R129 or R230 with rear bench?

[kbhogalW126]

Hi Folks!

I'm thinking about maybe swapping the CLK for either an SL500 R129 or R230 in the new year.

If I do this we will keep the C270 as our long distance family car with the 300 E-24 as my day to day run around.

My question is this though as we may want to occasionally take the impending wee one out with us for a trip in the convertible.

At present we can get a baby seat in the back or front of the CLK.

I know you can get a rear bench in the R129 which, in theory, you could fit a baby seat to.

Has the R230 ever come with a rear bench, as small as it may be?

Or should I just forget the SL's and look for a convertible W209 CLK?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

KJ

 

[stats007]

You can get seats made for the R230, but they weren't a factory option as far as I'm aware. I'm not sure you can fit a baby seat in the back anyway.

CLK would seem a more sensible choice if you have a family.

 

[television]

There is no way that you could fit any seat into the 230, the rear lids open for storage and to get to the CD changer, there is no room at all behind the seats and nothing to fit anything to

 

[BTB 500]

The rear seats on an R129 only have lap belts, which may be an issue. I'd have thought a CLK would be the sensible option.

 

[kjay]

can you live without an SL though??

Me? I'm finding it tough

 

[television]

can you live without an SL though??

Me? I'm finding it tough

The SL is the only thing in my life, along with the forum full of nice members.

 

[gl boy]

The SL is the only thing in my life, along with the forum full of nice members.

thats sad to here 1st words 2nd words thats nice.......

 

[gl boy]

you should go for the w209 clk great car for 4 adults unlike the the sl which is only got enough room for 2 ....plus the baby seat will be safer regards jon

 

[nickg]

you can get a baby seat in the rear of the 129. You need to get the lap belt converted to a 3 point belt but this is not difficult.
There is a place in Queensbury, NW London that does it for about £300.
I had it done on my previous car about 3 years ago and they did a v good job

 

[kbhogalW126]

Thing is that we have 2 cars which are essentially the same thing - C270 and CLK270.

I want a bit of fun while keeping the C270 as our family car.

I like the pillarless look of the CLK but I wish it were a tin top convertible!

I don't really want a ragtop as then it's obvious that it's a convertible.

(My company don't allow Convertibles or sportscars to be used at work however a tin top isn't as obvious)

I am allowed to drive the CLK as it isn't strictly a sportscar.

I could always use the SL for my 8 mile return daily commute and then take either the 300 or the C270 in if I need to carry any passengers (very rarely - but the ability to carry 3 passengers as per car allowance rules has to be there.)

Would I be better off with the 129 or the 230?

Are there ay members here that have owned or own both?

Regards,

KJ

 

[television]

I have had a 129 for 12 months and the 230 for the same time

 

[stats007]

Malcolm has owned both - I've had three SLs (R107 & R129) but only driven R230 loan cars.

The R129 is a very good car (provided you buy sensibly) - it's a modern classic - you can enter shows and have it as a weekend toy if that is your thing. You also get the rear seats rather than having to retrofit something to an R230 that probably wouldn't allow a baby seat anyway. It isnt going to depreciate much either.

That said the R230 is a more modern drive, better seats has all the toys and the convenience of a folding hard roof as opposed to a separate hard-top.

I would personally go for a late R129 SL500 - Designo Mystic Blue if at all possible .

 

[kbhogalW126]

What would you recommend?

129 or 230?

How easy is it to get the hard top off the 129?

TIA,

KJ

 

[television]

The non glass roof is easy, the glass one very heavy, I had a hoist

 

[television]

The 230 is much quieter with the roof up, both car drive great, the 230 can be as expensive in some area's as can the 129 in different ones.

For me I find the 230 a better car all round but saying that it cost double or more than what a good 129 cost, where do you stop and start, I would love a 65 now, but one has to put stop somewhere

 

[stats007]

The panoramic roof is about 10kg heavier - I've never had a problem even with my 5' 3" girlfriend helping. It's obviously a two person job unless you have a hoist or trolley. An essential option in my opinion.

 

[television]

The panoramic roof is about 10kg heavier - I've never had a problem even with my 5' 3" girlfriend helping. It's obviously a two person job unless you have a hoist or trolley. An essential option in my opinion.

I like them better on the 129 than on the 230, as you say,nice to have

 

[kjay]

I want one!!!

 

[television]

I want one!!!

That one has distronic too, so that will do nicely

 

[kjay]

Whats distronic?

Excuse my ignorance.