sl r129 anyone taken the risk on a 3/4k car
Discussion
FUBAR said:
Seems there's a few Sussex/Surrey R129s around.
Maybe time for a pint and kick some tyres (not keen on going for a drive as mines only a 300 and I'd get left behind
)
Got to be room for a few more SLs at the PH South East gathering next Tuesday night at Redhill Aerodrome you just need to sign-up. I'm planning to go in my R107.Maybe time for a pint and kick some tyres (not keen on going for a drive as mines only a 300 and I'd get left behind
)I've taken the 18" wheels off, and fitted newly refurbed 16s and new tyres. The short drive back from the garage showed massively better ride. The 35 miles back to home will seal the deal - if the ride really is better, then I'll book in and get the car treated to a respray. Also replaced the crap Pioneer tape player with a Becker unit. Not sure what to do with the 18s now. They're AMG split rims in need of refurb. The guy I bought the 16s from, wants them for his SL, but I'm wondering if I should keep hold of them, to help sell the SL in the future, whenever that happens...
chuenmanc said:
I've taken the 18" wheels off, and fitted newly refurbed 16s and new tyres. The short drive back from the garage showed massively better ride. The 35 miles back to home will seal the deal - if the ride really is better, then I'll book in and get the car treated to a respray. Also replaced the crap Pioneer tape player with a Becker unit. Not sure what to do with the 18s now. They're AMG split rims in need of refurb. The guy I bought the 16s from, wants them for his SL, but I'm wondering if I should keep hold of them, to help sell the SL in the future, whenever that happens...
If they are genuine, they're worth good money on their own, even in need of a refurb. Probably more than they'd add to a car.
Well just bought one on Sunday evening.
Bought it completely unseen, hadn't even any contact with the vendor beforehand, just e-mailed an offer and he accepted (a bit too quickly maybe?)
It's a 1996 320, this one:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/1996-Mercedes-SL-AUTO-13...
So I broke both of my new rules (1) never buying unseen again, and (2) not buying outside a 30 mile radius.
Collecting it on Saturday. What have I done?
Bought it completely unseen, hadn't even any contact with the vendor beforehand, just e-mailed an offer and he accepted (a bit too quickly maybe?)
It's a 1996 320, this one:
http://www.usedcarsni.com/1996-Mercedes-SL-AUTO-13...
So I broke both of my new rules (1) never buying unseen again, and (2) not buying outside a 30 mile radius.
Collecting it on Saturday. What have I done?
I've just returned from France in mine. Great trip but I did manage to break the front flex disc on the way back.
It started to make a noise early on in the trip so nursed it, 2000 miles later and one day fron the tunnel................
Worth checking these, the back one was fine (checked before I left) but it's more difficult to see the front so missed it.
It started to make a noise early on in the trip so nursed it, 2000 miles later and one day fron the tunnel................
Worth checking these, the back one was fine (checked before I left) but it's more difficult to see the front so missed it.
SL320 report:
Picked it up this morning, got train up and drove 70 miles back without drama.
First thoughts were that the electric driver's seat and passenger electric mirror were broken, but it transpires that they're both working and (a) the seat just doesn't go high enough and (b) the mirror just doesn't turn in enough for short asrses like me. The R129 is designed for taller blokes, or just average ones at least!
Central locking is duff, needs investigated. Annoying rattle/buzz in cabin, needs tracked down. Electric steering column adjustment is kaput. Electric ariel not working. Quite a bit more wind noise than my 190e at speed, but maybe that's just to expected to from a convertible, even with hard top on?
Paintwork is a bit disappointing - all the horizontal surfaces have varying degrees of orange peel, the bonnet isn't really acceptable so that will annoy me until I get it sorted. But both sides of the car are 100%. It's had 2 new wings so I assume both sides have been done rather than just the wings. Colour match is spot on though. Haven't been underneath it but not a trace of rust anywhere on the top side, and no marks, dents or scratches at all, apart from 3 or 4 scratches covering about a 1 inch circle on rear wing that might be improved with more polishing. So pretty happy with that.
Drives pretty well, a bit knobbly/jiggly which I put down to the larger rims and skinny tyres. Initially thought they were 18" rims but they're actually only 17" so probably not much to be gained by investing in a set of correct 16" rims and new tyres? Especially as there is a complete set of almost new Goodyears fitted. Reckon the cost of 2nd hand 16" rims + tyres would be better spent on springs, dampers, bushes etc?
The one big downside is the lack of any real service history, and no mention of wiring loom or head gasket - so that's a couple of potential (inevitable?) bills lurking in the the background.
But, overall, I think once I get used to it I'll be happy to potter around in it for a while. It certainly goes better than I expected; I've had the same engine in a S124 so expected the SL to be noticeably slower given the considerable extra weight, but it didn't feel too bad. Maybe the 5 speed box helps in that regard or I'm simply forgetting how nice the E320T was - yet another car I should never have sold!
Picked it up this morning, got train up and drove 70 miles back without drama.
First thoughts were that the electric driver's seat and passenger electric mirror were broken, but it transpires that they're both working and (a) the seat just doesn't go high enough and (b) the mirror just doesn't turn in enough for short asrses like me. The R129 is designed for taller blokes, or just average ones at least!
Central locking is duff, needs investigated. Annoying rattle/buzz in cabin, needs tracked down. Electric steering column adjustment is kaput. Electric ariel not working. Quite a bit more wind noise than my 190e at speed, but maybe that's just to expected to from a convertible, even with hard top on?
Paintwork is a bit disappointing - all the horizontal surfaces have varying degrees of orange peel, the bonnet isn't really acceptable so that will annoy me until I get it sorted. But both sides of the car are 100%. It's had 2 new wings so I assume both sides have been done rather than just the wings. Colour match is spot on though. Haven't been underneath it but not a trace of rust anywhere on the top side, and no marks, dents or scratches at all, apart from 3 or 4 scratches covering about a 1 inch circle on rear wing that might be improved with more polishing. So pretty happy with that.
Drives pretty well, a bit knobbly/jiggly which I put down to the larger rims and skinny tyres. Initially thought they were 18" rims but they're actually only 17" so probably not much to be gained by investing in a set of correct 16" rims and new tyres? Especially as there is a complete set of almost new Goodyears fitted. Reckon the cost of 2nd hand 16" rims + tyres would be better spent on springs, dampers, bushes etc?
The one big downside is the lack of any real service history, and no mention of wiring loom or head gasket - so that's a couple of potential (inevitable?) bills lurking in the the background.
But, overall, I think once I get used to it I'll be happy to potter around in it for a while. It certainly goes better than I expected; I've had the same engine in a S124 so expected the SL to be noticeably slower given the considerable extra weight, but it didn't feel too bad. Maybe the 5 speed box helps in that regard or I'm simply forgetting how nice the E320T was - yet another car I should never have sold!
Edited by mccrackenj on Saturday 4th October 22:29
Glad to hear you got home safely this time John!
Strange that the wheels are 17": are they actual AMG as I didnt think they did that size. I'd probably leave them on for now and spend on the suspension. Perhaps put a set of spacers to fill the arches a bit more?
I've got a good man for the loom when the time comes too.
Best of luck and look forward to hearing more!
Strange that the wheels are 17": are they actual AMG as I didnt think they did that size. I'd probably leave them on for now and spend on the suspension. Perhaps put a set of spacers to fill the arches a bit more?
I've got a good man for the loom when the time comes too.
Best of luck and look forward to hearing more!
Hi Harry
Yes, it's nice to actually get a car home for a change! Seller says in his ad they are genuine AMGs, but they could easily be replicas - I'm no expert. Tyres are 235/45 X 17 so that's 18mm less sidewall than 225/55/16s - probably enough to make the ride a bit harsh.
Wife wants to experiment with Angus on the rear seat today, I can't see him liking that to be honest!.
I see a lovely looking grey 500SL has appeared for sale in your neck of the woods; from the same bloke who had the SL320 a while ago, which went up from £5k to £9k after I enquired about it.
Yes, it's nice to actually get a car home for a change! Seller says in his ad they are genuine AMGs, but they could easily be replicas - I'm no expert. Tyres are 235/45 X 17 so that's 18mm less sidewall than 225/55/16s - probably enough to make the ride a bit harsh.
Wife wants to experiment with Angus on the rear seat today, I can't see him liking that to be honest!.
I see a lovely looking grey 500SL has appeared for sale in your neck of the woods; from the same bloke who had the SL320 a while ago, which went up from £5k to £9k after I enquired about it.
John, if they are genuine they will have AMG stamped on the faces (and an MB part number of course). I think that you would see enough of a difference to warrant the 16" but I'm no expert. Plus it'll look more "period" imho.
The local 500 does look very nice, turns out the guy is a good friend of my colleague. I hope to get a look at it in the near future, not that I'm buying- just an early-to-late model comparison.
Angus will find it a bit tight I think, but might be OK if he lies down with the seats folded. Take a pic of him in situ!
The local 500 does look very nice, turns out the guy is a good friend of my colleague. I hope to get a look at it in the near future, not that I'm buying- just an early-to-late model comparison.
Angus will find it a bit tight I think, but might be OK if he lies down with the seats folded. Take a pic of him in situ!
Mine has 235/45/17's on the front 255/40/17's on the rear (non staggered rims). When time to change I'm going to try 225/50/17's closer to std. I've also got some 16's but the ride but not much difference in the ride.
Louis fit's in the back seat okay......................but he's a dog.
Louis fit's in the back seat okay......................but he's a dog.
Edited by OldBuoy on Sunday 5th October 15:28
Thanks Harry and OldBouy.
Wheels definitely have the AMG stamp, but obviously can't check re part no. until I take one off. I think I'll keep an eye out for a suitable set of 16s anyway.
Well, had a brief run out today with the family - and Angus seems happy enough in the back. In fact he seems happier in there than in the Jazz which I bought specifically for him, ungrateful wee beggar. He has decided that the best way to exit is simply to climb onto the front seat first - which amuses Susan no end.
Took the hard top off and went out with just the convertible roof up - and was very surprised at the amount of wind noise at anything above about 50mph - not from the seals or windows but from the top of the actual roof itself. Not great to be honest. Interested to hear what your are like.
As I said in earlier post, genuinely surprised at how quick it is. I wasn't expecting much but it seems to be every bit as quick as the W124 despite the extra weight. Could the 5 speed box be helping?
Wheels definitely have the AMG stamp, but obviously can't check re part no. until I take one off. I think I'll keep an eye out for a suitable set of 16s anyway.
Well, had a brief run out today with the family - and Angus seems happy enough in the back. In fact he seems happier in there than in the Jazz which I bought specifically for him, ungrateful wee beggar. He has decided that the best way to exit is simply to climb onto the front seat first - which amuses Susan no end.
Took the hard top off and went out with just the convertible roof up - and was very surprised at the amount of wind noise at anything above about 50mph - not from the seals or windows but from the top of the actual roof itself. Not great to be honest. Interested to hear what your are like.
As I said in earlier post, genuinely surprised at how quick it is. I wasn't expecting much but it seems to be every bit as quick as the W124 despite the extra weight. Could the 5 speed box be helping?
A little update, as an excuse to bump up this thread.
Since I bought the 320 I've been cursing the non-functioning central locking and the inoperative auto drop function on the the driver's door.
The combination of these 2 faults has meant that every time I park up I have had to drop the driver's window a bit, then crawl in from the passenger side, wind the window up, lock the driver's door manually, take out the key, crawl back out the passenger door and lock the passenger door by pushing the door button down and holding the exterior handle 'open' while I push the door closed. A complete faff!
I've read several posts online about re-synching the windows and tried that but it made no difference at all. So, today I tried the very last resort. I read the manual!
So, after perusing the manual, I've re-synched the door fob (which I had previously pointed at the door lock just as I had done in my W124s) by pointing at the the interior mirror, pressing twice then inserting the key in the ignition barrel - and learned that I can make the window drop all the way down by holding the key fob button down for more than 2 seconds.
So now - even though the auto-drop function still doesn't work on the driver's door - I can make the windows drop down before I open the doors and make them go up again after after I lock the car by pressing the key fob for 2 secs.
Maybe manuals have some value after all.
Chuffed? Not half!
Since I bought the 320 I've been cursing the non-functioning central locking and the inoperative auto drop function on the the driver's door.
The combination of these 2 faults has meant that every time I park up I have had to drop the driver's window a bit, then crawl in from the passenger side, wind the window up, lock the driver's door manually, take out the key, crawl back out the passenger door and lock the passenger door by pushing the door button down and holding the exterior handle 'open' while I push the door closed. A complete faff!
I've read several posts online about re-synching the windows and tried that but it made no difference at all. So, today I tried the very last resort. I read the manual!
So, after perusing the manual, I've re-synched the door fob (which I had previously pointed at the door lock just as I had done in my W124s) by pointing at the the interior mirror, pressing twice then inserting the key in the ignition barrel - and learned that I can make the window drop all the way down by holding the key fob button down for more than 2 seconds.
So now - even though the auto-drop function still doesn't work on the driver's door - I can make the windows drop down before I open the doors and make them go up again after after I lock the car by pressing the key fob for 2 secs.
Maybe manuals have some value after all.
Chuffed? Not half!
mccrackenj said:
A little update, as an excuse to bump up this thread.
Since I bought the 320 I've been cursing the non-functioning central locking and the inoperative auto drop function on the the driver's door.
The combination of these 2 faults has meant that every time I park up I have had to drop the driver's window a bit, then crawl in from the passenger side, wind the window up, lock the driver's door manually, take out the key, crawl back out the passenger door and lock the passenger door by pushing the door button down and holding the exterior handle 'open' while I push the door closed. A complete faff!
I've read several posts online about re-synching the windows and tried that but it made no difference at all. So, today I tried the very last resort. I read the manual!
So, after perusing the manual, I've re-synched the door fob (which I had previously pointed at the door lock just as I had done in my W124s) by pointing at the the interior mirror, pressing twice then inserting the key in the ignition barrel - and learned that I can make the window drop all the way down by holding the key fob button down for more than 2 seconds.
So now - even though the auto-drop function still doesn't work on the driver's door - I can make the windows drop down before I open the doors and make them go up again after after I lock the car by pressing the key fob for 2 secs.
Maybe manuals have some value after all.
Chuffed? Not half!
Try here for info and fixes.Since I bought the 320 I've been cursing the non-functioning central locking and the inoperative auto drop function on the the driver's door.
The combination of these 2 faults has meant that every time I park up I have had to drop the driver's window a bit, then crawl in from the passenger side, wind the window up, lock the driver's door manually, take out the key, crawl back out the passenger door and lock the passenger door by pushing the door button down and holding the exterior handle 'open' while I push the door closed. A complete faff!
I've read several posts online about re-synching the windows and tried that but it made no difference at all. So, today I tried the very last resort. I read the manual!
So, after perusing the manual, I've re-synched the door fob (which I had previously pointed at the door lock just as I had done in my W124s) by pointing at the the interior mirror, pressing twice then inserting the key in the ignition barrel - and learned that I can make the window drop all the way down by holding the key fob button down for more than 2 seconds.
So now - even though the auto-drop function still doesn't work on the driver's door - I can make the windows drop down before I open the doors and make them go up again after after I lock the car by pressing the key fob for 2 secs.
Maybe manuals have some value after all.
Chuffed? Not half!
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/
The best source of R129 knowledge I've found.
Just joined the 129 gang with a 93 500.
Paint and body is immaculate and it drives pretty well too. Love the sound of that V8....
The only issues to have surfaced so far are
1.A vibration from the rear (I suspect a wheel out of balanc)
2.The key fob won't work with the passenger door
3. The ASR light seems to come on when everything is hot. Also has an erratic idle at times
4. The hardtop is a bit reluctant to release and refit although the softop works fine
The car has only done 6k miles since 2009 and less than 500 in the last year so I'm suspecting (hoping)it may just be lack of use. The doors are also a right birch to shut with the hardtop on and there's a lot of wind noise from what would be the 'b' pillar area. Doors shut beautifully with the hardtop removed.
The seller was asking £4795 but I managed to knock him down to £4k exactly.
It's on 19" Brabus Monoblock vS' rims (!) with 235/35s and I was actually impressed by the ride quality, so 16s must be like a magic carpet!
Number one priority is to sort the ASR issues. I've read a misfire can cause it so first thing will be new leads (receipts say plugs and caps and rotors were done recently but leads look a bit crusty).
Even with the issues I'm loving it!
Paint and body is immaculate and it drives pretty well too. Love the sound of that V8....
The only issues to have surfaced so far are
1.A vibration from the rear (I suspect a wheel out of balanc)
2.The key fob won't work with the passenger door
3. The ASR light seems to come on when everything is hot. Also has an erratic idle at times
4. The hardtop is a bit reluctant to release and refit although the softop works fine
The car has only done 6k miles since 2009 and less than 500 in the last year so I'm suspecting (hoping)it may just be lack of use. The doors are also a right birch to shut with the hardtop on and there's a lot of wind noise from what would be the 'b' pillar area. Doors shut beautifully with the hardtop removed.
The seller was asking £4795 but I managed to knock him down to £4k exactly.
It's on 19" Brabus Monoblock vS' rims (!) with 235/35s and I was actually impressed by the ride quality, so 16s must be like a magic carpet!
Number one priority is to sort the ASR issues. I've read a misfire can cause it so first thing will be new leads (receipts say plugs and caps and rotors were done recently but leads look a bit crusty).
Even with the issues I'm loving it!
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