The SL65 AMG put Mercedes’ twin-turbo V12 in its retractable-hardtop roadster, producing enormous torque. This one carries Active Body Control, multi-contour massaging seats, a panoramic glass roof, bi-xenon headlights, and COMAND navigation, along with multi-piece HRE wheels and an Eisenmann exhaust. Bidding stands at $45,000 with five days remaining and five bids placed.
Bring a Trailer
What it’s worth right now
SL65 values vary widely with mileage and originality. A 2005 SL65 sold for $40,950 in August 2026, according to Hagerty, which values the model at $41,900, while low-mileage 2005 examples are listed by dealers at $75,069 with 7,602 miles and $80,075 with 29,346 miles.
The low mileage and color place this one above typical sales, while the modifications pull it down. The 18,000 miles and recent service help, but the aftermarket wheels, exhaust, and possible tune narrow the audience, and no paperwork documents the work. Fair value lands between $50,000 and $65,000, with $57,000 most likely. The current bid of $45,000 has five days to run against a reserve.
Bring a Trailer
Condition and details
The specification is complete. The car wears Mars Red with a power-folding panoramic hardtop, bi-xenon headlights, fender vents, and AMG bodywork, and it rides on 20-inch multi-piece HRE wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires dated 2024 and 2025, Active Body Control, and cross-drilled brakes. Inside are heated, ventilated, massaging seats in Charcoal Exclusive leather with body-color trim, Bose audio, and COMAND.
Bring a Trailer
The modifications are relayed secondhand. The seller states the third owner reported that a Kleemann ECU tune, Kleemann badges, red interior trim, the HRE wheels, and the Eisenmann exhaust were installed in Germany when the car was new, but no paperwork accompanies the work, and it is unclear whether the tune remains. The car passed California emissions testing in August 2026.
Bring a Trailer
Maintenance is current. Service in January 2026 included fluids, a fuel system service, a fuel pressure sensor, air filters, spark plugs, a right-front hub, and new trunk struts. The seller states the car is one of fewer than 15 finished in Mars Red from 2005 to 2008. A VMI report and partial records accompany the sale, and the California title is clean. A pre-purchase inspection should check Active Body Control and the ECU.
Bring a Trailer
The offer
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL65 AMG (R230) |
| Year | 2005 |
| Mileage | 18,000 miles |
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 |
| Power | 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, factory rating |
| Transmission | Five-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Mars Red |
| Interior color | Charcoal Exclusive leather |
| Current bid | $45,000 with five days remaining |
Interested in this car? View the listing here.
What makes the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG unique
The SL65 AMG combined the R230 SL’s folding hardtop with a hand-built twin-turbo V12 making 738 lb-ft, an output so large Mercedes had to limit it to protect the transmission. Active Body Control kept the heavy roadster flat in corners, making it one of the most capable grand tourers of its time.
Bring a Trailer
Values have recovered from deep depreciation. Low-mileage, original examples command strong prices, while modified cars trade lower. Active Body Control and the V12’s complexity make maintenance records especially important.
My take
At $45,000 with five bids and five days to run, my call is $57,000, with $65,000 possible if bidders value the low mileage and the Mars Red finish. What makes it appealing is the drivetrain, since an 18,000-mile SL65 with a 604-horsepower V12 and a panoramic hardtop is a lightly used flagship roadster. What tempers it is the undocumented modifications and the uncertain tune. Have the ECU checked, then bid.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog