sl r129 anyone taken the risk on a 3/4k car

sl r129 anyone taken the risk on a 3/4k car

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PositronicRay

27,025 posts

183 months

Wednesday 14th September 2022
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emix said:
Just came across this thread, seems there are plenty of knowledgeable people here. I've a few questions, hoping someone can enlighten me:

1. So in regards to the later cars, and the AMG styling package. At some point it seems to have changed/facelifted into a more rounded out one. Does anyone know the model year with the cut off point between the more boxy looking amg package and the later rounded out ones ? Mirrors also seem to have changed on the later ones to a round shape as opposed to the early square ones that look much better.

2. Would a SL500 be a good grand tourer today? Is it stable at higher speeds (150-180 km/h / 90-110 mph)? Does it do a good job on keeping the wind noise out of the cabin? I know it's not a fair comparison but how would it stand up against a modern Merc? Say a C/E class coupe?

Thanks!
As long as the suspension is sorted they drive well, but noisy at speed, the soft top is the weak link.

Venisonpie

3,273 posts

82 months

Thursday 15th September 2022
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emix said:
Just came across this thread, seems there are plenty of knowledgeable people here. I've a few questions, hoping someone can enlighten me:

1. So in regards to the later cars, and the AMG styling package. At some point it seems to have changed/facelifted into a more rounded out one. Does anyone know the model year with the cut off point between the more boxy looking amg package and the later rounded out ones ? Mirrors also seem to have changed on the later ones to a round shape as opposed to the early square ones that look much better.

2. Would a SL500 be a good grand tourer today? Is it stable at higher speeds (150-180 km/h / 90-110 mph)? Does it do a good job on keeping the wind noise out of the cabin? I know it's not a fair comparison but how would it stand up against a modern Merc? Say a C/E class coupe?

Thanks!
I can't answer q1 but q2 they definitely make a decent high speed cruiser. V8's are plenty powerful and feel better at speed. With the soft top they're noisy but with the hard top on are ok for what you're asking. Not comparable to a modern car but fine.

Get the pano roof and it makes a great all rounder.

Conders4008

32 posts

71 months

Tuesday 20th September 2022
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Think the change over on the AMG bodykit was 95

Eagletower

19 posts

120 months

Saturday 24th September 2022
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I'm looking to get an R129 .

What year were the wiring loom issues sorted?

Also my heart says an SL500, but I'm finding more 320s post 1997 onwards.

Is the 500 that much better than than the 320 engine?

look forward to your replies

pcn1

1,215 posts

219 months

Monday 26th September 2022
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I "think" the wiring was sorted by 97 models.

However, you'd think all the effected cars should have had the wiring looms repaired by now, ask for for proof if buying.

I've got a 98 320, more than adequate for real world driving. Get the 5 litre if you simply must have a V8 in your life !
But you will pay more upfront for a good one over the 6 cylinder, plus the ongoing costs.



Edited by pcn1 on Thursday 6th October 11:21

Dinoboy

2,500 posts

217 months

Monday 8th May 2023
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Loving this very original looking 500SL:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134545390182

Crook

6,768 posts

224 months

Monday 8th May 2023
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Dinoboy said:
Loving this very original looking 500SL:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134545390182
Nice colour. The only other 500 I’ve seen with fabric was a Japanese import.
It’s quite interesting/ depressing/ amusing that the list of things they’ve had undertaken is very similar to mine.

Dinoboy

2,500 posts

217 months

Monday 8th May 2023
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Love that cloth interior!

Crook

6,768 posts

224 months

Monday 8th May 2023
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Yes, I agree completely. I bought mine unintentionally because I wanted to look over one before bidding on the import one with cloth.

TR4man

5,227 posts

174 months

Friday 19th May 2023
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You may be interested to watch this - bought for £3.5k.

https://youtu.be/Fal7MRg1RMY

Crook

6,768 posts

224 months

Friday 8th December 2023
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Bit random, I've replaced the ASR switch on my car, before I bin the old part (no. 1417) does anyone want it either for bits or to refurbish?
Wires are knackered on it - possibly other negatives too but not physically damaged.
Absolutely free to anyone who wants it.