1999 R129 SL320 - Glojo?

[stats007]

The modern classic policy I mentioned (in a PM for others reading) applies to all Mercedes over 5 years old. The policy is different in a number of ways than a normal one - you can have an agreed value for one. You have to pay to insure a courtesy car (though you'll have normal insurance anyway I presume) on a daily basis and the premium is non-refundable if you sell the car. Suits me perfectly though.

The wood pack is very nice - it was £500 for the wheel and £250 for the gearshift IIRC. This one has black mats as you can't buy original ones in any other colour unless a dealer has old stock - that may give you a different impression.

 

[glojo]

I have posted the pictures side by side. The wood pack sounds a bargain (Just for the looks) It is great to be able to discuss in such detail things that are a very personal choice. I'm not convinced about the wood steering wheel, but the darker wood certainly sets off the light interior.


Regards,
John

 

[stats007]

As an alternative:

SL320 with dodgy wheels

 

[glojo]

As an alternative:

SL320 with dodgy wheels

Just been looking at that very vehicle on Autotrader myself.

What about the 'Credit Card' Key? Is that similar to keyless go?


Thanks again,

John

 

[stats007]

No, the credit card key is just another spare, just slimmer.

 

[500E]

So the indicator was stolen, any damage to the paintwork during the theft?

 

[KLP 92]

Personally i like the colour combo. Think it looks just right!

 

[glojo]

So the indicator was stolen, any damage to the paintwork during the theft?

If your referring to the first SL, then the seller is very open, when asked a question they were very open and I am sure they would have mentioned any damage to the body work?. I suppose we all assume something must be stolen if it is missing?

A number of members have already stated how theirs simply flipped out at speed?

Regards,
John

 

[IanA2]

My tuppence worth. I think the car a stunner. It clearly has been cherished. The only reason I wouldn't buy it is I prefer V8's. If the price is right........

 

[500E]

My tuppence worth. I think the car a stunner. It clearly has been cherished. The only reason I wouldn't buy it is I prefer V8's. If the price is right........

Yeah, the SL500 will be more fun than the SL320. Thought about SL600 or SL60? The V12 is known for expensive problems though.

 

[mobeyone]

So the indicator was stolen, any damage to the paintwork during the theft?

happened on my c230 on the motorway! so i would say its very beliveable. They do just pop out with a gentle tug!

John,

I think blue and cream interior is very very classic looking wheras the red is more in your face especially when coupled with the cream interior - again just my opinon.

If i had the money and was looking at the 2, a 500 would be the obvious choice for me and i would wait until the right one was available.

One thing i do not like is the wheels. I would much prefer the classic amg2s say 18 inch which is not in your face and fits the lines of the sl more than the standard wheels, again just my 10ps worth.

Happy hunting!

mobe

 

[glojo]

One thing i do not like is the wheels. I would much prefer the classic amg2s say 18 inch which is not in your face and fits the lines of the sl more than the standard wheels, again just my 10ps worth.

Hi Mobeyone,
I appreciate your thoughts and the blue SL that Stats posted does look very nice.

I am totally against the wide wheels, but respect the fact that I am in the minority. I want my wife to have a comfortable drive with good all round grip. She will never be driving to any type of limit where wide tyres would be a better option.

We are not fussed about engine size, but the red Stats posted is top of the list having seen the dark wood pictures, that is the ideal combination for us\my wife. I respect and more important listen to everyone's contributions and take them onboard.

I am following with interest the car posted by Stat, when I last looked it had just gone above £13,000 with a number of days still to go. It is not the ideal car, so we will see what else comes along.

Thanks again,
John

 

[stats007]

The AMG wheels are only wider at the rear - 275/35/ZR18 as opposed to 245/45/ZR17 for the standard car. I really don't like the AMG wheels - they've been around for years and make the car look outdated IMO. The 2001 BBS wheels are very nice.

John the alternative is this that you've already seen.

 

[fred_raven]

my 10p worth too

Personally - whilst the interior is Very light i do think it looks classy - i would go for it

 

[Jono_1001]

Having the same colour interior myself it is very distinguished.
It is definitely the eye turning point for most who look at it, and EVERYONE comments on it.
However, it is light and shows the slightest mark
However, it is light and with the panoramic roof there is NOTHING to rival it. Bright winter days are subliminal.

My neighbour has an SL with black interior and after mine it makes his car feel very claustrophobic.
After driving with the roof down it will be well worth giving it a quick clean as it's amazing how much dust and dirt there is and this colour will (eventually) show it up.
(Though just noticed that car has seats, mine has carpeted rear shelf + bins)

Personally I wouldn't change mine for another colour (interior) but would consider the wood pack for steering wheel (another I test drove had it and it added a nice touch again), shifter I'm not so bothered about.
I'll try taking some photos today, to show you how badly marked it is.
I'm investigating at the moment ways of getting it clean.

As for the other details - Xenons, I would love those as my headlights are OK, but having driven a Xenon shod car there is no comparison. The wheels are lovely, check for slight water ingress under the laquer, replacements are £250 a corner. They are (diamond) cut which means they reflect the light in a radial manner.

Heated seats ... with that leather (is it Napa? Mine is) you warm up very quickly, yet (weirdly) you stay cool in the summer ... answers on a postcard.
The 320 is plenty powerful until you drive a 500, so if you're happy with test drives in a 320 avoid driving the 500 or above

I'd say go for it

Hope this helps

 

[stats007]

That's some good advice. Helios was an Exclusive Nappa option. I've never felt claustrauphobic with a black and now a black / silver interior - to me that's the only colour I'd consider. I clean my leather every week regardless.

Those wheels are very easy to refurbish - £40 each if you do 4 at a time.

 

[Jono_1001]

That's some good advice. Helios was an Exclusive Nappa option. I've never felt claustrauphobic with a black and now a black / silver interior - to me that's the only colour I'd consider. I clean my leather every week regardless.

Sorry should have explained "Claustrophobic", I meant in a relative manner, not actual. In other words it makes mine "feel" larger.

Those wheels are very easy to refurbish - £40 each if you do 4 at a time.

Do they still keep their special effect if refurbished, or do they spray them (silver) then laquer which I would imagine fills in the fine circular lines?
Had to replace one with a large chunk missing (previous owner) but the fronts could do with a refurb. if they will look the same.

 

[stats007]

The polished effect is kept if done properly - some would just powder coat and lacquer the entire wheel. Any good local company should be able to do it. If not speak to these people:

BJV Engineering
Pristine Alloy Wheels
Spit & Polish

 

[BTB 500]

Xenons, I would love those as my headlights are OK, but having driven a Xenon shod car there is no comparison.

I'd like Xenons too, but the standard lights on mine were much improved by fitting Osram Silver Star bulbs for about £18 (5 minute job, you can get them even cheaper on Ebay).

Another vote for the practicality of a black/anthracite interior! As already mentioned, you can only get OEM mats in black now, too.

 

[glojo]

As already mentioned, you can only get OEM mats in black now, too.

How annoying then that they stopped making them. This car clearly has optional mats that are definitely not black. (I am not referring to the blue piece of cloth)

My heart is still saying if this car goes for the right price it might be worth considering. I would definitely want to buy a darker wood pack, including the wood door inserts. Blinking annoying it is so far away.

John