Sell your 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for cash

The 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two-seat sports car that came with a choice of 5.0L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl engines. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at a glance

Body styleTwo Seaters
Engines5.0L 8-cyl, 6.0L 12-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 5-spd
DriveRear-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy12–14 city / 18–21 highway / 14–17 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$4,850–$5,850 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂523–635 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA2 configurations: SL500, SL600
Age28 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 SL-Class's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a two-seat sports car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the equipment. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 1998 SL-Class problems

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class with NHTSA. 1 report involved a crash.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Equipment3
  • Electrical System2
  • Power Train2
  • Visibility/Wiper2
  • Air Bags1
  • Electrical System1

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Electrical System19,000 mi
  • Visibility/Wiper35,000 mi

1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 15 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Power Train2
  • Suspension2
  • Electrical System1
  • Electrical System1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling1
  • Equipment1

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 2020 · LI27.50-P-071658

    Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 2020 · LI27.50-P-049281

    Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 2014 · LI82.70-P-060004

    iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2014 · LI27.00-P-051451

    Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2014 · GI88.40-P-057430

    Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2009 · SB-P-047527

    Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning. The function works again after a short time or distance. When the foot operated parking brake is applied, the parktro

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Selling a 1998 SL-Class: questions

How much is a 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1998 SL-Class that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1998 SL-Classs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 SL-Class?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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