Best Mercedes-Benz 500SL Year to Buy
There is no single best Mercedes-Benz 500SL year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 128 verified sales, the 1993 is the most affordable at $12,398. The 1992 trades most often (27 verified sales). The 1985 has held its value best, now worth 44% of its original MSRP.
Data: DriveIndex. 5 model years with at least 10 verified sales each, latest sale Sep 17, 2026. Methodology
Ranked across the 5 years with at least 10 verified sales. Years with fewer are in the table below but too thin to rank.
Mercedes-Benz 500SL Value by Model Year
| Year | Value today | Vs. original MSRP | Verified sales | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 500SL | $22,000 | 24% | 4 · too few to rank | — |
| 2004 500SL | $15,950 | 18% | 3 · too few to rank | — |
| 2003 500SL | $13,118 | 15% | 17 | — |
| 1993 500SL | $12,398 | 13% | 22 | — |
| 1992 500SL | $14,630 | 15% | 27 | 2 |
| 1991 500SL | $15,864 | 17% | 17 | — |
| 1990 500SL | $66,022 | 69% | 6 · too few to rank | — |
| 1986 500SL | $39,370 | 79% | 6 · too few to rank | — |
| 1985 500SL | $22,107 | 44% | 10 | — |
| 1984 500SL | $29,964 | 60% | 7 · too few to rank | 1 |
| 1983 500SL | $21,652 | 43% | 6 · too few to rank | — |
| 1982 500SL | $13,809 | 28% | 3 · too few to rank | — |
Value today is DriveIndex's current value for each year, from verified sales. “Vs. original MSRP” compares it with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation: 100% means it is worth exactly what it cost. Years with fewer than 10 verified sales are listed but not ranked.
Which 500SL year is appreciating right now?
The table shows what each year is worth. Pro adds the direction: the live Value Signal for every year, how confident it is, a 1–5 year projection, and every sold price behind it. Collector adds the best months to buy and an estimated market-bottom date.
Or see the best months to buy with Collector ($39.99/month), or start with a free account.
Best Mercedes-Benz 500SL Year: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Mercedes-Benz 500SL year to buy?
There is no single best Mercedes-Benz 500SL year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 128 verified sales, the 1993 is the most affordable at $12,398. The 1992 trades most often (27 verified sales). The 1985 has held its value best, now worth 44% of its original MSRP. The table on this page lists every model year with its value today, its value against its original MSRP and how many have sold.
Which Mercedes-Benz 500SL year is the cheapest?
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SL is the most affordable year with enough verified sales to compare, currently valued at $12,398. The most valuable is the 1985, at $22,107.
Which Mercedes-Benz 500SL year holds its value best?
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500SL is now worth 44% of its original MSRP of $50,000, the best of the years with enough verified sales to compare. That compares today's value with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation.
How much is a Mercedes-Benz 500SL worth?
Depending on the model year, a Mercedes-Benz 500SL is worth from $12,398 to $22,107 today, based on verified sales. Mileage, condition and options move any single car's price; each year's page shows its recent sales.
Which Mercedes-Benz 500SL year is appreciating?
This page shows what each year is worth today and how that compares with its original price. Whether each year is appreciating, stable or depreciating right now is DriveIndex's Value Signal, which Pro members see for every year along with a 1–5 year projection.