Year: | 1996/8 |
Make: | Mercedes Benz |
Model: | SL500 |
Mileage: | 108100 km |
Transmission: | FAT |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Drivetrain: | RWD |
Engine: | 5.5 Liter V8 |
Exterior Color: | Silver |

Many enthusiasts agree that the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 convertible with 5-liter V-8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission is one of the best of the breed. Now you can import one from Japan in impeccable condition at a reasonable price.
The 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 has an aura of success that makes any driver look like a million bucks. Whether you remove the top or not, it’s a beautiful car to behold and a great pleasure to drive — as we discovered at Japan Car Direct.
Appealing inside and out
Every detail of the exterior is attractively refined. The 1996 SL500 comes with an easy-to remove body-colored aluminum hardtop as well as a black soft top that smoothly rises or retracts into a compartment behind the seats with the press of a button. You can choose one or the other depending on your mood, or soak up some rays while driving with the top off.
Inside, the 1996 SL500 is roomy and luxurious with supportive leather bucket seats, burled walnut trim, and amenities ranging from power seats to remote keyless entry. Safety is enhanced by front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and a roll bar behind the rear seats that automatically rises if the vehicle starts to roll.

Smooth and powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine
The 5.0-liter V-8 engine (M119) smoothly delivers power without hesitation. Boasting four valves per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts and variable intake valve timing, it accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds, which is mighty fast for a luxury car. Top vehicle speed surpasses 150 mph (241 kph), maximum horsepower is 320 PS (235 kW; 316 bhp) @ 5700 rpm, and maximum torque is 345 lb-ft (468 Nm) @ 3900 rpm.

High-performance 5-speed automatic transmission
The engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission that downshifts without hesitation, provides a genuine overdrive for better fuel efficiency (15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on highways) and intelligently varies shift timing depending on the situation to support spirited driving — especially if you put the mode selector in the “S” position.
Sports car handling and a smooth ride
Handling is sporty and accurate, allowing you to confidently navigate serpentine streets at high speed. Yet the ride is smooth and comfortable, thanks to an innovative suspension with stabilizers, electronically controlled damping and refined geometry. A limited slip differential enhances traction around corners and 4-wheel disc brakes help you stay in control.
Import from Japan — with help from Japan Car Direct
This silver 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 was obviously well cared for, like this Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG and 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230) we handled awhile back. When you’re ready to take advantage of the wide selection and low prices at used car auctions in Japan, contact Japan Car Direct. We look forward to hearing from you.
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I had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. I was a first time auction buyer and importer to the United States. Mathew walked me through... read moreI had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. I was a first time auction buyer and importer to the United States. Mathew walked me through every step and pointed me to all the right resources both online and here in the United States to complete the import process successfully. Communication wise prompt and helpful, as well as convenient. his insight into the auction process including the vehicle inspection was especially helpful. I ultimately ended up with exactly what I was looking for within budget. I would work with Japan Car Direct again and recommend them to anyone. read less
Matthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections,... read moreMatthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. I have no reservations sending more tens of thousands of dollars for future imports. At the end of the day, they really wanted to make me a happy customer. read less
I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great... read moreI highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great to work with. Highly recommend the team at JCD. read less
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Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the... read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the country in the midst of the oil price hikes.
The process is painless end to end and I was well looked after by Mike. Definitely recommend Japan Car Direct for the auction and shipping service. read less
Great experience. Extremely easy process and Kept me well informed. Highly recommend them if looking to purchase a vehicle from Japan.
It's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness.... read moreIt's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. It ended up being in better condition than I was anticipating, and was able to drive it 5 hours home from port without a single issue. Cannot recommend Japan Car Direct enough! read less
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I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
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Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
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Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
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