R129 SL - Which model should I choose?

[Panord]

Hi, just wondering about your thoughts on the pros and cons of these two models I have found in Australia (where I live). Both cars are the same asking price, both are one owner with hardtop, books, excellent history. Fuel economy is not a concern as it would be a third car for my wife and I.

1. 1990 500SL - 60K miles - 4 speed auto - signal red/black leather

2. 1996 SL280 (in-line 6) - 20K miles - 5 speed auto - silver/black leather

[PositronicRay]

Drive both to see which one puts a smile on you're face

The V8 has the early potential troublesome injection and distributor ignition system. The straight 6 has the engine loom problem, budget £500 if it's not been done.

The 2.8 will be easier for the home mechanic, but won't accelerate like the V8, it's a heavy car for under 200BHP auto.

Plenty of knowledge on this site, worth perusing and asking.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/

ETA, mileage is largely irrelevant on such old cars, I'd buy a well maintained higher mileage car over a little used and sparsely maintained car every day of the week.

Edited by PositronicRay on Monday 6th June 08:55

[Yacht Broker]

really really easy question to answer.

sl 500 every day.

the 280 is no more fuel efficient and is verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry slow. the sl 500 is the iconic r129 and in the future will be the one that holds the best value (imho).

btw... i own a r129 and it happens to be a 280 so i think i am a little qualified on the subject

[Panord]

I am leaning towards the 500SL although it's not local to me so I would have to make an effort to go and see it in person. Apparently it was given a 'refresh' by the owner some years ago, hence the incorrect SL500 badge, gloss bumpers and AMG wheels.

[Panord]

[PositronicRay]

Looks smart, I prefer the colour coded look, although many will complain it's not original. I see they've deleted the headlamp wash/wipe as well. No bad thing.

[olliete]

Mine has the deleted headlamp wash too, i think it smartens the lines.

SL500; i have a 320 and i regret not taking the plunge and buying the 500

[74merc]

The last reported price of a loom for an M104 engine was £1800+! I'd go for the V8 as well.

[Stegel]

74merc said:

The last reported price of a loom for an M104 engine was £1800+! I'd go for the V8 as well.

It's not just M104 engines - M119s of the same era were equally affected!

[PositronicRay]

74merc said:

The last reported price of a loom for an M104 engine was £1800+! I'd go for the V8 as well.

I think an MB loom is too expensive. Best thing to do is rewire, cutting open the original connectors. The TB, lower harness and A/C fan harness will need doing as well.

I had Sileck produce me a main harness and rewire the TB. The other harnesses I did myself all in less than £500.

[PHAB]

No contest at all. M113 SL500 7 days of the week and twice on Sunday. Brilliant combination of torque, power and surprising economy on a run. 280 will be gutless, they weigh a LOT!

[Panord]

Am I correct in thinking that the best SL is the M113 engine with the 5 speed auto?

[PositronicRay]

Panord said:

Am I correct in thinking that the best SL is the M113 engine with the 5 speed auto?

Yes the M113 engine was introduced @ the end of the 90's based on the M112 V6

[Panord]

I have gone against all your good advice and bought the very un-PH SL280! There were a few reasons for this:

1. This particular car is mint. One owner from new prior to the vendor (who is a Mercedes dealer salesman doing a bit of trading on the side). Three keys including the credit card spare key, service books, original sales receipt etc. 33,000 km from new

2. It comes with a set of four unused original SL280 alloy wheels in addition to the SL500 wheels the original owner requested be fitted when new. Also a hardtop stand. New Continental tyres.

3. Sadly there is NOWHERE near where I live in Australia where I can use V8 power. Too many speed cameras and police men spraying you with spittle through their moustaches as they lecture you on the dangers of travelling 105km/h in a 90 zone.

4. I just want a nice tasteful modern classic to waft around in really. And I learnt to drive in my father's underpowered W124 230E back in the day. I like my classic Mercedes underpowered and understated.

5. Most importantly, my wife approves of the colour (silver with black leather). Picking it up on Friday...

[r129sl]

Panord said:

I have gone against all your good advice and bought the very un-PH SL280! There were a few reasons for this:

1. This particular car is mint. One owner from new prior to the vendor (who is a Mercedes dealer salesman doing a bit of trading on the side). Three keys including the credit card spare key, service books, original sales receipt etc. 33,000 km from new

2. It comes with a set of four unused original SL280 alloy wheels in addition to the SL500 wheels the original owner requested be fitted when new. Also a hardtop stand. New Continental tyres.

3. Sadly there is NOWHERE near where I live in Australia where I can use V8 power. Too many speed cameras and police men spraying you with spittle through their moustaches as they lecture you on the dangers of travelling 105km/h in a 90 zone.

4. I just want a nice tasteful modern classic to waft around in really. And I learnt to drive in my father's underpowered W124 230E back in the day. I like my classic Mercedes underpowered and understated.

5. Most importantly, my wife approves of the colour (silver with black leather). Picking it up on Friday...

Well done you, sounds to me like these are good reasons. The best 129 is always the car in best condition.

[olliete]

Panord said:

I have gone against all your good advice and bought the very un-PH SL280! There were a few reasons for this:

1. This particular car is mint. One owner from new prior to the vendor (who is a Mercedes dealer salesman doing a bit of trading on the side). Three keys including the credit card spare key, service books, original sales receipt etc. 33,000 km from new

2. It comes with a set of four unused original SL280 alloy wheels in addition to the SL500 wheels the original owner requested be fitted when new. Also a hardtop stand. New Continental tyres.

3. Sadly there is NOWHERE near where I live in Australia where I can use V8 power. Too many speed cameras and police men spraying you with spittle through their moustaches as they lecture you on the dangers of travelling 105km/h in a 90 zone.

4. I just want a nice tasteful modern classic to waft around in really. And I learnt to drive in my father's underpowered W124 230E back in the day. I like my classic Mercedes underpowered and understated.

5. Most importantly, my wife approves of the colour (silver with black leather). Picking it up on Friday...

Good work - I have a Lotus for a bit of uumph so i really don't need a 500 either, sounds like a lovely motor

[PHAB]

Congratulations, the car sounds very good indeed and as already said, always buy on condition with an R129.

Silver on black is a great combo too - same as mine! Enjoy