New R129 SL500 owner

[harry kular]

Just got this yesterday- 99 sl500 with 60k on the clock. A winter bargain!

Barely driven it but loving it so far! Its in need of a good detail, but other than that its a great example...

[r129sl]

Great car in a fantastic colour combination. I secretly wish I'd gone for black on black. The wheels cost the first owner about £4k. And you'll find good tyres make it perfect.

[harry kular]

It's got a good set of dunlops on, after which I'll probably go back to my preferred continental or Bridgestone.
Gonna get the following done prior to regular use from springtime:
B service and anything that needs done.
Comprehensive rustproofing with Bilt Hamber products
Exterior detail and interior leather refurb, although there isn't much wrong here
Rear silencer delete pipe, with standard tail pipe piece, so I can choose between refined and NASCAR soundtrack
Investigate the suspension, as it looks to sit too high at the front for me...

Other than that, I'm over the moon! Definitely a keeper...

[dickyf]

Great choice. I strongly suspect these cars will become more desirable in the not too distant future.

[r129sl]

dickyf said:

Great choice. I strongly suspect these cars will become more desirable in the not too distant future.

It's already happening. Prices for very good low mileage cars are firming up. See the SL Shop and Charles Ironside (who has a stunning late model SL500 in). Before anyone points it out, I know mine is and always will be worthless because of the comedy mileage.

harry kular said:

Investigate the suspension, as it looks to sit too high at the front for me...

They do sit quite high, especially at the front. An easy fix might be to change the spring pad: between the top of the spring and the bodywork is a rubber cup available in a variety of depths, indicated by nibs around the circumference. One nib equates to about 4mm of rubber but because of suspension geometry (don't ask me), that equates to 17mm between tyre and wheelarch. Check also that the rear springs have not snapped.

Edited by r129sl on Monday 3rd December 14:58