Mercedes-Benz SL IV

Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Mercedes-Benz SL IV (1989–2002): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 29 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: R129

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,500–4,530 mm RDW	–	4,470–4,521 mm
Width	1,810–1,830 mm RDW	–	1,811 mm
Height	1,290 mm RDW	–	1,288–1,303 mm
Wheelbase	2,520–2,560 mm RDW	–	2,515 mm
Front track	1,533–1,569 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,521–1,557 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,730–1,920 kg RDW	–	–
Mass in running order	1,830–2,020 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	2,140–2,320 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	1,500–1,576 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	750 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	2 RDW	–	–
Doors	2 RDW	–	–
Luggage space (EPA)	–	227 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	1,416 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	225–250 km/h RDW	–	223–285 km/h
Torque	270–700 Nm ASTRA	–	260–750 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 255/40R18, 285/35R18, 255/45R17

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	85.5% (85.0–86.0)	69.2%	16,703

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	25.6%	36.4%
Suspension	24.1%	41.6%
Tyres	16.9%	31.2%
Noise, emissions and leaks	14.9%	17.1%
Lights and electrics	12.9%	28.8%
Steering	6.4%	7.7%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

158 complaints for model years 1990–2002. 6 crashes · 18 fires · 10 injuries

Electrical system 92
Engine 23

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 29 versions of the Mercedes-Benz SL IV

Show all 29 versions

United Kingdom 9 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2001–2004SL 280	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.3 L/100 km NEDC	270 g/km
2001–2004SL 320	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.5 L/100 km NEDC	275 g/km
2001–2004SL 500	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.7 L/100 km NEDC	300 g/km
2002–2003SL 500 (R230)	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.7 L/100 km NEDC	304 g/km
2002SL 55 AMG (R230)	5.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.2 L/100 km NEDC	340 g/km
2001SL 280	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.4 L/100 km NEDC	272 g/km
2000SL 280 Coupé/Roadster	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.3 L/100 km NEDC	270 g/km
2000SL 320 Coupé/Roadster	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.5 L/100 km NEDC	274 g/km
2000SL 500 Coupé/Roadster	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.7 L/100 km NEDC	300 g/km

United States 12 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2002GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2000–2002GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
1998–2001EMS 2MODE CLKUP · GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1998–1999EMS 2MODE CLKUP	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
1997(FFS), EMS 2MODE	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1997(GUZZLER) (FFS), EMS 2MODE	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1996–1997(GUZZLER) (FFS) · (GUZZLER) (FFS), EMS 2MODE	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
1995–1996(FFS)	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1996(GUZZLER) (FFS)	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1994–1995(GUZZLER) (FFS)	5.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1994–1995(GUZZLER) (FFS)	6.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA	425 g/km
1994(FFS)	3.2 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km

Canada 8 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1996–2002Two-seater	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.9–14.3 L/100 km 5-cycle	320–329 g/km
1996–2002Two-seater	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	16.1–17.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	370–396 g/km
1999–2001Two-seater · Subcompact	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	322 g/km
2001Two-seater	5.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	17.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	403 g/km
2000Subcompact	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	17.1 L/100 km 5-cycle	393 g/km
1995–1997Two-seater	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.1–13.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	301–304 g/km
1995Two-seater	5.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	14.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	336 g/km
1995Two-seater	6.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	17.1 L/100 km 5-cycle	393 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.