The long version

Values fell by more than half between 2008 and 2015 and have only partly recovered since, which is the used-SL trap in one chart: cheap enough to tempt a first-time exotic buyer, expensive enough in upkeep to remind them why the original owner sold. The supercharged V8 makes the case for buying it; the air suspension, folding hardtop and AMG service bills make the case against keeping it long. Involvement sits near the bottom because the driving experience was never really the point, comfort and a badge were, and no badges attach here because it does not distinguish itself even within its own bad-purchase category.