BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz SL500
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Overview
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Sedan | SL500 |
| Body style | Sedan | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2006 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $79,300 (best) | $92,900 |
| Lowest listing price | $95,762 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $95,762 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $95,762 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 1 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG (best) | 17 MPG |
| City MPG | 16 MPG (best) | 14 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 23 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.6 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 473 hp (best) | 302 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft (best) | 339 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3 L | 5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I6 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 2 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 16.9 cu ft (best) | 10.2 cu ft |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,840 lbs (best) | 4,065 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 4.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in (best) | 100.8 in |
| Length | 189.1 in (best) | 178.5 in |
| Width | 74.3 in (best) | 71.5 in |
| Height | 56.6 in (best) | 51 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sedan $79,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SL500 $92,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Competition Sedan $83,500 MSRP | — |
| 3 | Competition xDrive Sedan $88,600 MSRP | — |