Which R129 model?

[RKC-benz]

Folks - a few words of advice.

I am beginning the search for a second car and am after advice from previous/current owners of a R129 SL... I have opted not to go for the R107 or a newer car as I want to mix older design and build ethos with a "sturdy survivor" that can take the use... This new car will sit outside for the next few years, where my other cars live, and be used for maybe 2000 - 3000 miles a year. My S124 lives outside and I'm fine with it (it is Dinitrol soaked and regularly used). In the future this SL will be garaged and more cherished: it just needs to survive a bit!

Basically I have set a few parameters as I go looking:
- No weird old colour ways on the bodywork (funny metallic blue/green/almandines, etc)
- Black leather interior (grey is wrong, mushroom looks dirty)
- Panoramic roof option a must.
- Low miles (60k max).
- Rust free.

My questions for those in the know:
- What particular pitfalls do I look for in the bodywork?
- What pitfalls do I look for in ancillaries and electrics?
- Which engine model is the one people would recommend - heart says V6 300/320 SL, but am I missing something by not going for a V8 500?
- Which is the right year to buy?
- What should I pay?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

You will find this helpful, have a good read....many rate 1996>98 as the best years...

Mercedes SL500 R129 1990s History

 

[IanA2]

V8 and don't worry about the mileage.

 

[RKC-benz]

You will find this helpful, have a good read....many rate 1996>98 as the best years... Mercedes SL500 R129 1990s History

Thanks. I read that with interest... This article is from someone who knows the cars and has made up his mind on preferred model.

I already have a straight six in my S124, so maybe a crazy V8 is the route to righteousness...

 

[RKC-benz]

V8 and don't worry about the mileage.

Do you mean not to worry about MPG or having a car with with 100k plus...?

Thanks

 

[ShinyF1]

Do you mean not to worry about MPG or having a car with with 100k plus...?

Thanks

I suspect both. There aren't that many around for sale with less significantly than 100k miles at sensible prices. I'm still waiting for the small windfall [some hope] that will allow me to do the same.

 

[Doodle]

It's not bad, but don't take Ken's article as gospel...there are some howling errors and a degree of poetic licence in there.

 

[IanA2]

Do you mean not to worry about MPG or having a car with with 100k plus...?

Thanks

MPG wise I don't think there's a huge difference between the engines in the range. The V8 is the most fun and unstressed.

If look after, these V8's are very strong. My Dec '97 SL has done approx 95k and is sweet. My GS430 (another V8) has done 140k, if you drove it you would think it was 40k.

A well looked after V8 will outlive it's host


ETA: search the board, there's a huge amount of info on this subject.

 

[BTB 500]

Yup many similar threads in the past, containing lots of good advice.

I wouldn't necessarily make the panoramic roof a deal-breaker if you see a car that ticks all the boxes otherwise - these do come up for sale periodically and can easily be swapped with the standard hardtop. My car is garaged so I don't use the hardtop at all.

As mentioned the 5.0 V8 is probably the 'sweet spot' engine-wise.

You will sometimes see comments about avoiding cars with the optional ADS (adaptive damping), but providing everything is working properly I wouldn't personally worry about it ... particularly if the accumulators ('spheres') have already been replaced. These are effectively a consumable item but typically last pretty well (mine went at approx. 15 years old), and replacement isn't a particularly big job. Other issues are rare, unlike similar systems used on younger M-Bs ("ABC" etc. fitted to the R230 SL, CL, etc.) where valve and strut problems are common (and expensive to fix).

 

[IanA2]

Yup many similar threads in the past, containing lots of good advice.

I wouldn't necessarily make the panoramic roof a deal-breaker if you see a car that ticks all the boxes otherwise - these do come up for sale periodically and can easily be swapped with the standard hardtop. My car is garaged so I don't use the hardtop at all.

As mentioned the 5.0 V8 is probably the 'sweet spot' engine-wise.

You will sometimes see comments about avoiding cars with the optional ADS (adaptive damping), but providing everything is working properly I wouldn't personally worry about it ... particularly if the accumulators ('spheres') have already been replaced. These are effectively a consumable item but typically last pretty well (mine went at approx. 15 years old), and replacement isn't a particularly big job. Other issues are rare, unlike similar systems used on younger M-Bs ("ABC" etc. fitted to the R230 SL, CL, etc.) where valve and strut problems are common (and expensive to fix).

Agree with Bill.

Panny roofs are great, but you can always buy one later for anything between 1.2 & 1.7k.

If your feeling adventurous go for a 60

 

[RKC-benz]

Agree with Bill. Panny roofs are great, but you can always buy one later for anything between 1.2 & 1.7k. If your feeling adventurous go for a 60

Not a V12 ... That's enough for two luxury barges!

 

[RKC-benz]

Silver Arrow worth my money?

 

[BTB 500]

Silver Arrow worth my money?

Those are 'marmite' cars and only worth the premium to someone who likes the differences. I wouldn't personally touch one with a barge pole - I don't like the wheels or the interior, or the 'chrome' trim.

 

[BTB 500]

maybe a crazy V8 is the route to righteousness...

The 500 isn't really 'crazy' ... they are heavy cars (nearly 2 tonnes)!

 

[IanA2]

Not a V12 ... That's enough for two luxury barges!

It's the 600 that's the V12, the 60 is the AMG bored out V8 500

Lots of fun

 

[Ten elena]

+1 for the V8

As for things to check - make sure the roof operates fine.

 

[epervier]

500 or hens teeth a 73. I'm too poor so have the former, when looking, and I did some serious looking, my shopping list was 96-99 car, 500, not too many extras, it costs too much when they go wrong, all singing and dancing suspension, head light washers, heated seats not needed, pano is a bonus and doesn't reflect in the asking, mine came with the pano and didn't cost anymore than cars with an ordinary roof, if you drive like you stole it, expect 15-16, if you drive reasonably 18-20, on a run using cruise, (70 limit ) I've managed 29, as mentioned before they are a bit porky,2 ton but they are a GT not a racer, although by no means a slowcoach, with 285's at the rear, hard take offs still make the traction cut in, buy the best your budget allows. there's loads out there.

Note, full service history a must.

 

[IanA2]

500 or hens teeth a 73.

Why the leap from 500 to 73 & no 60

 

[epervier]

Why the leap from 500 to 73 & no 60

The difference between 500 and the 60 is nearly zero, 500 to 73 huge in both performance and sound.

 

[IanA2]

The difference between 500 and the 60 is nearly zero.

I have to say having owned both I would disagree with that.

I suspect the figures would too.