SL/R129: 1995 SL500 reliability and key questions
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NE U.S.
1995 SL500
1995 SL500 reliability and key questions
Just received a 1995 SL500 as a birthday gift. My first MB, and loving it so far! 
Can anyone tell me what to expect in terms of reliability? Are there any typical problems for this model year? I have until Monday to purchase an extended powertrain warranty.
Also, the dealer provided only one key ( a non-remote) although the manual shows that 5 keys were originally with the car. Is this a typical problem with a used car purchase? If the dealer can't come up with the other keys, I'm thinking it might be good to get the locks changed...anyone know if this is possible and how much would it cost? Thanks!
Can anyone tell me what to expect in terms of reliability? Are there any typical problems for this model year? I have until Monday to purchase an extended powertrain warranty.
Also, the dealer provided only one key ( a non-remote) although the manual shows that 5 keys were originally with the car. Is this a typical problem with a used car purchase? If the dealer can't come up with the other keys, I'm thinking it might be good to get the locks changed...anyone know if this is possible and how much would it cost? Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
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some
buy the extended!!
i have a 94, and i was not able to get one, but if i could have, i would have. as for getting the locks changed.... i know one remote key is about 250$, so, im assuming that the locks are a whole lotta money-
mark
i have a 94, and i was not able to get one, but if i could have, i would have. as for getting the locks changed.... i know one remote key is about 250$, so, im assuming that the locks are a whole lotta money-
mark
Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 89
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From: UK - south east
'93 SL500
My remote key was only 55GBP - I didn't think that was too harsh and it's much smaller than the horrible unit originally shipped.
The 500 engine is almost bullet proof but the R129 do suffer with the odd issue:
1. Engine wiring harness erodes and the insulation crumbles away
2. The Electronic Throttle Actuator (ETA) fails causing intermittent ASR IC lamp to illuminate
http://v12uberalles.com/throttle_actuator_rewire.htm
http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_asr.html
3. Catalytic converter - but that's a wear part!
4. < '95 (119 engine) SLs eat distributor caps and rotors - not mega bucks.
Thankfully I've had mine for over three years with only minor issues like the caps, everything else dreamy
Lea
The 500 engine is almost bullet proof but the R129 do suffer with the odd issue:
1. Engine wiring harness erodes and the insulation crumbles away
2. The Electronic Throttle Actuator (ETA) fails causing intermittent ASR IC lamp to illuminate
http://v12uberalles.com/throttle_actuator_rewire.htm
http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_asr.html
3. Catalytic converter - but that's a wear part!
4. < '95 (119 engine) SLs eat distributor caps and rotors - not mega bucks.
Thankfully I've had mine for over three years with only minor issues like the caps, everything else dreamy
Lea
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 184
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From: Maryland
'87 W124, '95 R129, '04 G35
I would not change the lock. Just get the new keys. I am surprised the dealer don't have all the keys for the car. I would imagine you only run into this situation if you buy it from a used car lot.
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 121
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From: Atlanta, Ga.- Sarasota, Fl.
Mercedes: 1998 SL500, 1997 S500, 1998 SLK230 K
Originally Posted by elau
I would not change the lock. Just get the new keys. I am surprised the dealer don't have all the keys for the car. I would imagine you only run into this situation if you buy it from a used car lot.
That is ussualy the case coming from a non Mercedes dealer. Good luck with your W129. They are an awsome automobile. Later, JOE
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 65
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From: Richardson, Texas
1995 SL 320
Original keys
Very common problem on used SLs.I got 2 sets of keys,round and square,missing the remote key and the valet key,along with original manuals.I am eventually going to order the correct remote key for $150 USA from my MB dealer here in Plano, Tx.The idiot who owned the car before me put in an aftermarket alarm system,but luckily left the original system in place.I will have to remove the aftermarket system first and get all the wiring back to original condition.I think that people lose the remote key and don't want to replace it,so they put in a cheap aftermarket system.The alarm modules in the trunk can be expensive to replace if damaged also,which could be another reason the previous owner went aftermarket.
