SL 129 1993 VS 1998 Model year ??

[mk817161]

hi just been to look at two 500 SL s today and noticed a few differences..

the 1993 version the windows didnt auto drop when opening and closing windows

Also is the engine different to a 1998 version..it looked slightly different

.are there any other difference between model years

is one better than the other

thanks in advance

 

[BTB 500]

Have a look here: Mercedes SL500 R129 1990s History

 

[mk817161]

thanks very interesting but didnt cover the window question ? anyone know that

 

[redbaron]

thanks very interesting but didnt cover the window question ? anyone know that

yes your observation is correct.

yes the windows do not drop on a 93 car.

yes it doesn't have the same engine.

no does it have the same HVAC / seats / steering wheel / alloys / paint finish / rear lights / and many other hundreds of changes.

It also have a 4spd auto not a 5spd.

 

[d w124]

The body styling is different also Mark

 

[mk817161]

thanks for feedback everyone

..think I prefer the later one and the article says it will drive better with the 5 speed gearbox and minor improvements over the earlier version?

 

[BTB 500]

Yes the '96 facelift is generally seen as an improvement. There are a few earlier cars around with the 5-speed gearbox as it was an option for a while.

A '98 car might have variable service intervals (ASYST), which could be a plus if it's not going to be used much. Before that they are meant to be serviced every 12 months regardless.

Biggest engine change for the 500 was the '99 facelift, along with oval door mirrors and some other cosmetics. Also more and more stuff from the options list was made standard as the R129 went along, so later cars can be better specified.

But condition is everything - a perfect early car will probably be a better bet than a later one where not everything works exactly as it should. Don't assume anything will be cheap/easy to fix - ask here first!