| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | High-Performance Roadster |
| Released At | 2004 |
| Built At | Bremen, Germany |
| Engine | 6.0L Twin-Turbocharged V12 (M275) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Twin-Turbocharged |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 5980 cc / 365 cu in |
| Power | 612 hp / 450 kW @ 4800–5100 rpm |
| Specific Output | 102 hp per liter |
| Torque | 1000 Nm / 738 lb-ft @ 2000–4000 rpm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h / 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.2 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 4.3 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Unibody with Aluminum Components |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | AMG Forged Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 255/35ZR19 |
| Rear Tires | 285/30ZR19 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Composite Discs with 6-Piston Calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Composite Discs |
| Front Wheels | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 19 x 9.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent Double Wishbone with Active Body Control (ABC) |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Multi-Link with Active Body Control (ABC) |
| Curb Weight | 2032 kg / 4480 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 52% / Rear 48% |
| Wheelbase | 2560 mm / 100.8 in |
| Length | 4535 mm / 178.5 in |
| Width | 1820 mm / 71.7 in |
| Height | 1298 mm / 51.1 in |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic (AMG Speedshift) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 15.1 L/100 km / 15.6 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 liters / 21.1 gallons |

Powered by a Hand-Built Twin-Turbo V12 The SL65 AMG is equipped with a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine (codename M275), producing an incredible 604 hp and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque, all hand-built by AMG technicians.
Insane Torque—Electronically Limited! In fact, the engine produces so much torque that Mercedes electronically limited it to 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) to prevent the 5-speed transmission from being torn apart.
0–100 km/h in 4.2 Seconds (Despite Its Weight) Despite weighing nearly 2,050 kg (4,500 lbs), the SL65 can launch from 0–100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest convertibles of its time.
Part of the Legendary R230 SL-Class Lineup The SL65 AMG was the range-topping model in the R230-generation SL-Class, sitting above the SL55 and SL600, combining luxury, tech, and brutal performance.
Retractable Hardtop Convertible Like other R230 SL models, the SL65 AMG featured a fully automatic retractable hardtop, offering both coupe and convertible driving experiences at the touch of a button.
AMG Styling with Subtle Aggression It came with unique AMG bodywork, quad exhaust tips, 19-inch alloy wheels, and V12 Biturbo badging, giving it a low-key but unmistakable performance presence.
Luxuriously Equipped Interior The interior included Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, COMAND infotainment, and optional massage functions, making it as comfortable as it was fast.
ABC Suspension for Adaptive Handling The SL65 used Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, which minimized body roll and adjusted ride stiffness in real time — a cutting-edge system for the era.
Extremely Expensive When New When it debuted, the SL65 AMG had a base price of over $185,000, making it one of the most expensive non-limited-production Mercedes-Benz cars at the time.
Rapidly Becoming a Modern Classic With its V12 engine, timeless styling, and limited production numbers, the R230 SL65 AMG is now considered a future classic, with collector interest rising in recent years.

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (R230, 2004–2012) – EU Price Guide (2024)
The SL65 AMG is the ultimate brute-force grand tourer of the R230 generation, packing a 6.0L twin-turbo V12 (612 PS) and near-unlimited tuning potential. Only 2,250 SL65s were built, making it rarer than a Ferrari 599.
Here’s the latest EU market breakdown:
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
By Year & Condition
Early Models (2004–2008, Pre-Facelift)
High-Mileage (80,000+ km): €45,000 – €65,000(May need ABC suspension/engine work.)
Well-Maintained (50,000–80,000 km): €65,000 – €90,000
Low-Mileage (<30,000 km): €90,000 – €120,000
Late Models (2009–2012, Facelift)
Good Condition (40,000–70,000 km): €75,000 – €110,000
Collector-Grade (<20,000 km): €110,000 – €150,000+
Special Editions
SL65 AMG Black Series (2008–2012): €250,000 – €400,000+(Only 350 made!)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Service History
ABC Suspension Overhaul (€5k–€8k if not done).
Transmission Service (5G-Tronic needs fluid changes every 60k km).
Turbo & Engine Health (V12s are robust but costly to rebuild).
✅ Options & Spec
Designo Paint (e.g., Mystic Red): +€5k–€10k.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Rare, adds €8k–€12k.
AMG Performance Package (higher top speed): +€3k–€5k.
✅ Rust & Electronics
Check Wiring Harnesses (early R230s suffer from insulation degradation).
Convertible Roof Mechanism (€3k+ if faulty).
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
MB Dealers: Mercedes-Benz Classic Centers (for certified cars).
Classifieds: Mobile.de, AutoScout24.
AMG Specialists: BRABUS, Kaizen Tuning, AMG Private Lounge.
4. Market Trends
📈 Slow Appreciation
Facelift (2009+) models up 5–10% yearly (now €100k+ for low-mileage).
Black Series skyrocketing (€250k+).
⚠️ Watch Out For
Neglected Maintenance (ABC suspension failures cost €10k+).
Tuned/Abused Examples (avoid chipped engines without paperwork).
Pro Tip: A pre-purchase inspection by an AMG specialist (€500–€1,000) is mandatory—hidden issues can be catastrophic.
(Fun Fact: The SL65’s V12 was detuned to protect the transmission—tuned examples exceed 800 HP easily!)
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