Prospective R129 owner

[Russf123]

Hi all,
been lurking awhile. I'm a bit of a long term MB owner having had my E270 for 4 years and a CLK 320 Convertible 2 years prior to that. Am searching for a R129 500 at the moment and I'm sure I will be picking your collective brains in the very near future!

Am looking to run the 500 as my only car as have done the ownership of a fun car as a second car in the past and found that the fun car tends to get neglected in the garage due to time constraints, etc. So my theory is that a "fun" car as my only car is the future!

Russ

 

[d w124]

Hi Russ and welcome to the forum.The 129 have hit the bottom at the moment,a lot of cars for the money

 

[wemorgan]

Welcome.

IIRC forum member and admin Sp!ke tried running a SL500 as his only car. I think he got tired of the fuel costs and ended up buying a W202 as a winter hack. Have a search for some of his posts for some SL info.

Good luck.

 

[Russf123]

Sl500

Thanks for the feedback, will try the search. Will still have my E class till at least the summer even if I buy the one that I have looked at today.

Russ

 

[BTB 500]

Hi & welcome. If you only need a 2-seater (or occasional 2+2) IMO the R129 does make a practical 'everyday' car, so long as you can afford the fuel.

 

[Russf123]

looked at this one today

Looked at this one today;

1997 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS SL500 2dr Auto Convertible

Mileage was verified by loads of MOT's. Car was pretty much unmarked with only a small rust blemish on the roof (edge above drivers door) and a couple of stone chips. The only down side was a lack of "history". First owner had it serviced at 8k and then had it serviced by his companies mechanics (this can be proven by contacting this owner acording to present owner). Present owner has had car for 2 1/2 years and has used local garage or diy for servicing (car only done 4k in 2 1/2 years), he even has his own hydraulic lift in his garage.
Car inspected underneath and all is solid with no leaks from anywhere.
Drove the car and all feels tight with no rattles or shakes, only problem is; this is the first one I have driven so not got a lot to compare to. Car being sold as he has bought another "toy" to replace.
Is it worth me getting a inspection from a "expert" or using this car as a basis fo looking at others?

Russ

 

[BTB 500]

That's a rare colour combo. - if you like it, I think the chances of seeing another are low.

Did you check the hood operation (several times) - that's absolutely vital. Also all electrics, including seat adjustment etc.

What was the condition of the hood - stitching, plastic windows?

Lack of service info. would put me off a bit, but the price seems quite good.

 

[s500colin]

Hi Russ
The R129 is a lot of car for little money and I bet if summer arrives this year the prices will climb again

 

[Russf123]

R129

I agree (one of the reasons I want one!) but I have to try and wage my enthusiasm for getting the right car against my (renowned apparently) inability to spend money! I have spotted another one on the bay of fleas that is a year younger, 20k more miles and a common colour but has a full history with it. Will try and arrange a viewing on that one before or at the w/e as it is in London.

Forgot to mention, the green SL comes with a complete set of AMG split rims (requiring total refurb though)

Russ