A few months ago, I sold my 2004 SL500 that I had owned since new. Mars Red with only 22,000 miles and she looked like the day I took delivery. I worried about potential messy, costly repairs that would probably be needed in the years to come, so I decided it was time to let her go. I also wanted something with more advanced features.

I was looking to possibly get a new Bentley or some other luxury convertible next year, when I close a major business deal (I hope!) that is still pending. BUT, with the beautiful fall days, I was missing a convertible.

When I found out that MB had dropped Mars Red from the SL line, (I just can't believe they did that!) I had my dealer try to find an available P.O. that they could still change, to get me a 2017 Mars Red car, but no luck on either a 450 or 550.

So, I'm browsing eBay the other day, just killing time, and a Mars Red 2013 SL550 pops up, having just been listed. I click on it and I like it. Just under 11,000 miles, options I like, mint condition. Then, after assuming that the car is in Florida or Texas (they all seem to be there!), I see that it's 80 miles away in San Diego.

To make a long story short, it's now mine. Not exactly what I would have ordered, but it's close, it has a CPO warranty and only $58,995.00 with an MSRP of $118K.

The guy who owned it, rebadged it as an SL63 and put a spoiler on it. All that will be coming off and I'll get her back to stock. SL63 guys don't order red cars with beige interiors, do they? However, job one will be a set of conventional tires and sending the run flats down the line.

Still hoping for something different next year, but this little jewel will satiate my convertible cravings for the time being. First used car I've bought since 1979.

 

Have to wonder about a guy that rebadges an SL550 as a SL63--who's he trying to impress? Certainly not his mechanic.


Congrats. Looks like a nice clean car.

 

Yes, I agree. One thing I've learned on this site, is that what appeals to one guy, makes others gag. At least all this stuff is attached with double sided tape and should come off easily. If he had started actually modifying things, the car could have really been messed up.

 

Congratulations!

I know this has been a bit of a journey to go for the R231 but I believe you'll enjoy the fine qualities that makes a Mercedes convertible so unique amongst others.

Enjoy in good health!

 

Nice looking car

My SL63 is Mars Red w/ white(ish) interior lol

I like that it's not just another black or white or silver and the white interior just pops.

 

Streamliner,
Looks really nice! Maybe you will show it off at Cars and Coffee. Best. Shot

 

Nah. It's just another, common, way too new car to show. I like to go to C&C every now and then, but like most, I go to see the more unique, rare, unusual and usually older vehicles some of the guys bring.

 

Yesterday, I took my new toy to the car wash. Their detail guy removed all the SL63/AMG/Bi-Turbo badges. I've left the spoiler in place for the time being. Still thinking about that.

Today, my wife and I took the car for a drive down Pacific Coast Highway. WOW! As someone who was in love with my 2004 SL500, this car is so much better, in every way. AND, it still has the run flat tires, which will be swapped out one day very soon. This was so much car for relatively so little money. Very happy with my used car.