SL 500, 2006–2008, 5461cc V8, 383 hp (M273) 2002 to 2007 – The R230 SL It was technology that proved a huge selling point of the R230 SL – that clever and elegant electronically operated Vario folding roof. It turned the car into a ‘proper’ coupe at the flick of a switch, with no need for a removable hardtop. The relationship between AMG and Mercedes-Benz had developed through the R129, but by the time the R230 came along it was fully established. Less than 2000 R129 SLs left the factory with AMG badging – The R230 would take the AMG badge mainstream.