R129 SL60 AMG - Anybody have any experience?

[bob1179]

My first time posting in this part of PH so apologies if this has been covered before (search is still down).

I'm currently looking for a new toy to play with and have been drawn towards the R129 SL. They seem like such a fabulous motorcar and I've been reading all sorts of reviews and information about them.

I have since found for sale an SL60 AMG. I understand that only 29 of these cars were ever brought to the UK in RHD form, the car for sale has 81k on the clock and looks very presentable.

Has anybody had any experience with this particular model/engine? Is there anything specific to look out for over and above a standard SL?

At the moment I'm just speculating, but I would love to hear any advice, information or stories you may have.

Thanks in advance.

[bob1179]

Bumped if anyone is out there!

[chris333]

Well I've just got myself a 1998 SL500 and its a fabulous car, so solid and thoroughly engineered. You've probably looked at all the same pages I've looked at about the R129, so know the things to look out for that are expensive to fix: hood, aircon, ADS if fitted, etc. I can't add anything about the SL60, other than just go for it! My SL500 goes like stink when necessary, so a bit more power can only be a good thing!

[bob1179]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the reply. Those are the main things I have discovered you need to look out for, I've read the V12 is a strong engine, as long as it has been looked after.

Glad to hear you are enjoying your car, I've really taken to the older SLs and as it is something that wouldn't be used as a daily driver, looks like it would fit the bill nicely. Is it your first SL?

I tried to give the chap a call yesterday to get some more info but didn't get a reply so I'll try again today.

[buccal]

Can we have a link please bob?

and join mbclub.co.uk

[bob1179]

buccal said:

Can we have a link please bob?

and join mbclub.co.uk

Here you go:

http://www.classic-benz.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=...

It should be a well known car if the owner took it to shows and was a club member.

I will definitely look into joining the club, I'm sure there is a wealth of useful information there.

[Pvapour]

sorry, but for that money you can get into a 230 SL55 with same mileage.

an SL70 or SL73 maybe but not the 60.

Edited by Pvapour on Saturday 4th September 07:52

[bob1179]

Pvapour said:

sorry, but for that money you can get into a 230 SL55 with same mileage.

an SL70 or SL73 maybe but not the 50.

Thanks for the feedback. I have no idea really of the values of the rarer cars so any advice is welcome.

I'm new to Mercedes as I've always been into older BMW's. There is a huge amount I don't know about them!

[Pvapour]

Cant remember exact numbers but seem to recollect the R129 SL60 having the longest run in terms of years, (quick look suggests 5 years (but thats wiki)

So in terms of rarity, which is one of the biggest reasons you'd pay a premium for a classic imo, it is not as rare as the SL70 or SL73.

my thoughts are, at £18k you can get a decent mileage R230 SL55, for me (& if I were buying) this is where comparisons will be drawn for pricing on older AMG R129s, if an AMG R129 were to get more money than a good average mileage SL55 R230 it would have to have one or all of the bellow:

1) the rarest incarnation (SL70 or 73)
2) very low mileage (<30k)
3) Interesting ownership (1 owner or famous etc)

Real amateurs view in terms of a classic merc so stand to be corrected, but have driven both the SL500 R129 and own an SL55 R230, (engines aside) the R230 is way way ahead of the R129 so the latter would need something BIG in its favour to prise the same cash out of my hand.

HTH

Edited by Pvapour on Saturday 4th September 08:32

[bob1179]

Pvapour said:

Cant remember exact numbers but seem to recollect the R129 SL60 having the longest run in terms of years, (quick look suggests 5 years (but thats wiki)

So in terms of rarity, which is one of the biggest reasons you'd pay a premium for a classic imo, it is not as rare as the SL70 or SL73.

my thoughts are, at £18k you can get a decent mileage R230 SL55, for me (& if I were buying) this is where comparisons will be drawn for pricing on older AMG R129s, if an AMG R129 were to get more money than a good average mileage SL55 R230 it would have to have one or all of the bellow:

1) the rarest incarnation (SL70 or 73)
2) very low mileage (<30k)
3) Interesting ownership (1 owner or famous etc)

Real amateurs view in terms of a classic merc so stand to be corrected, but have driven both the SL500 R129 and own an SL55 R230, (engines aside) the R230 is way way ahead of the R129 so the latter would need something BIG in its favour to prise the same cash out of my hand.

HTH

Edited by Pvapour on Saturday 4th September 08:32

I've got to admit, I really like the 'look' of the older R129 SL, that's one of the reasons I quite fancy one!

I've just found an old PH thread using Google:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... and SL73 AMG&mid=0

It goes into quite a bit of detail regarding the SL70 and SL73, it turns out these were special order cars and didn't even appear on Merc price lists. They are very very rare motors by the looks of things.

One thing I was supride to find is that the SL60 is actually a V8 not a V12, and the figures were fudged slightly by MB so the 'lesser' V8 model did not overshadow the mighty V12 range topper. I've got to admit, I actaully really want a V12, purely for the reason that I haven't had one before!

I'm still going to give the dealer a call regarding the car above, but after what has been written in the previous threads I may just hold off for a while. There are some fantastic SL500s for sale, but not too many 600s.

Thanks for taking the time to reply though, I may sound fairly inane, but I like to research these things thoroughly before spunking my cash on a motor!

[Pvapour]

hear what your saying re the V12 (not owned one either) must be very suited to the dynamics of the R129 SL.

Something to consider from a driving perspective, the engine weight differences of the V8 & V12? made a big difference between the R230 SL55 and SL65, drove them back to back when buying and the V8 definitely had a better feel through the wheel, it may not be a big weight difference overall but when placed over the front???

May not be the case with the R129 though as 'Supercharger v twin turbos' were not involved and I dont think displacement makes much difference to weight.

By the way, Wasn't saying the SL60 was a bad car by any means, maybe even a better drive than the rarer guises, just that £18k is way to much, If it were £13-14k I'd be looking more closely but with low mile 500s being £9-10k

[bob1179]

I think they are both all alloy engines, but I really have no idea of the weight difference between the V8 and V12 mills. I suppose it depends on how far back they slotted the engine in over the front wheels as to how much the heavier engine will affect handling.

I have to agree though that 18k is a lot of cash for an late 90's SL, but I suppose this particular one is a rare car that seems to have been cherished by it's previous owner.

There are some lovely 500s around for a lot less cash, though will I always wish I bought the pokier model?

Edited by bob1179 on Saturday 4th September 09:28

[XB70]

I have seen that car when it was for sale by the owner. I suspect it is either on consignment with them or has been sold to them.

I have driven two SL60's and a lot of SL500's (including the older V8 and later V8 in the R129 model)and prefer the 1999 onwards 500.

If you do go to see it, and the tacho is canted around 10 degrees to the right (ie, the 12 o'clock position is at 11 o'clock) then it is the same car.

You won't get an SL73 for under £40,000

[bob1179]

XB70 said:

I have seen that car when it was for sale by the owner. I suspect it is either on consignment with them or has been sold to them.

I have driven two SL60's and a lot of SL500's (including the older V8 and later V8 in the R129 model)and prefer the 1999 onwards 500.

If you do go to see it, and the tacho is canted around 10 degrees to the right (ie, the 12 o'clock position is at 11 o'clock) then it is the same car.

You won't get an SL73 for under £40,000

The SL73 does seem very very rare.

How did you find the SL60 experience? Did it feel significantly quicker/tighter than the standard SL?

[chris333]

bob1179 said:

Glad to hear you are enjoying your car, I've really taken to the older SLs and as it is something that wouldn't be used as a daily driver, looks like it would fit the bill nicely. Is it your first SL?

Hi Bob,

Yup it is my first SL, bought it as I wanted another convertible (had a Triumph Spitifre for many years...quite a step up )and also felt I ought to own a V8 at least once!

I looked at quite a few, and basically decided I preferred the later V8 (M113) engine to drive. It seems to make a bit more of a burbly noise than the older one!

I saw quite a few at dealers, which were mostly pretty ropey: hoods not working, ABS not working, Adaptive Damping not working etc. Eventually I decided that a well looked after private one would be no higher risk than buying from a dealer and eventually found my car. Its not completely perfect (a few minor signs on wear inside and out) but all the major stuff was completely sound:working hood, working aircon, no kerbing of the wheels, 4 contintental tyres the same. So basically it seems pretty sound.

Some of the comments re getting an R230 SL are interesting, but from what I've read the early 230s were pretty unreliably, and having had a go in an SL63 at Mercedes-world, I can say that they are definitely not as well-built. Obviously a much better drive, but not really a direct comparison I don;t think.

Anyway, heres a pic of mine:

[mrfunex]

That picture has everything, sun, sea, sand, and a V8 with the roof down!:-)

[chris333]

mrfunex said:

That picture has everything, sun, sea, sand, and a V8 with the roof down!:-)

well almost everything...I just need the gorgeous blonde in the passenger seat

[XB70]

bob1179 said:

XB70 said:

I have seen that car when it was for sale by the owner. I suspect it is either on consignment with them or has been sold to them.

I have driven two SL60's and a lot of SL500's (including the older V8 and later V8 in the R129 model)and prefer the 1999 onwards 500.

If you do go to see it, and the tacho is canted around 10 degrees to the right (ie, the 12 o'clock position is at 11 o'clock) then it is the same car.

You won't get an SL73 for under £40,000

The SL73 does seem very very rare.

How did you find the SL60 experience? Did it feel significantly quicker/tighter than the standard SL?

It is quick, but then so is the 500.

Overall, I much preferred the 'package' of my 1999 SL500, with the last and most modern interior and the panoramic roof. It went like stink so did not feel that lacking in the performance department.

At the end of the day, there is a massive difference between an SL500 and an SL320/280 but not that much of a difference in the SL500/60.

If you were in Germany and could use the power difference then I would say: SL60

For 99% of the time around the UK, a late model will do virtually all that an SL60 will do, more comfortably, and for a cheaper price.

[pollawyn]

I bought a 1992 500SL mainly because my wife would not step inside my TVR Chimaera 4.0, in my totally unprofessional opinion if you want a performance car get a TVR, big engines alone do not make fast cars. My 500 has ample power for its handling abilities, particularly the steering which is noticeably heavier. All that said my 500 is one of the most enjoyable cars I have owned, mainly because of its incredible versatility. Image of my 500 to follow

[wolfy1988]

I was 17 when I was first passenger in an SL60. I'll never forget it, Blue with blue leather, apparently it used to belong to some Sultan of Brunai. roof down on beautiful autumn evening. absolutely blasting down some B roads on the way to west sussex. in fact it started my mercedes love affair...

WHAT A NOISE!

WHAT AN OCCASION!

WHAT A CAR!