Advice on an SL please, but which one??

[mabz]

if you see one around cambridgeshire im happy to tag along for a second opinion if you want.

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Thanks Edgersoldchap and Mabz, comments very much appreciated.
Been to Oxford, but never Cambridge, told it is very nice and as such there should be some well looked after cars running around?

To enhance my education are there any books I should be studying?
As when an MGB was wanted Lindsay Porter guide - v.helpful both re: what to look for when buying.... and closely followed by inevitable MGB restoration !!

Re: BMW E 30 - Bentley very good informative read.

What's best book for SL129's ....Haynes??

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Thanks Edgersoldchap and Mabz, comments very much appreciated.
Been to Oxford, but never Cambridge, told it is very nice and as such there should be some well looked after cars running around?

To enhance my education are there any books I should be studying?
As when an MGB was wanted Lindsay Porter guide - v.helpful both re: what to look for when buying.... and closely followed by inevitable MGB restoration !!

Re: BMW E 30 - Bentley very good informative read.

What's best book for SL129's ....Haynes??

 

[Ierton]

Haynes aren't worth the paper they're printed on IMO.

I keeep saying it (but you don't appear to be listening) SEARCH the forum - there is more than enough information about R129s on here to satisfy the most curious of buyers.

Have you read the thread about evaporator temperature sensors for example?

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Reference to Haynes - Irony on my part.
IT time limited, prefer a good old book occasionally.
Books can be picked up/put down at leisure, do not suffer from static, can withstand damp, don't need batteries or ancilliary equipmment or wi fi link to work, and don't affect eyes with glare due to screen refresh rates.
Possibly a difficult concept in today's world to grasp, but a simple enquiry re: SL books avaialable.
No offence taken wills earch forum but find using IT esp late on detrinmental to sleep whereas books have opposite affect and good for relaxing, esp beside wood burner, mug of tea in hand, on a winters night.

Perhaps I am plain old but do others enjoy a good read and if there are SL books out there welcome comments and what is good/bad.

 

[BTB 500]

Not aware of any books for the R129. I got on fine with Haynes in my youth - had them for all my cars!

There are some good videos covering a range of maintenance jobs which used to be hosted on a US forum but I think are all on YouTube now. I downloaded local copies to be on the safe side

The one good book for the 129 is the A4 hardback that M-B produced, it's just promotional stuff really but some fabulous pics. (including big fold-out ones). They come up on eBay sometimes.

 

[biturbo]

You can buy a maintaince disk. They appear on ebay.
1996 to 1998 is what the most poppular view is of the best model years. Most popular doest mean best for you.
If its a weekend car id go for the bigger engined ones.
Ive spent alot of money on my car and id say market value on the r129 now is pretty stable. Your not going to buy a car for 10k and its worth 5k in 2 years.
i've spent alot of money on my one. Probably more than what most people think its worth, but i will have the car i wanted since i was a kid.
Id go for a sl500 as from standard the trim level and equipment will be better and my feeling is sl320 will be used more as daily drivers, wind, rain and snow and will be generally more battered

 

[sssammm]

Since i had my car accident i have not used my Silver Arrow once, so I am looking to sell If you are interested, totally mint, 95/100 full MB service history, https://www.dropbox.com/s/gx8ucnfymtilsyb/P1010129.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ukk6iuupg5sqz11/P1010086.JPG
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gx8ucnfymtilsyb/P1010129.JPG

 

[WesLangdon]

1996 to 1998 is what the most poppular view is of the best model years. Most popular doest mean best for you.

I always thought the earlier the better to avoid the mid 90's quality deficit, fragile looms etc

 

[BTB 500]

I always thought the earlier the better to avoid the mid 90's quality deficit, fragile looms etc

The merger with Chrysler and change to water-based paint finish were both in 1998.

AFAIK the loom issue ran from 1991 to 1996. I'd have thought the majority of affected cars would have been fixed by now though.

 

[After Shock]

I think your answering your own questions which is good! (Or confirming your thoughts??)

Go for a bigger engined car -- you'll enjoy the power delivery.

Hang on for the "right" car. Spec that you'll love.

As it is a car to enjoy not just an a to b runaround getting it spot on is going to be really important but you seem almost there!

Good luck!!

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Beautiful car, thank you for the picture will pm you.

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Thank you everyone, esp Jon whom I met this week. I had pleasure of riding in my first SL.
The difference to my E30 cabriolet - countrymile, SL is a lovely ride, very comfortable, virtually no scuttle shake, quiet, refined, and those super lines.
Jon and I chatted for over an hour, time flew by felt like minutes, thank you Jon.
I have accepted another very kind offer (local to me) whereupon I can compare an SL 500 to Jon's car (Thanks Mike) but this wiill be when weather improves.
I am on the case of SL books - E bay, Amazon, etc, thank you BTB 500 my son is searching internet for SL info/clips.
I will invest in SL maintenance discs very useful idea.
Unfortunately Haynes don't seem to be quite what they once were, hope they continue to survive as they provide a good service and not go the same way of some of the bastions of the high street.
Silver arrow pictures superb SSSAMMM, I will be in touch.
After shock, thank you, totally empathise with comments you have my measure, I'm not in a rush; advice given on this post by everyone has been superb, not meant to be patronising in anyway but totally honest.
Until summer 2012 not considered Sl's, Classic Silverstone on Saturday (day it stopped raining !!) SL owners in attendance were a splendid bunch and something got me thinking about SL's, steadily increased over passing months (thanks Carfest North SL owners if reading great display lovely chatting to you).
I am nearly there in my decision but no rush am more of a tortoise than a hare in these matters...it pays to be in long run.

 

[millo777]

Go on, push the boat out....

Car Detail

Of maybe an SL72, SL70 or SL55, or you might find a Renntech SL74, all rare and interesting.

I've seen a few nice designo edition r129s as well with funky coloured flame maple wood and matching leather, and distinctive designo paint colours. All looked good to me, and came as either SL320 or SL500.

The 600 had the leather dash, and two tone nappa leather though (on the facelift cars at least), which lifts the interior a lot imho, and worth looking for. Not to mention the v12 engine.

Keep searching and you'll find something interesting.

The sensible choice would be a 320 or 500 of course. But if you were sensible you probably wouldn't be shopping for a 15 year old convertible in the middle of a snow storm, so get a v12 and have fun.

 

[sssammm]

When i put 95 /100, I meant it is no 95 in the limited edition of 100,
condition is better!

 

[Chris Merc E320]

Thanks all,
Unfortunately I have budget, mortgage, University education (son), and relationship I want to remain in, all to consider/factor into this.
So MB SL exotica ( my opinion) may have to wait and be admired in magazines or shows...
Who knows a Holy Grail is found occasionally from within the depths of a garage.
FYI its never happened to me, then again neither has winning the Lottery, off to get my ticket for tonight then to dream of Designo paint colours .....

 

[IanA2]

Go on, push the boat out....

Car Detail

Of maybe an SL72, SL70 or SL55, or you might find a Renntech SL74, all rare and interesting.

I've seen a few nice designo edition r129s as well with funky coloured flame maple wood and matching leather, and distinctive designo paint colours. All looked good to me, and came as either SL320 or SL500.

The 600 had the leather dash, and two tone nappa leather though (on the facelift cars at least), which lifts the interior a lot imho, and worth looking for. Not to mention the v12 engine.

Keep searching and you'll find something interesting.

The sensible choice would be a 320 or 500 of course. But if you were sensible you probably wouldn't be shopping for a 15 year old convertible in the middle of a snow storm, so get a v12 and have fun.

V12 engined SL's are front heavy. SL60 is the best of the "exotics", just my HO.