2006 Mercedes-Benz SL350

A 2006-model, this SL350 benefits from the new 3.5-litre V6 engine, which now produced 268bhp and 258lb.ft of torque. The modest facelift freshens up the car’s looks too while retaining its classic appeal, something many feel the 2008-refresh ruined.

Which makes this the sweet-spot in the SL350 lineup: More modern looks and a more powerful engine but without the aggression that ushered in Mercedes-Benz’s new design language. 

This one is also completely standard, allowing the German firm’s design and engineering integrity to shine; while many think they can improve on the original, few do and to find one that’s been left as Mercedes-Benz intended is a welcome treat.

But then ‘HN06 XCW’ has been in the seller’s care for the past fifteen years, which tells you everything you need to know about its reliability – and how much he’s enjoyed his time with it!

He bought it as a retirement present to himself, and it’s always been his second or third car too, so has only seen gentle use when the weather’s good and the mood took him. So little use, in fact, that’s it still showing fewer than 40,000 miles on the odometer.

Despite this, it has been very well maintained with a full Mercedes-Benz dealer history and no fewer than ten stamps in the book. It’s also been kept stored in a dry garage underneath a fitted indoor cover and connected to a battery conditioner. 

Tellingly, he said he’d have been very happy to sell it to any of his friends, which – again – speaks volumes about how reliable it’s been for him. 

Its history file even includes the original build sheet that he estimates shows around £8,000-worth of optional extras.

Finished in Obsidian Black Metallic with 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, a Panoramic roof, and a Pebble Beige hide interior, the V5 Registration Certificate shows just three previous keepers – and it has never failed an MoT in its life. 

He’s only selling it because he fancied a change – and that change is Bentley Continental GTC-shaped, which, you won’t be surprised to hear, means he’s run out of garage space.

Black is a tough colour to pull off, highlighting every flaw and imperfection with a ruthlessness that makes your ex’s solicitor look positively benign.

And yet, when the coachwork is as good as this, it’s clear to see why the first owner chose Obsidian Black Metallic. 

The panels are free of dents and dinks and ripples, and the vulnerable corners and door mirrors are also free of scuffs and scratches, all of which help prove how carefully it’s been driven.

As do the 19-inch, five-spoke AMG alloy wheels that contrast nicely with the coachwork – and because they’re free of any kerbing damage whatsoever, it’s their design that draws your eye, not neglect. 

Tyres are matching Bridgestone Potenza too, and while all have good tread, but we note that all were made in 2011-13, so are due to be replaced. 

The radiator grille and front wing vents provide further contrast with the dark panels, and these too are in a very good condition with no obvious flaws or damage. This assessment extends to the lamp lenses, whose suite of accomplishments includes powerful Xenon headlamps.

The folding roof furls and unfurls at the press of a button, transitioning between the two states with its customary balletic ease. It really is a brilliant design that offers all the benefits of a convertible with the security and weatherproofing of a coupé. 

As for blemishes, apart from the few minor stonechips and light scratches that are to be expected on a car that’s about to celebrate its 20th birthday, the SL has a chip to the trailing edge of the offside door, with another under the rear numberplate. The trim either side of the rear window has faded too, and the wheel nuts are rusty.

That’s your lot though, which isn’t bad, is it?

The interior is wonderfully decadent, the Pebble Beige hide interior being complemented by Ash Black wood trim.

It’s fully loaded too with heated and electrically-adjustable memory seats, air-conditioning, Bose Surround Sound speakers, heated washer nozzles, and even Keyless Go, so you can keep the fobs safely stored in your pocket or handbag, something that will have contributed to their excellent cosmetic condition. 

Everything we tested worked as it should, and the only fault we are aware of is the CD-multichanger, which the seller says can freeze sometimes. 

As for the cosmetics, the front seats have a little rumpling to their centre sections, but the outer sections are generally as smooth as a baby’s bottom; the only real sign of age are a few light creases to the outer bolster of the driver’s backrest.

Nevertheless, while we are being critical, we should point out that the steering wheel rim is a bit grubby, as are the switches on the top of the dashboard. 

The carpet also has a couple of minor marks on the outer edge of both footwells; these are barely noticeable though, and the rest of the carpets are very good with no holes or other obvious flaws.

It is unfettered good news otherwise with virtually unmarked door cards, rear quarter panels, and dashboard. Even the first aid kit is in situ under the front passenger seat.

The Panoramic roof floods the cabin with light, but should you need to shield yourself from the sun then the twin blinds roll out smoothly and retract as they should. 

The wind deflector should keep things nice and calm in the cabin when the roof is down. 

There is a decent-sized space for soft luggage and coats behind the seats, plus a couple of useful lidded storage boxes. The doors hold yet more lidded storage space, while the passenger has access to a netting pocket as well as the glovebox. Both occupants can share the storage space that lies under the central armrest.

This is a very practical convertible sportscar.

The boot is trimmed in a dark grey. With no holes or scuffs in the carpet to worry about, it also plays host to a space-saver spare wheel and its factory sticker. 

It also contains the tool kit, a tyre compressor, a Mercedes-branded battery conditioner, and an indoor car cover. Lifting that little lot out uncovers nothing more worrisome that a bit of dust and fluff; certainly, no rust or damage to fret over.

But then the SL has been very well looked after, with the service history being recorded as follows:

• 19.02.2025 and 38,084 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 30.05.2023 and 38,506 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 05.10.2021 and 35,271 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 28.01.2020 and 33,745 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 17.01.2018 and 31,350 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 02.02.2016 and 27,237 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 04.02.2014 and 23,721 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 27.02.2012 and 17,831 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Oxford
• 12.04.2010 and 13,526 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Beaconsfield
• 18.02.2008 and 8,000 miles – service by Mercedes-Benz of Watford

That’s twenty years of being cossetted by the main dealer network, so it’s little wonder that the V6 engine starts so well before settling into an immediate and rock-solid idle. 

It then goes on to rev like the thoroughbred it is, and the seven-speed automatic gearbox suits the SL350’s nature very well. There are no odd noises either, or warning lights on the dashboard.

The seller tells us that it has never let him down either, and if he had to drive up to Scotland today, he wouldn’t feel the need to do anything in advance other than brim the tank.

The engine bay presents very well indeed with a clean engine and ancillaries.

The good news continues underneath with no obvious rust or damage, just neatly protected metalwork and a marked absence of comments regarding rust or corrosion from a series of MoT testers over the years.

There is, however, minor damage to one side of the plastic undertray (photo 43/63) and the front valance (51/63); the combination of a low ride height and modern traffic calming measures makes this sort of thing almost unavoidable and we doubt either needs remedial action.

The SL’s MoT is valid until June 2026.

Which isn’t long but when you realise it has had a run of clear, advisory-free passes since 2017 – and has never failed a test – you’ll appreciate that getting a new ticket might not be too onerous.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the SL comes with two key fobs.

The history file also includes the Datacard showing its original build specification, the Mercedes-Benz wallet and book pack, a multitude of invoices, plenty of expired MoT certificates, and even an expired tax disc.

With an impeccable service and MoT history, excellent coachwork, a fully loaded interior, and a fastidious long-term owner, this R230 SL350 has everything going for it.

Including a ridiculously low estimate of between £8,000 and £12,000.

And it gets even better because the seller is confident enough to offer it with no reserve, so it’ll be going to a new home once the first bid has been placed.

Could this be your Summer of (new) Love?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.