Thoughts on a SL500?

[oldguy57]

Always admired the mid 90's sl500 roadster for its sleek lines and I notice that cosmetically mint ones with full service history can be found for around £5k.Would I opening myself up to a whole world of expense with one of these or not? Obviously I dont expect to run one on a shoestring! Would be interested in any owners comments on this subject. Many thanks.

 

[Sp!ke]

I think you'll find that the cosmetically mint ones go for a bit more than 5k for the 5L variant. There are a lot of dogs out there in this price range though. I think its possible to buy an A2 condition one for about £8k but a fair amount of shopping about would be needed to track down the right car.

The engines are bullet proof but the roof hydraulics should be closely checked for leaks and operation. If you get the earlier model with the 119 engine, be prepared for spending a bit of time getting the seal correct on the distributor caps or you'll be having misfires and rough running issues caused by condensation inside the distributor caps.

I love mine and I hope to be able to keep it forever.

 

[MD5]

Opinions may vary, but 96/97 models are generally considered to be the best of the bunch.

I have a 96 500, owned 13 years, and a 98 500, bought last year. The 96 is physically the better car of the two, the interior being more robust and no signs of corrosion. That said, it was always garaged until last year, and I'm the 4th owner, and I'm the 7th owner of the 98, so not sure of its past, storage wise.

If a 500 is your choice, 96 on will give you a 5sp box and electronic ignition, thus preventing the constant niggles you get with the twin distributors you get with older models. The engine changed again in late 98 to a twin sparked engine, with slightly less horses, but a smoother drive with overall the same performance.

Spread over my ownership, I would budget approx £1500 p/a to keep on top of it, but I'm no mechanic, and I only use genuine parts (which includes new cats, a gearbox overhaul, and I was using the main dealership for the first few years). My mileage bracket is from 100k to 153K miles so far. I haven't started on or really used the other one yet, and it's going in for a service ++ on Monday.

They are great continental cruisers, with one of the best load capacities you'll find in a two seater convertible sports car. Panoramic roof is a very desirable option, and it should have a wind deflector too, so ask why it isn't present if not!!

Enjoy your search, both here, because they are well documented, and in the metal. Good service history and condition over anything else!

Edit: a bit of overlapping of Spike's post!

 

[oldguy57]

Many thanks for the replies and the detailed info which will enable me to narrow down my search. Usually a bit impatient when it comes to buying toys but I can see that a proper careful search will be essential in this case. Thanks again.

 

[BTB 500]

Quite a few buying threads here with lots of info. - search for "R129".

Have had my 1997 SL500 for 11 years now ... M-B Guildford give hefty discounts (40% off labour, 15% off parts and £10 MOTs), so annual costs are modest. Road tax is relatively cheap due to the age, and insurance isn't expensive either (limited mileage policy).

 

[flat6buster]

I have a 62000 mile 500sl of 1991 in silver that I was going to sell soon. Bought to run around in whilst my g wagen was being restored and now surplus to requirements. If it is of interest I can take some photos tomorrow and send to you. ..?

Tried to pm you but didn't work.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using MBClub UK

 

[Mike Walker]

Out of interest what kind of fuel consumption are you getting with the 500 please? I love the look of them and could be tempted

 

[oldguy57]

Thanks for the input chaps grateful for the info flat6buster appreciate the offer but I think after some further investigation I will go for a 96/97 model. I think you cant pm me cos I dont have enough posts to qualify for this facility. Many thanks Pete

 

[219]

Out of interest what kind of fuel consumption are you getting with the 500 please? I love the look of them and could be tempted��

While I can't speak for the 500 , I'm typically getting 27-30 mpg with my 300SL-24 on mostly motorway and open road driving with a little town driving in the mix

 

[Sp!ke]

I get about 24mpg driving mine reasonably modestly but 17mpg or less when having a bit of fun.

 

[MD5]

The trouble is, you get such a blast kicking down from 5th to 3rd, it's difficult to resist, but otherwise, what Spike said! I've been around France a few times in mine, and it's the only way to travel.

Out of interest, Pete, whereabouts are you?

 

[dinoy]

wondering u have sl55 how it would compare to sl500, i know for example back seats are bigger on w129 and more comfortable i guess.

my guess the sl60 is the car nearer to sl55 put your email somebody who has the saught after 96/7 model to send you email instead of pm.

 

[oldguy57]

Thanks again for responses. Mike I am on the Fylde coast shed loads of miles away from all the MB action! Must edit my thread( have sl55 on the brain ) my members intro refers to the fact that just got an sl350. Going to look at an sl55 f1 next week that is supposedly mint but Ive heard it all before! Ater that will start to look hard for an sl500. Might even be more fun than my 57 Chevy ragtop.

 

[BTB 500]

Official mpg figures for my '97 500 are 12.9 urban, 25.9 extra-urban, 17.2 combined. I rarely monitor it because it doesn't do much mileage but have had just over 29 mpg from a tankful doing long motorway runs at sensible speeds. Stop/start driving is a different matter!

 

[MD5]

Thanks again for responses. Mike I am on the Fylde coast shed loads of miles away from all the MB action! Must edit my thread( have sl55 on the brain ) my members intro refers to the fact that just got an sl350. Going to look at an sl55 f1 next week that is supposedly mint but Ive heard it all before! Ater that will start to look hard for an sl500. Might even be more fun than my 57 Chevy ragtop.

Sounds like you're working on quite a collection there, Pete! Is it a big ragtop or a small ragtop?!

I think a 129 500 will feel a bit pedestrian after an f1 55, tbh, and the 55s are on my radar, but I liken them to lovable dogs that won't stop biting!

 

[oldguy57]

Mike the 57 chevy like most of Yank cars of that era is a barge at 18ft long. Probably weighs as much as a barge as well although with its 283 cu in motor and 2 speed powerglide it still pulls away sharply from the lights. Am a bit besotted with the 57's (got 3 ) really must stop buying new toys.

 

[MD5]

So not a 'Vette, then? A Belair? Wait, 2 speed powerglide - an Impala?

 

[oldguy57]

Mike 1 of your guesses is correct its a Belair - the Impala had not been invented yet in 57 . Pete

 

[MD5]

Mike 1 of your guesses is correct its a Belair - the Impala had not been invented yet in 57 . Pete

You had me worried for a minute, enough to Google it, but I was only a year out, so I'll let myself off!! I had a neighbour back in 1970 ish who had a pink with white interior Impala convertible, like the one below. It was a monster, and a blast to be given a ride in!

Pics of the Belair, please!