Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz SL R231 buying guide
The R231 SL arrived in 2012 with a folding aluminium hard top. The core models are the V6 SL350 and the later twin-turbo SL400, with a twin-turbo V8 SL500 and AMG models above them. Owners generally rate its build quality and reliability well.
The versions
- SL350 (2012 to 2014): M276 3.5 litre V6, 306PS (302bhp)
- SL400 (from July 2014): 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6, 333PS (328bhp), 362bhp from March 2016
- SL500: M278 4.7 litre twin-turbo V8, 435PS (429bhp), 449bhp from March 2016
- Seven-speed automatic; nine-speed on the SL400 and SL500 from March 2016
- Folding hard top with Active Body Control available; the AMG SL63 is covered separately
What to check on a R231 SL
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Timing chain tensioners on early engines
What to look for: Start the engine from cold and listen at the front of the engine for a rattle in the first few seconds. Check the engine warning light goes out, and on a pre-2014 car ask whether the timing chain tensioners have been replaced.
Why it matters: Some pre-2014 engines had tensioner problems causing rattling, warning lights and fault codes. Mercedes issued a service bulletin for V6 and V8 engines built up to February 2013, fitting non-return valves and new tensioners, and many weak tensioners were replaced under warranty. Improved parts followed, so invoices for the work are reassuring.
The gear selector and Park
What to look for: Select Park and then try to move the selector out of it several times with your foot on the brake. Look in the paperwork for a replaced gear selector.
Why it matters: Some cars, notably those with the seven-speed gearbox, could lock themselves in Park. The fix is a new gear selector mechanism, so evidence of the replacement means the car has had it.
Roof and boot divider
What to look for: Operate the folding roof fully open and closed at least twice; pre-2016 cars must be stationary. Check the divider between the roof storage area and the boot locks into place easily, and look for damp in the cabin carpets and boot. If the seller allows, hose the car down to check for leaks.
Why it matters: The roof mechanism is reliable most of the time, but the boot divider can work loose and jam the roof, and its latches can be hard to engage. Cars built from 2016 can operate the roof at up to 25mph without touching the divider.
Also in the full guide
- Recalls and service actions
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the R231 SL
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.