SL/R129: New 129 Owners
New 129 Owners
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
SL500 2001 Formula 1 Edition;
When I first got mine, I thought the same as you -- but here's what I suggest -- take it or leave it. Live with your car a while. You will love it. But after driving a while you might come up with things you do or don't want to change.
For example, I thought I wanted to change my AMG wheels at first (They are five spoke, with the thinner spokes). But then I really started liking them, because: 1. they look good; 2. not that many people have them; 3. the previous owner put drilled rotors on and they show off the rotors and the painted calipers really well. But I would have missed all of that if I just changed them out right at first.
Keep reading this forum. Check out the various threads and see what others have done.
One change I would suggest to EVERYONE . . . My baby had some type of Dunlop run-flat tires when I got her. The steering was overly sensitive and "darty". Plus they were noisy as hell. And the ride was harsh. I put on some Mic. Pilot Sport All Seasons, which have a reputation for being noisy, but the change made the ride better, less noise, and the steering problem went away.
If you have those Dunlops, I'd ditich 'em, ASAP. (But plan ahead, the top-line tires will run you $1000 - $1500 for four, even if you shop around.)
For example, I thought I wanted to change my AMG wheels at first (They are five spoke, with the thinner spokes). But then I really started liking them, because: 1. they look good; 2. not that many people have them; 3. the previous owner put drilled rotors on and they show off the rotors and the painted calipers really well. But I would have missed all of that if I just changed them out right at first.
Keep reading this forum. Check out the various threads and see what others have done.
One change I would suggest to EVERYONE . . . My baby had some type of Dunlop run-flat tires when I got her. The steering was overly sensitive and "darty". Plus they were noisy as hell. And the ride was harsh. I put on some Mic. Pilot Sport All Seasons, which have a reputation for being noisy, but the change made the ride better, less noise, and the steering problem went away.
If you have those Dunlops, I'd ditich 'em, ASAP. (But plan ahead, the top-line tires will run you $1000 - $1500 for four, even if you shop around.)
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Napa Valley. California
Weekend Car 1999 SL500 Day Car Cadillac 2003 EXT
I did as well May 17th. I will be getting illuminated sill plates. The new Alpine ( out next month) that has I believe 9 color choices for the display. Blue tooth for it and new amps. I also want to change the steering wheel and shift kbob to a SL600 style. Mine is Red with sport package and pano roof. Bought it for mt 55 B.D.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 9
From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
Keep it stock... at least for a while
Like ChrisB, my SL's are both stock - except for AMG rims. The stock MB rims look dorky to me. My '94 has chromed monoblock rims, while my '96 has silver-painted narrower-spoked rims. Other than illuminated door sills on the '96 everything is stock, including the Bose audio setup.
If your SL doesn't have a CD-Changer, I'd add it - just makes life easier. But to me, the dash/center console looks awesome as it is. And with the top down (why else get an SL), superior audio acoustics sort of don't make sense. The Bose system does surprisingly well in an 'open environment'.
MebeJoe's advice is sound - get to know the car first, then figure out what you want to tweak. You may find - like a lot of us did - that the car is cool just as it is. Regardless, congrats on your new ownership of a fine modern motorcar! Have fun, and get out and drive!
If your SL doesn't have a CD-Changer, I'd add it - just makes life easier. But to me, the dash/center console looks awesome as it is. And with the top down (why else get an SL), superior audio acoustics sort of don't make sense. The Bose system does surprisingly well in an 'open environment'.
MebeJoe's advice is sound - get to know the car first, then figure out what you want to tweak. You may find - like a lot of us did - that the car is cool just as it is. Regardless, congrats on your new ownership of a fine modern motorcar! Have fun, and get out and drive!
