SL55 and SL63 (R230) and SL500 (R129) - Members experience

[DGAMG63S]

Hi. New to the forum but not to Mercedes/AMG. Interested to know from forum members their ownership insight/experience with the SL500 (R129), SL55 and SL63 (both R230). They're on my radar as a usable classic/youngtimer. I'm not focused on the R231 SL500/SL63 as I'm very familiar with those from my ownership, likewise the R107.

I'm interested in what people have actually experienced. I know first hand the quality change from 80/90's and earlier Mercedes to the 2000-era quality levels, but beyond the anecdotal what have people seen with their cars? I know the last of the R230 SL63 can divide opinion on the facelift design, but that's a question of personal taste and I'm sure that car will have its fans, so I'm not too bothered about that. Thanks in advance. David

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

It would help to understand your priorities and budget in this choice. That's an enormous range of performance, handling, and luxury.

Put simply a 1992 SL500 is a very different offering compared to a 2008 SL63

What matters to you?

 

[DGAMG63S]

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Good questions.

Budget isn't a constraint, but condition, mileage, ownership and history will be. Outright performance/handling won't be drivers; they're not current in those areas or in tech and if I wanted that I'd buy something new. I like Mercedes of all era's.

In terms of the R129 it would be the narrow band after the late 95 facelift introduced in 96 up to the introduction of the M113 V8 (full Production June 98), only because of a preference for the slight styling differences. A later car wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, though.

On the SL55 I understand the later cars are better (but I don't know that).

I probably wasn't that clear on my first post (sorry, new at this). I'm not comparing the R129 to the R230 (just like I'm not comparing either to my daily cars). They're on my radar but in different ways and there's much to commend both. My questions centre on what they're like to live with.

 

[alexanderfoti]

R129's during the facelift and after 1998 rust much more readily than the older ones (even taking into account the age difference).

The R230 will cost you a lot more in maintenance and upkeep than a R129. Both are easy to drive etc, but the 129 won't give you a new dash warning every time you drive it

 

[DGAMG63S]

R129's during the facelift and after 1998 rust much more readily than the older ones (even taking into account the age difference).

The R230 will cost you a lot more in maintenance and upkeep than a R129. Both are easy to drive etc, but the 129 won't give you a new dash warning every time you drive it

Hi. Thanks for taking the trouble to feed back and very interesting comments. Would you consider an early series SL500 R129 as the best of the model?

 

[Dickster]

Hi there,

I’ve had my SL55 for 18 months and love it. I had intended to limit it to dry use only, but I’ve found myself wanting to drive it, so it gets used a lot - I’ve done a few thousand miles in 18 months - my 1986 911 hasn’t done that mileage in 10 years so you can see how much I love the SL.

I’ve had the usual ABC issues but found it quite easy to go through myself and saved a lot of money.

so far it’s been very reliable - one breakdown and that was a puncture - I now have a spare.

mines a low mileage 2003 so I would buy on condition rather than year - although, yes later years are probably better.

good luck!

 

[alexanderfoti]

Hi. Thanks for taking the trouble to feed back and very interesting comments. Would you consider an early series SL500 R129 as the best of the model?

Just before facelift, although you do get the older boxes, maybe around 97 would be the best. As always, but on condition etc.

An R230 is very nice, and I have owned a few and lived with them, but I would probably buy a 129 over one now.

 

[DGAMG63S]

Hi there,

I’ve had my SL55 for 18 months and love it. I had intended to limit it to dry use only, but I’ve found myself wanting to drive it, so it gets used a lot - I’ve done a few thousand miles in 18 months - my 1986 911 hasn’t done that mileage in 10 years so you can see how much I love the SL.

I’ve had the usual ABC issues but found it quite easy to go through myself and saved a lot of money.

so far it’s been very reliable - one breakdown and that was a puncture - I now have a spare.

mines a low mileage 2003 so I would buy on condition rather than year - although, yes later years are probably better.

good luck!

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback and nice to hear you've had a good experience and it's been a car to enjoy. We had an SLK55 PP new in 06 as a third car and had some of the odd MB quality issues. That eventually went in favour of a 911!

 

[DGAMG63S]

Just before facelift, although you do get the older boxes, maybe around 97 would be the best. As always, but on condition etc.

An R230 is very nice, and I have owned a few and lived with them, but I would probably buy a 129 over one now.

Thanks, appreciate the detail. David

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

I have a facelift, 98, SL500 and it does have rust issues in the front wing wheel arch. Have had it for nine or so years. The M113 doesn’t sound quite as nice as the M119 and has a little less power.
Some parts for these R129’s are becoming difficult or expensive to source. Personally I find the 129 a “little less enclosed” than a 230, though have never owned a 230. Test drives and as a passenger.

 

[DGAMG63S]

I have a facelift, 98, SL500 and it does have rust issues in the front wing wheel arch. Have had it for nine or so years. The M113 doesn’t sound quite as nice as the M119 and has a little less power.
Some parts for these R129’s are becoming difficult or expensive to source. Personally I find the 129 a “little less enclosed” than a 230, though have never owned a 230. Test drives and as a passenger.

Hi and thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Do you use the car regularly and what mileage has it covered, if I may ask?

 

[alabbasi]

I own both cars and have had them both for over 6 years. The R129 is an 98 SL500 with the last of the M119 engines and the R230 is an 05 SL55. Both have the same mileage, but the R129 came to me with less miles and I've driven it more.
I would say that the SL55 does almost everything better than an R129. So why don't i drive it more? Because my SL55 is so nice that I hate the idea of parking it in parking spaces where idiots in SUVs will pull next it and swing their doors open. For this reason, I'm selective about where I drive it.
Where the R129 beats the SL55 is simplicity and classic looks. The R129 is still a very DIY friendly car and probably less fragile because fewer things can break (SBC, ABC etc). It also has a more classic look which people may appreciate more if they're looking for a classic.

Both can be driven daily without problems.

 

[DGAMG63S]

I own both cars and have had them both for over 6 years. The R129 is an 98 SL500 with the last of the M119 engines and the R230 is an 05 SL55. Both have the same mileage, but the R129 came to me with less miles and I've driven it more.
I would say that the SL55 does almost everything better than an R129. So why don't i drive it more? Because my SL55 is so nice that I hate the idea of parking it in parking spaces where idiots in SUVs will pull next it and swing their doors open. For this reason, I'm selective about where I drive it.
Where the R129 beats the SL55 is simplicity and classic looks. The R129 is still a very DIY friendly car and probably less fragile because fewer things can break (SBC, ABC etc). It also has a more classic look which people may appreciate more if they're looking for a classic.

Both can be driven daily without problems.

Hi. Great feed back, thank you for taking the time. What year is your 55 and how do you rate the reliability?

 

[BTB 500]

I've had a 1997 SL500 for just over 16 years now. It's lightly used (currently on a little under 57k miles ... I'm the 3rd owner) but has been pretty reliable with only a few issues in that time e.g.

• Gearbox electrical plate (common, cheap fix)
• Split plastic windows in hood (common, specialist repair but not expensive)
• ADS accumulators replaced (these have a finite lifespan, not too expensive)

I think that's it other than a small number of wear & tear items (a door check strap, replacing the sound insulation under the bonnet, new throttle cable, new steering damper, roll bar bushes, rubber brake hoses).

I do keep it on a maintenance charger now as low voltage can throw various fault codes on the windows/hood/roll bar (which then have to be cleared via STAR). The battery in it was fitted in 2004 and is still going strong. It has no rust but has been garaged for the last 13 years.

I get cheap main dealer servicing via the Sandown Group's free 'Platinum Programme' - 40% labour discount, 20% off stocked parts, £20 MOTs. They are also happy for me to supply my own oil from Costco (when I'm organised enough to do this!). MB Dorchester or MB Poole (both Sandown dealerships) might be within striking distance for you?

Platinum Programme Offer | Mercedes-Benz & Smart Car Offers From Sandown

If there's anything else you'd like to know just shout!

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

Hi and thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Do you use the car regularly and what mileage has it covered, if I may ask?

I use it a lot in the nice weather, May to October. Mileage has differed over the years due to work and other life obstacles. Between 350 and 6000 over the years. Currently on 125k.
It is currently living outside for the second winter, sorn but fully waxed and will be looked after.

 

[alabbasi]

Hi. Great feed back, thank you for taking the time. What year is your 55 and how do you rate the reliability?

It's been pretty reliable, but to be fair, I've only put 5000 miles on it in 6 years. I replaced the ABC accumulators, tires , tandem pulley and the rear struts. That's about all I've had to do to it.

 

[l5foye]

I traded a R129 for a R230-big mistake. The R230 proved to be a money pit at a low mileage. Would I have another R230? Not a chance.

 

[DGAMG63S]

I've had a 1997 SL500 for just over 16 years now. It's lightly used (currently on a little under 57k miles ... I'm the 3rd owner) but has been pretty reliable with only a few issues in that time e.g.

• Gearbox electrical plate (common, cheap fix)
• Split plastic windows in hood (common, specialist repair but not expensive)
• ADS accumulators replaced (these have a finite lifespan, not too expensive)

I think that's it other than a small number of wear & tear items (a door check strap, replacing the sound insulation under the bonnet, new throttle cable, new steering damper, roll bar bushes, rubber brake hoses).

I do keep it on a maintenance charger now as low voltage can throw various fault codes on the windows/hood/roll bar (which then have to be cleared via STAR). The battery in it was fitted in 2004 and is still going strong. It has no rust but has been garaged for the last 13 years.

I get cheap main dealer servicing via the Sandown Group's free 'Platinum Programme' - 40% labour discount, 20% off stocked parts, £20 MOTs. They are also happy for me to supply my own oil from Costco (when I'm organised enough to do this!). MB Dorchester or MB Poole (both Sandown dealerships) might be within striking distance for you?

Platinum Programme Offer | Mercedes-Benz & Smart Car Offers From Sandown

If there's anything else you'd like to know just shout!

Thanks for the great reply. Yes, I know Sandown in Poole pretty well as they're my nearest dealer. I've had three of my 63S's serviced there. A bit patchy at times but good to know on the Platinum Programme.

 

[DGAMG63S]

I traded a R129 for a R230-big mistake. The R230 proved to be a money pit at a low mileage. Would I have another R230? Not a chance.

Thanks for the information. Which model R230 did you trade the R129 for?

 

[DGAMG63S]

It's been pretty reliable, but to be fair, I've only put 5000 miles on it in 6 years. I replaced the ABC accumulators, tires , tandem pulley and the rear struts. That's about all I've had to do to it.

Thanks so much. David