new member and new R129 owner

[v12sl]

Evening all. I've been browsing the pages for a number of months and have found a number of topics very useful. Hopefully I can add some value on certain forums. I recently inherited an SL600 from my father hence my first post is on the Merc forum and im keen on keeping the car in good order. It was his dream car and something he was very proud of. There are a few things to get sorted but in all its a beautiful car in azurite blue with cream leather. I know there was a recent article on PH re R129 values etc and its interesting to hear people's opinions. Ive driven the car enough now to really appreciate why those who buy them struggle to find a replacement and I do believe R129s in good condition are a sound investment.
Im hoping to get the car along to some PH events and hopefully some Mercedes specific events if there are any so hopefully meet some fellow members.

[IanA2]

v12sl said:

Evening all. I've been browsing the pages for a number of months and have found a number of topics very useful. Hopefully I can add some value on certain forums. I recently inherited an SL600 from my father hence my first post is on the Merc forum and im keen on keeping the car in good order. It was his dream car and something he was very proud of. There are a few things to get sorted but in all its a beautiful car in azurite blue with cream leather. I know there was a recent article on PH re R129 values etc and its interesting to hear people's opinions. Ive driven the car enough now to really appreciate why those who buy them struggle to find a replacement and I do believe R129s in good condition are a sound investment.
Im hoping to get the car along to some PH events and hopefully some Mercedes specific events if there are any so hopefully meet some fellow members.

I have the V8 SL60AMG 1997 (MY98). I love 129's, I think it is one of Sacco's best designs. Do you have a good indie to go to or do you trust it to a dealer? Have fun with the car.

[HumbleJim]

Hello

[slippery]

Hello and welcome!
If I inherited a nice R129, especially a 600, I would never be selling it. They are criminally under-valued presently. You've got a lovely colour combo there too. Give it everything it needs and it will be forever a joy to behold, even more so because of the connection it has to your Dad. How about some pics? You knew we were going to ask!

Edited by slippery on Sunday 26th January 22:27

[v12sl]

I know a few good indies. The car was in Nottingham but ill be bringing it down to Brentwood and I believe there is a good indie in Romford. If anyone knows of indies with good r129 knowledge that would be useful.
I don't plan on ever selling it, in fact id like to bring it back to new condition over time as a little project. Pictures to follow shortly

[truck71]

A hugely underated car, they start by impressing you but gradually improve from there. Mine kept a 4 week old Cayman at home today- effortless motoring. Enjoy.

[v12sl]

The over engineered aspect is quite telling in many of the smaller details. Eg the stereo, increases in volume the faster you go, or the way the storage compartments in the cabin lock like a vault.
My car also has the air suspension which was actually replaced a few years ago and it provides a lovely smooth ride. However when parked it seems to rise quite high which ruins its stance a little. Does anybody know if this was common as i havr seen a few others with the same issue.
Ill post pics another time as the ones on my phone are too large for the upload

[v12sl]

The over engineered aspect is quite telling in many of the smaller details. Eg the stereo, increases in volume the faster you go, or the way the storage compartments in the cabin lock like a vault.
My car also has the air suspension which was actually replaced a few years ago and it provides a lovely smooth ride. However when parked it seems to rise quite high which ruins its stance a little. Does anybody know if this was common as i havr seen a few others with the same issue.
Ill post pics another time as the ones on my phone are too large for the upload

[TimboL]

v12sl said:

The over engineered aspect is quite telling in many of the smaller details. Eg the stereo, increases in volume the faster you go, or the way the storage compartments in the cabin lock like a vault.
My car also has the air suspension which was actually replaced a few years ago and it provides a lovely smooth ride. However when parked it seems to rise quite high which ruins its stance a little. Does anybody know if this was common as i havr seen a few others with the same issue.
Ill post pics another time as the ones on my phone are too large for the upload

They are very nice cars. I bought my SL500 at the end of 1999 which I think was the run-out model, and I just haven't the heart to part with it. I had a 320 for a few years before that.

I think you mean the Adaptive Damping System option, which is operated by hydraulic fluid. There's a separate reservoir for it near the front offside of the engine. It sounds like your car had the air cell accumulators (aka 'spheres') replaced. The membrane inside them that separates the hydraulic fluid from the air wears out, and replacing them makes the ADS work like new again.

These guys service mine, and have been doing various renovations to it over the last few years. Everything underneath seems to be prone to rust; especially anything to do with the ADS, and most recently they replaced the gearbox sump pan and the fuel lines:
http://aamerctech.co.uk/

A bit of a hike from Brentwood, but do-able (I once lived in Shenfield).