Here we go again... R129 SL500 my second SL
Discussion
Popped down to the 'local' this morning in Edenbridge....amazing what a bit of sun does. Still getting used to the car but I am convinced the 320 was a bit sharper at the front end but that V8 is still absolutely mighty.
Got a small annoyance of a bulb warning lamp even though all my lights work... So will no doubt be a connection somewhere
Car finally goes in for it's stereo upgrade this week. Then the week after it's acting as transport for my wedding anniversary to the Cotswolds
Also found a lovely SL at the meet, love these old 190s..
Finally got the car stereo sorted! Massive thanks to Ultimate Car Audio in West Wickham.... Unfortunately not a straight forward job as whoever fitted the Blaukpunkt in the 90s had chopped the wires to bits so that all needed renewing.
I wanted a high quality head unit but didn't want to pay for form over function so went with something more modern but subtle in a Kenwood unit.
I could have added a sub but decided to just stay with the original speaker positions for now....
Then a brief spell of sun before the rain comes again!
Was hoping to take it to the Cotswolds next weekend for our wedding anniversary but the weather looks prohibitive..
I wanted a high quality head unit but didn't want to pay for form over function so went with something more modern but subtle in a Kenwood unit.
I could have added a sub but decided to just stay with the original speaker positions for now....
Then a brief spell of sun before the rain comes again!
Was hoping to take it to the Cotswolds next weekend for our wedding anniversary but the weather looks prohibitive..
Joehow said:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Joehow said:
Was hoping to take it to the Cotswolds next weekend for our wedding anniversary but the weather looks prohibitive..
Take it. Rain won't do it any harm and it's a perfect car for a road trip..PositronicRay said:
Joehow said:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Joehow said:
Was hoping to take it to the Cotswolds next weekend for our wedding anniversary but the weather looks prohibitive..
Take it. Rain won't do it any harm and it's a perfect car for a road trip..Weather has been utterly terrible of late so haven't had the car out. But we have managed (i.e. my father has as I'm crap at this stuff) a bit of interior work.
Both my electric seat panels had seen better days with the walnut falling apart and warping. A good seat with memory seats can be up to £300 a side and there's other things I wanted to prioritise first.
So for the interim solution we invested in some overnight (try 14 days) parts from China... In the form of walnut vinyl, a material of the finest craft....
For a grand total of about £15 I am really rather pleased... Colour match isn't perfect but it'll do for now.
Got a trip up to a mates in Northampton this weekend where I'll take the old girl and then it's definitely roof off time when I'm back!
Both my electric seat panels had seen better days with the walnut falling apart and warping. A good seat with memory seats can be up to £300 a side and there's other things I wanted to prioritise first.
So for the interim solution we invested in some overnight (try 14 days) parts from China... In the form of walnut vinyl, a material of the finest craft....
For a grand total of about £15 I am really rather pleased... Colour match isn't perfect but it'll do for now.
Got a trip up to a mates in Northampton this weekend where I'll take the old girl and then it's definitely roof off time when I'm back!
With a break in the rain and a proper stereo we took the old bus up to some friends in the midlands, circa 300 miles and my longest trip in the car.
I'd forgotten what an absolutely beautiful place to be in they are on a long journey. The biggest bonus is it feels more urgent after the round trip with a crisper throttle response and a smoother idle.
Will now get the roof off for the summer! Doesn't look bad for an old girl though!
I'd forgotten what an absolutely beautiful place to be in they are on a long journey. The biggest bonus is it feels more urgent after the round trip with a crisper throttle response and a smoother idle.
Will now get the roof off for the summer! Doesn't look bad for an old girl though!
Had a few days off work so been using the SL as my everyday car whilst the weather has been better. It really does come into its own on the motorway... Especially the autobahn like M20!
Managed a 1000 miles in it now, roofs definitely coming off when I'm back from Germany in the mx5.
Couple of niggles to sort on the SL over summer as well... Right rear damper feels like it's passed its best and the switch in the driver's seat adjuster is inconsistent.
Oh and as I've used it more.... That engine.....what a bloody engine, and that's even from owning two Mezgers!!
Managed a 1000 miles in it now, roofs definitely coming off when I'm back from Germany in the mx5.
Couple of niggles to sort on the SL over summer as well... Right rear damper feels like it's passed its best and the switch in the driver's seat adjuster is inconsistent.
Oh and as I've used it more.... That engine.....what a bloody engine, and that's even from owning two Mezgers!!
Joehow said:
Oh and as I've used it more.... That engine.....what a bloody engine, and that's even from owning two Mezgers!!
I know this isn't exactly accurate but BMW put an M5 engine in a two seater and they're worth a fortune. Mercedes did the equivalent with the 500E and they're the biggest automotive bargain out there.I like the effortless 0-70(ish...) - they are great cars with just the right amount of soundtrack.
Crook said:
Joehow said:
Oh and as I've used it more.... That engine.....what a bloody engine, and that's even from owning two Mezgers!!
I know this isn't exactly accurate but BMW put an M5 engine in a two seater and they're worth a fortune. Mercedes did the equivalent with the 500E and they're the biggest automotive bargain out there.I like the effortless 0-70(ish...) - they are great cars with just the right amount of soundtrack.
I'd really like some AMG wheels in it ideally the 3 piece aeros but I'm worried I'd ruin it. Plus they cost more than my MX5
Hi Joe,
I was following the thread on your old R reg SL320 with lots of interest at a time when I was thinking of selling my 88 BMW 635csi. I was besotted with the colour of yours (you also photograph your cars well), was impressed by the attention and expense you lavished upon it and consequently really fancied buying your car when advertised on car & classic. Sadly our timing wasn't aligned. I sold the 635, and wanted something a touch newer (1990s "modern classic") and looked at two mediocre SL320s that I think were probably on the brink of being eaten by the dreaded tin-worm, circa £7-8k cars. I didn't fancy history repeating itself chasing rust around an old car hampering the enjoyment somewhat, nevermind the wallet. One was a N plate car similar to yours in a rare dark grey (onyx?) the other a late 2001 car, top spec, panoramic roof et al but lots of mentions of corrosion on the MoT history. I also missed out on an eBay auction while I was abroad on a turquoise R reg car (identical to yours) that I think only made circa £5k; a very tidy car but the history had been lost.
Ended up with an an Alfa GTV V6 which I don't regret for a minute, it's a fantastic car albeit polar opposite to the Merc. The 4 seats are a blessing, I had been fooling myself thinking the R129 offered some practicality in the back (which I need) but we all know that's nonsense!
Your latest acquisition looks fabulous, although the metallic blue was more of a feast to the eyes, in my opinion. I love the "hewn from granite" feel of these early cars; passengers hitching a ride in an old SL are always caught off guard and can never pull the door shut in one attempt without proper effort! That in itself sums up the engineering of these things. I love the continuation of carpeting around the interior making it all feel cosseting and ultra premium of its era - Mercedes got these cars so right and are a real gent's express, rather than a car that brings out the hooligan in you. That said, I fully appreciate why you've gone for the 5.0 this time. The venerable 3.2 is sturdy but pretty lackluster all round, it must be nice to stretch the legs a bit on yours.
I pass a late plate 129 parked up on my way to work every day, and always look at it slightly enviously. It never seems to move but sits so well. I guess the 129 SL is still an itch I'd like to scratch but I can't justify or afford SL Shop money so I guess it's probably a missed opportunity now, as prices will only go one way, like all its predecessors.
Anyway, enough from me, enjoy yours!
I was following the thread on your old R reg SL320 with lots of interest at a time when I was thinking of selling my 88 BMW 635csi. I was besotted with the colour of yours (you also photograph your cars well), was impressed by the attention and expense you lavished upon it and consequently really fancied buying your car when advertised on car & classic. Sadly our timing wasn't aligned. I sold the 635, and wanted something a touch newer (1990s "modern classic") and looked at two mediocre SL320s that I think were probably on the brink of being eaten by the dreaded tin-worm, circa £7-8k cars. I didn't fancy history repeating itself chasing rust around an old car hampering the enjoyment somewhat, nevermind the wallet. One was a N plate car similar to yours in a rare dark grey (onyx?) the other a late 2001 car, top spec, panoramic roof et al but lots of mentions of corrosion on the MoT history. I also missed out on an eBay auction while I was abroad on a turquoise R reg car (identical to yours) that I think only made circa £5k; a very tidy car but the history had been lost.
Ended up with an an Alfa GTV V6 which I don't regret for a minute, it's a fantastic car albeit polar opposite to the Merc. The 4 seats are a blessing, I had been fooling myself thinking the R129 offered some practicality in the back (which I need) but we all know that's nonsense!
Your latest acquisition looks fabulous, although the metallic blue was more of a feast to the eyes, in my opinion. I love the "hewn from granite" feel of these early cars; passengers hitching a ride in an old SL are always caught off guard and can never pull the door shut in one attempt without proper effort! That in itself sums up the engineering of these things. I love the continuation of carpeting around the interior making it all feel cosseting and ultra premium of its era - Mercedes got these cars so right and are a real gent's express, rather than a car that brings out the hooligan in you. That said, I fully appreciate why you've gone for the 5.0 this time. The venerable 3.2 is sturdy but pretty lackluster all round, it must be nice to stretch the legs a bit on yours.
I pass a late plate 129 parked up on my way to work every day, and always look at it slightly enviously. It never seems to move but sits so well. I guess the 129 SL is still an itch I'd like to scratch but I can't justify or afford SL Shop money so I guess it's probably a missed opportunity now, as prices will only go one way, like all its predecessors.
Anyway, enough from me, enjoy yours!
Edited by ajb85 on Friday 10th May 00:19
ajb85 said:
Hi Joe,
I was following the thread on your old R reg SL320 with lots of interest at a time when I was thinking of selling my 88 BMW 635csi. I was besotted with the colour of yours (you also photograph your cars well), was impressed by the attention and expense you lavished upon it and consequently really fancied buying your car when advertised on car & classic. Sadly our timing wasn't aligned. I sold the 635, and wanted something a touch newer (1990s "modern classic") and looked at two mediocre SL320s that I think were probably on the brink of being eaten by the dreaded tin-worm, circa £7-8k cars. I didn't fancy history repeating itself chasing rust around an old car hampering the enjoyment somewhat, nevermind the wallet. One was a N plate car similar to yours in a rare dark grey (onyx?) the other a late 2001 car, top spec, panoramic roof et al but lots of mentions of corrosion on the MoT history. I also missed out on an eBay auction while I was abroad on a turquoise R reg car (identical to yours) that I think only made circa £5k; a very tidy car but the history had been lost.
Ended up with an an Alfa GTV V6 which I don't regret for a minute, it's a fantastic car albeit polar opposite to the Merc. The 4 seats are a blessing, I had been fooling myself thinking the R129 offered some practicality in the back (which I need) but we all know that's nonsense!
Your latest acquisition looks fabulous, although the metallic blue was more of a feast to the eyes, in my opinion. I love the "hewn from granite" feel of these early cars; passengers hitching a ride in an old SL are always caught off guard and can never pull the door shut in one attempt without proper effort! That in itself sums up the engineering of these things. I love the continuation of carpeting around the interior making it all feel cosseting and ultra premium of its era - Mercedes got these cars so right and are a real gent's express, rather than a car that brings out the hooligan in you. That said, I fully appreciate why you've gone for the 5.0 this time. The venerable 3.2 is sturdy but pretty lackluster all round, it must be nice to stretch the legs a bit on yours.
I pass a late plate 129 parked up on my way to work every day, and always look at it slightly enviously. It never seems to move but sits so well. I guess the 129 SL is still an itch I'd like to scratch but I can't justify or afford SL Shop money so I guess it's probably a missed opportunity now, as prices will only go one way, like all its predecessors.
Anyway, enough from me, enjoy yours!
I love Alfas so sounds like you have a peach! My father had a later GTV with the bus so V6 a 156 Sportswagon (what a car) and a 147 GTA. And it's a bit more quirky than an SL. Would love to see a picture..I was following the thread on your old R reg SL320 with lots of interest at a time when I was thinking of selling my 88 BMW 635csi. I was besotted with the colour of yours (you also photograph your cars well), was impressed by the attention and expense you lavished upon it and consequently really fancied buying your car when advertised on car & classic. Sadly our timing wasn't aligned. I sold the 635, and wanted something a touch newer (1990s "modern classic") and looked at two mediocre SL320s that I think were probably on the brink of being eaten by the dreaded tin-worm, circa £7-8k cars. I didn't fancy history repeating itself chasing rust around an old car hampering the enjoyment somewhat, nevermind the wallet. One was a N plate car similar to yours in a rare dark grey (onyx?) the other a late 2001 car, top spec, panoramic roof et al but lots of mentions of corrosion on the MoT history. I also missed out on an eBay auction while I was abroad on a turquoise R reg car (identical to yours) that I think only made circa £5k; a very tidy car but the history had been lost.
Ended up with an an Alfa GTV V6 which I don't regret for a minute, it's a fantastic car albeit polar opposite to the Merc. The 4 seats are a blessing, I had been fooling myself thinking the R129 offered some practicality in the back (which I need) but we all know that's nonsense!
Your latest acquisition looks fabulous, although the metallic blue was more of a feast to the eyes, in my opinion. I love the "hewn from granite" feel of these early cars; passengers hitching a ride in an old SL are always caught off guard and can never pull the door shut in one attempt without proper effort! That in itself sums up the engineering of these things. I love the continuation of carpeting around the interior making it all feel cosseting and ultra premium of its era - Mercedes got these cars so right and are a real gent's express, rather than a car that brings out the hooligan in you. That said, I fully appreciate why you've gone for the 5.0 this time. The venerable 3.2 is sturdy but pretty lackluster all round, it must be nice to stretch the legs a bit on yours.
I pass a late plate 129 parked up on my way to work every day, and always look at it slightly enviously. It never seems to move but sits so well. I guess the 129 SL is still an itch I'd like to scratch but I can't justify or afford SL Shop money so I guess it's probably a missed opportunity now, as prices will only go one way, like all its predecessors.
Anyway, enough from me, enjoy yours!
Edited by ajb85 on Friday 10th May 00:19
I think there are still good cars out there not at SL shop money. A 320 with a few miles that's been looked after but not cosmetically perfect is still achievable I think for sub £8k. It's still a lovely engine.
Ultimately they made bloody millions of these so I think they'll always be reasonably attainable until loads vanish off our roads like what happened with the 107.
Enjoy your motoring whatever way it takes you!
Roof is finally coming off today! Though it does look handsome with it on.
Good work Joe, looking good. 
I commented on Insta when you got it (marky996gt3) but yours is the model to have as far as I’m concerned. Early two tone model. Lovely.
I hope to add a one to the garage further down the line. It’ll be that or a 968, for some relaxed touring when I decide to stop taking the GT3.
Anyway, spring has sprung and I look forward to more updates.
I commented on Insta when you got it (marky996gt3) but yours is the model to have as far as I’m concerned. Early two tone model. Lovely.
I hope to add a one to the garage further down the line. It’ll be that or a 968, for some relaxed touring when I decide to stop taking the GT3.
Anyway, spring has sprung and I look forward to more updates.
Edited by marky911 on Friday 10th May 06:25
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