SL/R230: 2003 SL500 in Los Angeles!
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Studio City, CA
2009 BMW 750i, 2008 Toyota Prius
2003 SL500 in Los Angeles!
On Wilshire Boulevard, I saw a black 2003 SL500 in a showroom window. I forget the name of the place... It's the one with a LOT of Lamborghinis in it.
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Are you sure it was a new SL and not a custom CL convertible? I've seen those in magazines such as the Dupont Registry and they look awfully similar to the new SL. Even so, if it IS a new SL, it's not for sale yet. By law, car makers can't sell next year's model before January 1st of the preceding year. Meaning the earliest a 2003 SL can be sold is January 1st, 2002.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 490
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From: Studio City, CA
2009 BMW 750i, 2008 Toyota Prius
I'm pretty sure it was an SL because of the way the headlights were shaped. I might be driving by that location today. I'll take my digital camera with me and post pics if it is the real deal.
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
I guess it is possible that this is a Euro import....
I have heard rumors (Maybe even on this forum) that the 2003 SL's would be hitting some dealers soon and that the dealerships had to put them out of public view only to show them as demos and not to operate them.
Who knows... If you see one come in MBtech, let us know.
I have heard rumors (Maybe even on this forum) that the 2003 SL's would be hitting some dealers soon and that the dealerships had to put them out of public view only to show them as demos and not to operate them.
Who knows... If you see one come in MBtech, let us know.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Yep, that sure is a 230 alright. I wonder why they have one on display before even the dealers have them? Interesting. Did you go inside and talk to anybody about it?
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
MBtech, check out the front bumper. It's a Euro model with the Euro Plate front license bracket. Also there is no front amber side reflector lens. It's an import ! That's how they got it... Nice ! ! ! !
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From: Richmond, BC, Canada
2010 Prius & Miata MX5 PRHT, 2010 Toyota Venza AWD, 05 C55 AMG, Yamaha 1100 Custom, Honda 250 Reflex
In the first photo, I thought...nah it
can't be...look at the wheel clearance at the front fender and the wheels make it look like a ML! LOL. 
Perhaps "freakinfreak" can favor us with more pictures taken inside the showroom.
TIA.
Perhaps "freakinfreak" can favor us with more pictures taken inside the showroom.
TIA.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8
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From: Southern Calif
cl 500
I too have seen the new SL 500 model in Beverly Hills.
It is black with graphite interior, command system, bi-xenon lights w/washing system, and standard 17" wheels.
What a stunning car!
I think this is THE Sports Convertible. I would choose the SL 500 over BMW Z-8, Ferrari 360 spyder, Aston Vanquish (not a convertible), Jag etc.
My only gripe is that MB may not bring over to the US the new SL 350. I've heard that this is a fantastic combination with less weight in front yeilding bettering handling and a very sporty new engine (252 hp) which is more fuel efficient and mated with a 6 speed auto transmission. WOW!
It is black with graphite interior, command system, bi-xenon lights w/washing system, and standard 17" wheels.
What a stunning car!
I think this is THE Sports Convertible. I would choose the SL 500 over BMW Z-8, Ferrari 360 spyder, Aston Vanquish (not a convertible), Jag etc.
My only gripe is that MB may not bring over to the US the new SL 350. I've heard that this is a fantastic combination with less weight in front yeilding bettering handling and a very sporty new engine (252 hp) which is more fuel efficient and mated with a 6 speed auto transmission. WOW!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
While in Beverly Hills tonight, I stopped by to check the SL500 out. Looks like it now has US Spec front amber reflector lenses. These guys are US Spec'ing this car. Should be for sale and sold (if it isn't already) real soon. I'm sure we will see it cruising down the streets any time now !
