SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Is there a way I can tell by the VIN the options

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Old 09-01-2015, 02:55 PM
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2004 sl500
Is there a way I can tell by the VIN the options

I'm about to go look at a 2004 SL500 and the seller claims it has the AMG sport package on it.
I have the VIN..........is there a very detailed build sheet I can find using the VIN?

I got the datacard from EPC

but it doesn't seem to show any code to anything saying the AMG Sports Package.

Thx,
AZ
Old 09-01-2015, 03:07 PM
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You can look at the car. It's rather obvious if the car has it since the AMG sport package is purely cosmetic on the 500.
Old 09-01-2015, 03:09 PM
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2004 sl500
Shouldn't there be a code on the build sheet? It still has 17 inch wheels.....which to me......is the giveaway as to it NOT having the Sports Package but I don't wish to question the seller without viable proof.
Old 09-01-2015, 03:14 PM
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Code 772 = AMG sports package on data card. In addition, marketing brochure can be found here https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/
Old 09-01-2015, 04:18 PM
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2004 sl500
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Code 772 = AMG sports package on data card. In addition, marketing brochure can be found here https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/
Now we're talking............this is what I needed......thank you.......and please begin cooling AZ down for my return in November.........when the snowbird migration begins..............
Old 09-01-2015, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by azmusclecar
Shouldn't there be a code on the build sheet? It still has 17 inch wheels.....which to me......is the giveaway as to it NOT having the Sports Package but I don't wish to question the seller without viable proof.
17" wheels are definitely wrong for the sport package.
Old 09-02-2015, 07:47 AM
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Several VIN decoders will identify the original build/options. This one seemed to work on the 04 SL I had: http://www.vindecoderz.com/
Old 09-02-2015, 07:51 AM
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2004 sl500
Originally Posted by BlownV8
17" wheels are definitely wrong for the sport package.
Well now the wheels are 18 inch...............the seller inherited the car from his father and I'm trying to assess the car to see if it's worth the trip to go see the car. I hate wasting time and money to go see a car in "EXCELLENT" condition with torn seats and bolsters and curbed rims.

I'm trying to extract as much info as I can from the seller but it seems like he doesn't know, yet the photos look good. The VIN did verify the paint color and interior......but I was hoping to find an exact list of everything on the car using the VIN so I can verify the accuracy by the photos.

I can't view the car for 2 weeks due to the seller being away on vacation.
Old 09-02-2015, 07:57 AM
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2004 sl500
Originally Posted by funymuny
Several VIN decoders will identify the original build/options. This one seemed to work on the 04 SL I had: http://www.vindecoderz.com/
This VIN decoder showed the same info as the Datacard so I don't see any code for the AMG SPort package on this car. Thank you for the link
Old 09-02-2015, 10:38 AM
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I have become pretty good at reading data cards.. if you want to PM me the datacard I can tell you what options I see.


Remember 90% of the items listed on the data card come on every car (ie. "USA version") and many of them have cryptic descriptions.


If you send to me I'll give you a short list of the items that were optional on your car (at additional cost).
Old 09-02-2015, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by bha
I have become pretty good at reading data cards.. if you want to PM me the datacard I can tell you what options I see.


Remember 90% of the items listed on the data card come on every car (ie. "USA version") and many of them have cryptic descriptions.


If you send to me I'll give you a short list of the items that were optional on your car (at additional cost).

PM Sent.............thank you
Old 09-03-2015, 10:54 AM
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2004 sl500
Originally Posted by bha
I have become pretty good at reading data cards.. if you want to PM me the datacard I can tell you what options I see.


Remember 90% of the items listed on the data card come on every car (ie. "USA version") and many of them have cryptic descriptions.


If you send to me I'll give you a short list of the items that were optional on your car (at additional cost).
I would like to publically thank bha for his offer to decode the VIN and share the results with me. His conclusion was spot on. I sent the seller the information so we shall see if it has enlightened the seller, or sent him scurrying to find a less informed potential buyer. Once again, thanks bha.
Old 09-03-2015, 06:01 PM
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'04 SL 500
If you ever need, I can run a VMI check which show all the factory build option codes as well as repair history.
Old 09-03-2015, 07:29 PM
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2004 sl500
Originally Posted by Benzdoc84
If you ever need, I can run a VMI check which show all the factory build option codes as well as repair history.
Wow......what do you need to run that report? That would be great........the better I'm informed the easier I feel about making a buying decision..........
Old 09-03-2015, 08:58 PM
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PM and email sent my man
Old 09-03-2015, 10:31 PM
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2004 sl500
Originally Posted by Benzdoc84
PM and email sent my man
Yew duh man! I feel silly at 65 yrs young typing that. I hope I don't ruin my street cred at the retirement home with posts like this..........
Old 09-04-2015, 12:43 AM
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Originally Posted by azmusclecar
Yew duh man! I feel silly at 65 yrs young typing that. I hope I don't ruin my street cred at the retirement home with posts like this..........
Lol nah you're good man, still got street cred w/me haha
Old 09-04-2015, 02:57 PM
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2004 sl500
Originally Posted by Benzdoc84
If you ever need, I can run a VMI check which show all the factory build option codes as well as repair history.
I'd like to publically thank Benzdoc for obtaining my VMI. I've recently joined this forum and I'm already finding it friendlier than some other forums I joined.

Thanks to members like Benzdoc and bha for their offers and follow throughs.

I'm feeling more and more comfortable making a choice with the information they have been able to send me.
Old 09-07-2015, 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
You can look at the car. It's rather obvious if the car has it since the AMG sport package is purely cosmetic on the 500.
This is correct as well. AMG Sport package is the lower skirts and black mesh in the front grill and around the fog lights. Don't recall if the 18" wheels were part of the AMG package...seems like they were but unsure. Mark

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