KLP 92 said:
The pre 1998 cars were slightly quicker than the later model. Also it is cheaper to maintain with less consumable items as i believe the facelift model has 16 spark plugs instead of 8 etc.
The pre 1992 models had 322 BHP compared to the 302 of the last model.
The best built models were between 1996-1998 and more info can be found here:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/
Tells you what year is better and why:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/history.htm
I'm afraid that's just not true. I spoke to Ken whilst I was researching the models and he admits to favouring the mid series 129s as he owns one. He also knew little about the technical differences of the M119 & M113 engined cars - at the end of the day he is a photographer with an opinion on owning a MB like we all have. MB official figures show that the M113 series are slightly faster (we're talking 0.5sec), more economical and produce fewer harmful emissions.
As for consumables - the spark plugs should be changed once every 50k miles according to MB on the M113. It also uses 8 twin coil packs instead of distributors of which the M119 is known to have voltage tracking problems with - probably the most common cause of erratic running on these cars. The catalytic converters were also redesigned as again earlier cars had premature failure issues and a £1000 bill for most owners. The M113 engine is also the basis for the 43, 500, 55 and 55 Kompressor engines including the SLR.
When I was looking for a 129 I started out looking at the straight six, then V6 then M119 V8 and finally M113 V8. From what I can tell you'll have far less trouble running a later car than any of the M119 cars - which by the way went through 3 major revisons:
119.96*
119.97*
119.98*
- in which the coils and distributors, guide rails, oil guides, lifters, belt and tensioner and wiring loom were redesigned. The revisions also replaced camshafts, pistons, valve guides, crankshafts, cylinder heads and general improvements to increase economy / emissions with complete changes to fuel injection systems almost on a yearly basis. That's not to say they're not still great engines - just be aware of what you're buying. A '97 or '98 M119 or any of the M113 cars would be your best bet.
BTB 500 said:
Very interesting about the torque range (and weight) because the peak torque is lower. The 113 is also meant to have a (deliberately) slightly louder exhaust note I think.
The big difference is that the M119 of your car produces 470Nm @ 3900 rpm whereas the M113 produces 460Nm @ 2700 - 4250 rpm.
Some useful websites:
Used SL500s
R129 Club
MB Owners Club
US MB Forum
US SL Forum
US M119 information
Australian MB Forum
US Vehicle Technical Data
Honest John Vehicle Links
SL60 Info
SL73 Info
