1997 MERCEDES-BENZ SL

MERCEDES R129 SL 280 ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE

AUTOMATIC

1997 'R' REGISTRATION

99K LOW MILEAGE

190 BHP M104 STRAIGHT SIX

AZURITE BLUE METALLIC

HEATED MUSHROOM (CREAM) LEATHER

12 MONTHS MOT UNTIL APRIL 2026

These R129s are fast becoming sought after classic cars, and the values will only rise. Just look at how much R107s are commanding. In my opinion, the R129 is a far superior car. They ride, drive and handle a lot better and the interior build quality is on another level.

For sale is a mid-facelift R129 SL 280. I also own an earlier SL 280, and an SL 320. I purchased this car as a mini project, as I wanted something that can also be driven and enjoyed, whilst being improved. However, I have since been offered an early 500 SL, so this one has to go (owning four R129s is just silly and you can't drive them all!).

I really liked the colour combination of Azurite Blue with Mushroom leather - it looks classy and elegant.

Previous Owner had the car since 2010. When he passed away, his step daughter kept it for a while but then sold it on as it wasn't practical for her needs.

Was serviced regularly, with invoices to show since 2011 until 2024.

£1500 spent last year on:

New Brake Hoses

New Brake Pipes Front to Rear

New Fuel Pump

New Power Steering Pipe

Fresh Power Steering Fluid

New Front Brake Pads & Sensor

New Rear Brake Pads & Sensor

Brake Fluid Change

New Battery

New Wiper Blade

Mechanically, she is sound. Starts first turn of the key. Idles in the correct manner.

No leaks. No overheating - temperature gets to the half way mark and sits there. Uses no excess oil or coolant.

Excellent oil pressure.

Pulls well in every gear, with no hesitation or power loss. The M104 is strong and has the characterful zingy straight six sound track.

Gearbox changes as it should and all gears engage correctly, including kick down.

Suspension is smooth and supple, as it should be in an R129. The car glides effortlessly down the road.

Apologies for the reflections of clouds etc. in the photos - it was a sunny day when they were taken!

As mentioned, although the car looks ok from a distance, it needs TLC: front wings are rusting and need repair and repaint, there are various marks, blemishes and stone chips around the body. A few scuffs on the bumpers. Some rust bubbles on rear arches and on the boot lid. The front number plate surround is broken and the OSF lower valance panel is missing. Incorrect SL 320 badge on boot lid (easily removed).

The interior also needs some attention. The carpets require a wet vac shampoo (but the car comes with genuine Mercedes over mats). The seats are cracked and dirty, so will need a good leather feed or ideally re-connolising. Driver's seat bolster has a hole from the previous elderly owner getting in and out, headlining is sagging in places and there are a few minor loose bits of trim. Having said that, the seats are still comfortable and supportive. The cabin is a nice place to be and has that quality only this era of Mercedes can provide.

A good detail, mop & polish will work wonders on the paint work.

Pretty much everything works as it should. The air conditioning is nice and cool. The heaters are excellent and the car warms up like a sauna. The CD player works, as does the cruise control, electric windows, lights, electric seats, etc. The doors need to be locked manually and with the key. Every now and then, it says 'start error' on the dash when trying to start the car - you just need to shake the key a few times, and it always fires up (loose immobliiser chip in the key fob). Boot aerial is missing and key fob has been taped together.

To summarise then, this is a useable R129. A turn key classic. It will get you where you need to go and will also get you back.

It is a nice car to drive, keeps up with modern traffic and eats motorway miles with ease.

Turns plenty of heads and always starts conversations with people.

The R129 was a very expensive car in its day, and the original owner would have paid over £55k for it when brand new.

No time wasters. No dreamers. No silly offers - it will make more in parts, as R129 spares are pricey and difficult to source these days.

Bank Transfer on Collection Only - No Cash / No PayPal.

Located in Berkshire, RG2 post code.