Advice on an SL please, but which one??

[Chris Merc E320]

I have a W210 320 cdi (for 10 years now) brilliant car and enjoy the benefits that the car provides.

However I am now contemplating an SL 129 model (am I correct in thinking that these were made between 1990 and 2000) primarily for summer use.

I welcome any advice on what to look for (problems)?

Which engine is considered best (280, 300, 320, or 5000 - not interested in anything bigger)? I have been told that the 320 can be a problem as Mercedes had some built in USA which were not of same quality - but I am not definite so welcome any advice please.

What year to buy I am thinking circa 1996 - 2000?

What specification ? as I understand Mercedes did a couple of special editions which had different trim, seats, wheels, etc?

What sort of money should I consider spending as I have seen several models advertised on here for circa £20k, I understand that price is linked to condition, mileage, etc but a ball park figure of what the cars are worth in your opinion is appreciated.

I am not interested in any accident damaged cars or cars that have been meddled with, just a clean straight car.

Thanks

 

[500E]

Look for an SL500 Silver Arrow.

Best looking r129 SL. I am pretty sure all are German built.

 

[stevieb15]

Good choice
£20k is well over the top unless you're going to buy something to look at rather than use.
Someone in the family uses mine daily, just occasionally I'm out of the house first and might get to drive it into work.
You should be able to get something that's been well looked after, with a 5 speed box, panoramic hard top and good service history for less than £10k and because it will come with ASSYST service intervals will be greater than 12000 miles.
The panoramic roof is fabulous and well worth holding out for.
I went for a V8 but I understand the 6 cylinder versions are also very good, equally I think running costs will be similar, mpg between 18 and 26.
Before parting with cash you need to ensure everything electrical/electronic, especially the soft top, works on these incredibly well equipped cars.
Rust isn't too much of an issue but I'd be surprised if there wasn't some in the front wings, I've replaced both of mine, not out of necessity but because I knew the problem was there and it would need doing sooner or later.
Good hunting

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Thanks, any signposting on where I can find definitive information on SL's re spec etc as Silver Arrow model mentioned and welcome any info on those 320 engines.

 

[dinoy]

sl60 the rarest and the best and hold its value. in all cases go for 500 of which sl60 is the amg variant. sl600 is v12 and lower ones 280 or 320 not really recommended

 

[ShinyF1]

Several info sources:

Mercedes-Benz SL R129 1989 - Car Review | Honest John
Thinking of buying an R129 - PistonHeads

I covet a late 1990s SL500 but am having to hold off for a while due to financial constraints - I'll get there in the end. Good luck - be thorough in your search and you will not be disappointed.

 

[BTB 500]

Generally more and more things from the option list became standard fit, so late cars should have all the toys but with earlier ones it will depend on what the original buyer selected. E.g. my '97 has adaptive damping (a £3,500 option at the time), but not heated seats (£365)!

The V8s (SL500, or SL60 if you can find a decent one) are the best choice IMHO. The R129 weighs almost 2 tonnes so the 6-cyl engines have to work pretty hard; the V12 (600) makes the car slightly nose-heavy and is a very complex bit of kit.

Look at as many cars as you can and buy on condition. They are pretty reliable if properly maintained - everything should work.

The Silver Arrow edition is a bit Marmite. They are quite rare ... but not everybody likes the interior, chrome trim, and wheels.

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Thanks I am getting a good idea of what I need to be looking at thanks to you all.
A Silver arrows model - a little to rich for my blood.
So SL500 with a panoramic roof offers best option for me and by looking for a later model should give me more optional extras as standard, plus any defects would have been sorted by MB (hopefully).
I have been told to look out for distributor caps as they are susceptible - Is this correct? Also check electronic roof operates as micro switches are costly, Is this correct? Your understanding of these cars is a great help and I am appreciative of your knowledge.

 

[Willsco]

Hi Chris

I see you are in Gloucestershire - I am about 10 mins from Tewkesbury and have just acquired a 2001 SL500 R129. I am very much a newbie (about a month) and just getting to grips with it after 8 years of Porsche 928 ownership.

I don't know how much I can help but if you want to have a poke around mine and see what you get for your money and see what they are like - feel free to contact me directly I'd be happy to help out.

Also I'd recommend The SL Shop near Inkberrow - in Worcestershire. They are very helpful and knowledgable - plus they sell and service R129s.

Let me know if I can help at all

Cheers

Mike W

 

[wakaday]

A big V8 500 on Multipoint LPG.

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Now in a quandary, after speaking independently to two people I know (both in the trade), one dismantles Merc's (South West Mercedes - Gloucester based), the other an independent garage owner (does all my Merc bodywork and mechanicals - can recommend anyone interested absolutely genuine, Carlton Motors in Gloucester Opposite the Hospital).

Both said in their opinion to look at either 280 or 300 SL model, NOT SL 500, or bigger, due to running costs and I may spend more time looking at it rather than driving it due to fuel consumption.
I think they may have a point as if you add circa £50 - £100 to a day out purely for fuel, then that does have to be considered seriously.
Unsure of LPG as I am undecided regarding aftermarket spares/repairs, and quality of LPG kits fitted, plus long term affect on an engine run on LPG. Also will it have a detrimental affect on the resale value of a vehicle as LPG is non standard and not a factory option when new (it was about though and if I recall Volvo were one of the few manufacturers to fit LPG conversion as standard).

The only thing I am definite on and all agree on is that a panoramic roof is a must esp for inclement weather use.

Hope to meet with Mike (see above) to discuss further in forthcoming weeks (weather and diary permitting).

Welcome your thoughts good people and what horrors should I look for please.

 

[Ierton]

No distributors on the M113 engined R129 as they use coil packs.

Later V6 SL320 worth having a look at if fuel consumption is an issue but I wouldn't bother with the early 300SL. SL280s are very hard to sell on as they're underpowered for the car's size.

Have a search on the forum as this has all been discussed many times before.

 

[jaymanek]

. SL280s are very hard to sell on as they're underpowered for the car's size.

Apart from the later 280 V6 which is a lovely engine and feels the same as a 320.

 

[Ierton]

Not just the engine to consider though as they have a much lower spec as standard. As most of these are weekend cars the V8s with all the toys tend to be more popular.

Like any new purchase it's best to drive a few and see what suits.

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Thanks, need to keep on with my homework as PPP = PP results, hence why banging on asking for help.
Re:320 engine - did MB build it in USA? if so is that NOT the 320 engine to look at?
Also re spec, how did it differ?

thanks

 

[IanA2]

Both said in their opinion to look at either 280 or 300 SL model, NOT SL 500, or bigger, due to running costs and I may spend more time looking at it rather than driving it due to fuel consumption.
I think they may have a point as if you add circa £50 - £100 to a day out purely for fuel, then that does have to be considered seriously.

Have you actually looked at the fuel figures of 280/300 v. 500? I think you might be surprised. Also have you actually road tested the different engines. My feeling is that all but the 500 are seriously underpowered and would be quite frustrating. These are heavy cars.

..the thing I am definite on and all agree on is that a panoramic roof is a must esp for inclement weather use.

Welcome your thoughts good people and what horrors should I look for please.

Yes, if you can get one, the Panny roof is fantastic, it is very heavy and I would budget for a hoist (manual or electric) if you have the garage headroom. Also for a stand. The MB folding one is best.

 

[ShinyF1]

Apart from the later 280 V6 which is a lovely engine and feels the same as a 320.

And you have one for sale if I'm not mistaken? Looks very nice actually...

 

[BTB 500]

My SL500 is cheaper per mile on fuel than my Vito. Seriously. They both do about the same MPG (mid-20s typically, nudging 30 on a decent run), but diesel costs more per litre.

 

[IanA2]

My SL500 is cheaper per mile on fuel than my Vito. Seriously. They both do about the same MPG (mid-20s typically, nudging 30 on a decent run), but diesel costs more per litre.

A nice illustration

 

[edgersoldchap]

If you google 'R129 panoramic roof' there will come up a number of threads on other websites where reference is made to the weight of it compared with the standard steel roof so you will need to be careful if you install a hoist in your garage but also maybe an SL500 with the extra power would be the best option.

I don't think you need to worry too much about economy of the 500 compared with the smaller engines - so much depends on your driving style. On a 400 mile mostly motorway journey I got 31 mpg - on local rural driving, I'm getting 21 mpg. I don't use it in city rush hour traffic so cannot comment on that.

But how much extra enjoyment you will get from the 500!!