SL/R129: Looking into a R129
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From: LA
W210 E320
Looking into a R129
Hi im looking into buying somewhere between a 1996 and a 1999 SL500. was wondering if you guys could shed some insight. any problems or recalls i should be worried about? how much should i expect to pay for a car around 50k miles?
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From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
1996-1998 featured a 32 Valve 5.0 Litre V8 which was rated at 315 hp and 347 tq. In 1999, it came down to a 24 Valve, 302 hp and 339 tq. The V8 is a very solid engine which will run almost forever (just make sure to take good care of it 
) and I recommend the R129 for it is a great classy machine. Just make sure to have a MB Professional look it over and good luck. 
) and I recommend the R129 for it is a great classy machine. Just make sure to have a MB Professional look it over and good luck.
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some
Originally Posted by Vamz
Hi im looking into buying somewhere between a 1996 and a 1999 SL500. was wondering if you guys could shed some insight. any problems or recalls i should be worried about? how much should i expect to pay for a car around 50k miles?
ive heard that 97 is the best year for a 129, nomatter what year you get, you will LOVE it.
mark
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From: So. Cal.
SL500 2001 Formula 1 Edition;
I have a 2001 and love it more than any thing I have ever owned.
This guy has a webpage with a long essay and about why a 1997 R129 is perhaps the finest car ever made:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/
The page also has lots of links to other sites with info on the R129. How much you are going to pay depends on a lot of factors besides miles, including where you are -- this is a pretty international board here, and I've seen the prices vary widely. I would guess that for a 1999 you could find one for under U.S. $30,000 and probably under $25,000 in So. Cal. Try www.kbb.com for prices if you are in the U.S. Then do a search on cars.com to see what's out there.
R129's are pretty common in So. Cal. so the prices may be lower -- I am not sure.
Also, do a search for my posts and you will find a couple of threads where there is lots of good advice on buying one of these wonderful cars.
In the price range you are looking at, I wouldn't consider any other car (unless you need to haul stuff or people).
This guy has a webpage with a long essay and about why a 1997 R129 is perhaps the finest car ever made:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/
The page also has lots of links to other sites with info on the R129. How much you are going to pay depends on a lot of factors besides miles, including where you are -- this is a pretty international board here, and I've seen the prices vary widely. I would guess that for a 1999 you could find one for under U.S. $30,000 and probably under $25,000 in So. Cal. Try www.kbb.com for prices if you are in the U.S. Then do a search on cars.com to see what's out there.
R129's are pretty common in So. Cal. so the prices may be lower -- I am not sure.
Also, do a search for my posts and you will find a couple of threads where there is lots of good advice on buying one of these wonderful cars.
In the price range you are looking at, I wouldn't consider any other car (unless you need to haul stuff or people).
Member
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From: Atlanta, Ga.- Sarasota, Fl.
Mercedes: 1998 SL500, 1997 S500, 1998 SLK230 K
Mjne is a 1998 in mint condition. You will join a group of people like me, mebejoe and the goose who love their cars and do take care of them the proper way. The first thing to consider in purchasing a 129 is to be able to afford the maintenance costs and be able to pamper your machine. Good luck in your search. Later, JOE
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
The '99 was the first year for the new M113 V-8 engine. It has lower peak torque and peak horsepower but offers noticeably better acceleration from a dead stop.
The '96 was the first year for the 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. There were flaws that did not get sorted properly for some time. For this reason, I wouldn't pass on a good deal on a '96, but recognize that a '98 or '99 and possibly a '97 are less likely to develop transmission problems while you own the car.
The '96 was the first year for the 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. There were flaws that did not get sorted properly for some time. For this reason, I wouldn't pass on a good deal on a '96, but recognize that a '98 or '99 and possibly a '97 are less likely to develop transmission problems while you own the car.
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From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
Originally Posted by Vamz
was wondering if you guys could shed some insight. any problems or recalls i should be worried about?
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r129/135039-r129-year-year-model-changes.html
Has several pages ... I believe on page lists the typical problems with each model year.
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From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
Originally Posted by Vamz
how much should i be expecting to pay on a yearly basis?
Last edited by ChrisB; Mar 5, 2006 at 03:53 PM.
