R129 vs R230 SL

[yinujim]

I'm looking at a SL for someone.

What are the differences in R129 and R230 SL running costs?

I was thinking I could get a low miles late R129 SL320 a bit cheaper then a leggy early R230 SL350.

[r129sl]

You'll get the best R129 for the price of a very ropey R230. Neither is cheap to fix when it goes wrong, but the expensive and good R129 will likely go wrong less than the cheap but shagged out R230. Late R129s have the same drive train as early R230s. The R129 generally is better built that the R230. The R129 is a complex car; the R230 is a very complex car. But the R129 is unpopular and unfashionable.

[pollawyn]

My beloved R129 500SL is tucked away in a nice garage at the moment awaiting better weather. Unpopular and unfashionable?, I am now logging off to go and sit in that sumptious leather seat and speak comforting words to my treasure.

[niva441]

As I'm currently between cars I'm using a R129 SL320. It certainly isn't proving to be a short straw option until my new car arrives. It is a no compromise daily driver and easily exceeds 25 mpg. Especially if I keep off depressing the accelerator too much.

[chris333]

I think R129SL is allowed to say they are unpopular and unfashionable as one of the most passionate and knowledgable owners of an R129 on here!

[r129sl]

Hey, I'd take a single R129 over a hundred R230s! And you know my maxims:

(1) more means worse.
(2) if something is any good then you can guarantee they'll stop making it.
(3) but if something is popular (and fashionable) then it is probably rubbish.

[pollawyn]

Hi Chris and R129sl as well. Agree with Chris but I still love my R129. But then I have never been one to follow fashion or popularity, I just enjoy what I enjoy. As I am sure so do Chris, R129sl, and the majority of fellow PHers.