choices. Black vehicles comprise 17%, while Red is less common at around 6.4%. Notably, Silver and Blue together cover over 65% of the vehicles, indicating a strong preference for lighter, classic colours within this model range.
ownership cycle
The data reveals that the majority of these Mercedes-Benz SL Class (1995-02) SL280 convertibles have relatively few registered keepers. Notably, 23.4% of vehicles have had just four keepers, and 17% have had five. The largest group, at 19.1%, has had six keepers. Vehicles with only one or two keepers combined account for around 10.6%, indicating that a significant portion have changed hands multiple times. Interestingly, a small but notable proportion (2.1%) has had as many as 12 keepers, suggesting some vehicles have experienced frequent ownership changes. Overall, the distribution points to a typical mix of owner histories, with most cars having between 4 and 6 keepers.
engine choices
Based on the data for the Mercedes-Benz SL Class (1995-02) SL280 2DR Convertible 2.8 Auto 5SP, all vehicles in the sample are equipped with a 2.8-liter petrol engine. This indicates a consistent engine specification across this model and trim, suggesting that the 2.8L petrol engine was the standard configuration for this particular vehicle type during that period.
