SL for £10-12k: 129 or 230????

[nickg]

Afternoon all

I am now 2+ years since my last SL and the yearning is coming back.

I will be looking for an SL320 (129) or SL350 (230) at around the £10-12k mark.

I'd be expecting an immaculate 129 for that money with lowish miles for its age (ie <60k miles for a late model) or a 230 with similar miles on an earlyish car (2003/04?).

I'm assuming that a very well looked after 129 would be a better bet.
Am I wrong? If so why?

Discuss......!

 

[redbaron]

Buy the one you like the look, of that is in the best condition.

Mileage or age is not the primary factor here.

One will go up in value one will go down (but slowly) yer pays yer money.. etc.

 

[IanA2]

The V8's in particular will do stellar mileage.

 

[Lxb3]

R129. Every time. Not that I'm biased or anything...
But it's a lot easier to work on, parts are generally cheaper (IMHO), and I suspect that consumables are probably a lot cheaper too.

 

[BTB 500]

If you really need the folding metal roof then the 230 has to be the choice.

Otherwise (IMHO) the 129 is better built and more practical (rear seats, bigger boot).

 

[MicB]

I would not exchange my 230 for a 129......I think the 129s are superb cars but the 230 is better in every way and in particular the the Vario roof which offers the convenience that no hard top/soft top combination can match.
The 230s are a much better and more reliable car than visitors to Forum might conclude......as with most models I guess.

Mic

 

[nickg]

Doh. Just realised the 230 doesn't have rear seats at all so its probably a 129 for me....

 

[Mercator]

Doh. Just realised the 230 doesn't have rear seats at all so its probably a 129 for me....

End of pointless thread then.

 

[Sp!ke]

The lack of jump seats did it for me although the roof on the 230 is a big attraction.

Also of concern was the front steering setup and lack of replaceable balljoints forming part of why I think the 230 is probably steeper maintenance.

 

[SLMILLEMIGLIA]

R129, a lot of great car for the money.

 

[jaymanek]

R230's are pretty complicated pieces of kit... early ones are expensive to maintain at this age... We are regularly replacing suspension struts here now... at over £1200 per corner its not much fun on a 10K car.

R129 would be my choice unless you can stretch to a much newer R230

 

[WDB124066]

Mint 124 Cabriolet!

Any about?

 

[SLMILLEMIGLIA]

R129 would be my choice unless you can stretch to a much newer R230

From what build year would you suggest?

A friend has bought an 2002 model last year and has had one problem after another, not simple problems either!

 

[BTB 500]

Doh. Just realised the 230 doesn't have rear seats at all so its probably a 129 for me....

Rear seats were a cost option on the R129 320, so not all will have them.

Standard on the 500/600/SL60 (although they were removed if the Bose sound system was fitted).

 

[jaymanek]

From what build year would you suggest?

A friend has bought an 2002 model last year and has had one problem after another, not simple problems either!

The later the better...

Thats just luck im sure, they are good cars...

 

[Will]

Any reason why you'd specifically look for a SL320 over an SL500 (both R129)?

As you've had '60s and 500s before I think you'd be a bit underwhelmed by the 3.2 - and I doubt there will be much in it economy wise?

 

[Medders3245]

Having owned 3 x 129's over the past 10 years I would say follow your instincts. Avoid 1993- 1995 320's with the wiring loom problem. For £10k you should be looking for a late 1997 SL500 ( last of the 322 bhp ) with a pan roof and rear seats. You will get around the same mpg and the insurance isn't alot more.
The 129's have bottomed out now so can oonly go one way. There are lots out thhere with a full service history.
I now have a black SL350 with ABC and highly specc'd otherwise. One high court judge previous owner who obviously spared no expense. The point is the R230 feels and drives like a sports car esp with the active body control. The 129's can be expensive and I've spent a small fortune maintaining them. Make sure that both roofs work and check for rust on the front whell arches. head gaskets can go on the SL320's as can roof control units. Wiring loom is £800 fix. The roof ECU can be repaired at BBA remanufacturing , Rochester , Kent for around £270. Good luck.

 

[nickg]

Any reason why you'd specifically look for a SL320 over an SL500 (both R129)?

As you've had '60s and 500s before I think you'd be a bit underwhelmed by the 3.2 - and I doubt there will be much in it economy wise?

Trying to grow up a bit I suppose, and convince myself that the 320 is enough engine. Plus, there seem to be more of them around than 500s.

I had a 97 SL320 before I went on to the 60s and 500, and at the time loved it but wanted more power.

I've been driving 996s for the last couple of years - currently a turbo, but really never get to use its capabilities so am thinking about where to go next.

There's not much around in terms of prestige 2+2 cabs these days so the 129 is still high on my list.

Having said that, I'm not entirely sure there's enough leg room in a 129 for the kids - they are 10 and 8.

Just in the 1st thoughts phase at the moment really.

Cheers

 

[MD5]

There's not much around in terms of prestige 2+2 cabs these days so the 129 is still high on my list.

Having said that, I'm not entirely sure there's enough leg room in a 129 for the kids - they are 10 and 8.

Just in the 1st thoughts phase at the moment really.

Cheers

A 124 Cabriolet has already been mentioned here, as your kids aren't going to get any smaller, but they have plenty of pitfalls too (the cabs, not the kids. Mind you....!)

With the kids in mind, have you considered a 209 CLK cab? A 500 would tick a lot of boxes, I reckon!

 

[IanA2]

:bannana: Buy my 60 Nick....:bannana: