SL R129.. Rear Seats?

[martin_b]

Hi Guys,

After loads of advice, thanks to all, I've decided to get a SL500 R129 as my new "toy". Just one question left to ask though.

Very occasionally it would be good to be able to fit 3 people in the car for short journeys. I have seen some with seats in the back is this a standard option, and could it be retro fitted?

cheers

martin

[GreenVault]

Hi-

I believe that they were standard on SL500s and option on other models. I have to warn you that they are pretty pointless- my four year old son struggles to get comfortable, although adults about whose safety I am less precious can sit across the two buckets. Don't let this put you off though- a well cared for R129 is a wonderful thing.

GV

[dazren]

In the early days it was a cost option (ie it was when we specced a 500SL for Aug 1990 delivery). Don't know if they ever made it a standard fit for the UK cars?

[martin_b]

thanks Chaps..

I'll only need the 3rd seat for the School run of a couple of miles so I'm sure my daughter will fit!

[martin_b]

Well I've been to see a couple now, good news both had rear seats..

bad news..

the first one had no hard top. and was a 4 speed. It was a private sale and to be honest i think the old boy will keep it.

The next one had a top but no sun roof, but this had a bit of corrosion. It was black with a black interior, which made it pretty gloomy inside. This, the price and the fact that the salesman was a total stereotype, means I'll give it a miss.

I'll keep scanning the usual places but if anyone comes across a "hidden" SL500 W129 >1996 with in a reasonable distance of the M25 J8 please let me know.

[XB70]

There were no sunroofs on the R129 - do you mean a panoroof?

Grab a copy of Mercedes Enthusiast and usually some decent ones in there.

Ignore the massively overpriced trader ones.

And I strongly recommend that you cycle the roof/soft top a few times. If the seller has nothingto hide. then this will not be a problem (was not for me).

Good luck with the hunt

(PS: every SL came with the hardtop so would be interested to see what story they had on not having one)

[martin_b]

Cheers for the advice..

Yes I didn't mean a sunroof. The story with the roof is that the old gentlemen selling it, owns a farm ( I went there) the roof was stored it the same barn as several very large farm vehicles with limited visability.. and you know whats comes next! He reckoned the soft top was so good he never missed the roof.

[XB70]

Not a problem.

There was a fellow selling one in the MB forums down Cornwall way (bit of a hike but briliant drive back).

If you can hold out a bit, the big MB gathering is one at Milton Keynes in a few weeks. You may be able to see one or two for sale.

[r129sl]

Rear seats perfectly useable, even by adults for short trips, you just have to hike the front seats forward. However, when carrying passengers in the rear seats, always put the roll bar up. Were it to spring up in an emergency it might take their heads off.