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

SL/R230: 2003 SL500 in Los Angeles!

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Old 11-25-2001, 04:09 AM
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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.
Old 11-25-2001, 02:33 PM
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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.
Old 11-25-2001, 02:33 PM
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I'll be in that area in a couple weeks. Will drive by and see if it's still there.
Old 11-25-2001, 02:44 PM
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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.
Old 11-25-2001, 02:44 PM
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I might take a Sunday drive down to that area today. What area of Wilshire is this place on?
Old 11-25-2001, 03:01 PM
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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.
Old 11-25-2001, 09:54 PM
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Someone on another board also mentioned the new SL at that Beverly Hills dealership. I'll have to go by and see it.

Last edited by Blue Benz; 11-26-2001 at 05:08 PM.
Old 11-25-2001, 10:20 PM
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My eyes were not deceiving me. I pulled over and pulled out my digital camera to take pictures of a black 2003 SL500.
Old 11-25-2001, 10:21 PM
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Pic 2.
Old 11-25-2001, 10:24 PM
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Old 11-25-2001, 10:25 PM
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Old 11-25-2001, 10:31 PM
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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?
Old 11-25-2001, 10:37 PM
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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 ! ! ! !
Old 11-25-2001, 10:39 PM
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No, the place was closed when I went by. I wanted some better pictures without the glare.
Old 11-26-2001, 01:30 PM
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Unhappy 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.
Old 11-26-2001, 01:51 PM
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If I am in the area when the showroom is open, I would be more than happy to take some more pictures.
Old 11-29-2001, 11:18 PM
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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!
Old 12-09-2001, 02:27 AM
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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 !

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