Best Mercedes-Benz SL500 Year to Buy
There is no single best Mercedes-Benz SL500 year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 792 verified sales, the 2005 is the most affordable at $11,529. The 2003 trades most often (203 verified sales). The 2002 has held its value best, now worth 52% of its original MSRP.
Data: DriveIndex. 13 model years with at least 10 verified sales each, latest sale Sep 22, 2026. Methodology
Mercedes-Benz SL500 Value by Model Year
| Year | Value today | Vs. original MSRP | Verified sales | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 SL500 | $20,160 | 21% | 54 | 1 |
| 2005 SL500 | $11,529 | 13% | 89 | 7 |
| 2004 SL500 | $12,393 | 14% | 108 | 2 |
| 2003 SL500 | $18,876 | 22% | 203 | 4 |
| 2002 SL500 | $43,847 | 52% | 49 | 2 |
| 2001 SL500 | $26,403 | 20% | 42 | 1 |
| 2000 SL500 | $31,688 | 38% | 50 | 1 |
| 1999 SL500 | $16,810 | 21% | 70 | — |
| 1998 SL500 | $21,425 | 27% | 51 | — |
| 1997 SL500 | $18,240 | 20% | 33 | — |
| 1996 SL500 | $15,875 | 17% | 15 | — |
| 1995 SL500 | $22,845 | 25% | 16 | — |
| 1994 SL500 | $16,926 | 18% | 12 | — |
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 SL500 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 SL500 Year: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Mercedes-Benz SL500 year to buy?
There is no single best Mercedes-Benz SL500 year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 792 verified sales, the 2005 is the most affordable at $11,529. The 2003 trades most often (203 verified sales). The 2002 has held its value best, now worth 52% 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 SL500 year is the cheapest?
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is the most affordable year with enough verified sales to compare, currently valued at $11,529. The most valuable is the 2002, at $43,847.
Which Mercedes-Benz SL500 year holds its value best?
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is now worth 52% of its original MSRP of $83,800, 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 SL500 worth?
Depending on the model year, a Mercedes-Benz SL500 is worth from $11,529 to $43,847 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 SL500 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.