SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: what do u think about this car?

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Old Jun 12, 2006 | 09:31 PM
  #1  
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what do u think about this car?

do 600 always have gold badges...or is it just the blue of this car that gets gold badges, also, what size do u think these stock wheels are , 15"...i want it to look mean like the other 500's i see on this site....are those usually 17's or 18's? this car has 104k miles, gray interior, rear soft top have yellowed windows...the price is $14990...what do u guys think?
Attached Thumbnails what do u think about this car?-reduced-2.jpg  
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Old Jun 12, 2006 | 11:06 PM
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1997 SL-600
What year is the 600?

The stock wheels are the SL600 are 16 inches.

As far as I know, gold colored emblems are embelishments are added by the owner - I don't think they are factory.

Price wise, I am not sure - it depends on the year.

I would try and find one with fewer miles.

Best,

Vincent
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Old Jun 12, 2006 | 11:11 PM
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'87 W124, '95 R129, '04 G35
That is a pre-96 car.

Gold emblem is not standard and not from MB.

The mileage is low on that year car and you should not afraid of the mileage. But I do advise to make sure the car comes with service history. You do not want to end up with a problematic 600. Repair bills will no doubt bring tears to your eyes.

Make sure you check if the previous owner had work done on the wiring harness. The 600, is more prone to have wiring harness failure with tight engine compartment and trapped intense engine heat.

Last edited by elau; Jun 12, 2006 at 11:13 PM.
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Old Jun 12, 2006 | 11:22 PM
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its a 95...regarding service history, its on a lot, they do have the carfax, but that doesnt show much...here it is, thanks. just spoke to sales person...no service records...just the worthless carfax...so based on what im reading....i'm behind the eight ball without the service records. is it possible or typical to pay for a diagnostic checkup? if so, will they tell me anything worthwhile? or just bad news.

1995 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 (WDBFA76E6SF108429).

Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
03/14/1995 120 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Jose, CA Odometer reading reported for title
or registration
05/11/1995 California
Motor Vehicle Dept. Title issued or updated
First owner reported
05/15/1995 California
Motor Vehicle Dept. Registered as
personal vehicle
02/01/1997 15,220 California
Inspection Station
Los Altos, CA Passed emissions inspection
03/04/1999 Vehicle Repair Center
Los Altos, CA Vehicle serviced
03/04/1999 40,766 California
Inspection Station
Los Altos, CA Passed emissions inspection
02/02/2000 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Jose, CA Title issued or updated
03/19/2001 Vehicle Repair Center
Los Altos, CA Vehicle serviced
03/19/2001 60,394 California
Inspection Station
Los Altos, CA Passed emissions inspection
02/12/2003 75,186 Vehicle Repair Center
Belmont, CA Vehicle serviced
02/12/2003 California
Inspection Station
Belmont, CA Passed emissions inspection
03/16/2005 89,195 California
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection
05/11/2006 104,060 Auto Auction Sold at auction
in Pacific Region
Listed as
a dealer vehicle
05/17/2006 104,071 Auto Auction Sold at auction
in Pacific Region
Listed as
a dealer vehicle
05/30/2006 Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. No recalls open for repair

Last edited by norton70; Jun 12, 2006 at 11:32 PM.
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Old Jun 12, 2006 | 11:54 PM
  #5  
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From: Missouri
1997 SL-600
Here's how I look at it.

$15K sounds ok, but the biggest thing that would concern me is:

No service records for a car with over 100K miles and no idea how it has been treated?

There is no telling what might need to be replaced/repaired.

When I got my '97 SL600 three months ago, it had 28,500 miles.

I would still try and find one with fewer miles, maybe 70-80K.

Vincent
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Old Jun 13, 2006 | 12:13 AM
  #6  
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how much did u pay for suc a low mileage car..is there a diagnostic check up that will at least tell me something. can a benz dealership inform me what has been performed?
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Old Jun 13, 2006 | 11:03 AM
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From: So. Cal.
SL500 2001 Formula 1 Edition;
MBZ dealership MIGHT be able to tell you some work that has been done -- call them with the VIN and ask. They have always been helpful to me.

The price looks right -- you aren't gonna find one much cheaper. 10 years ago somebody paid $100,000 for that baby.

For the engine, I wouldn't be afraid of the miles -- all reports are that the engines will run strong for years (hmm . . . at least on the V8 -- and I haven't heard differnt on the V12).

I have hear that early 600's had wiring and tranny problems. You should have that stuff checked.

If you want bigger wheels, there's a guy on here, Mark, selling some nice wheels with nearly new tires for $900. For some reason he calls his car a Mongoose. Look around you will find him.

Check for little stuff not working -- the little things add up. For example, it can be a $300 to replace the tilt steering wheel adjustment knob. Or $900 for the power rearview mirror.

Also, I think I've heard reports of lots of trouble with the active suspension on SL600. Anybody know about this?
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Old Jun 13, 2006 | 11:48 AM
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it seems like the front sits a little high...is this normal....do most guys lower the front, or just change tires and wheels...i want it to look meaner!
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Old Jun 13, 2006 | 12:30 PM
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From: So. Cal.
SL500 2001 Formula 1 Edition;
Originally Posted by norton70
it seems like the front sits a little high...is this normal....do most guys lower the front, or just change tires and wheels...i want it to look meaner!
I believe that the car has adjustable ride height. There was talk about this in another thread -- you need to read down to the bottom to find it -- it could indicate a problem:

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r129/143210-sl600-r129-sl55-r230-wheels.html
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Old Jun 18, 2006 | 02:09 AM
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Onash's Avatar
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
95 E320 Cab (new toy), 06 Range Rover (Hers), 97 Ferrari F355, 05 Ariel Atom 2 (the other toy)
I agree with all the posts regarding this car. I have a 98 SL600.
One thing to keep in mind, the 95 had the 4 speed tranny, they later moved to the 5 speed, I think that was in 96. They say its a better tranny. I had to rebuild mine at 95,000.
As far as the ADS, it is great, but a wreck to fix. My ADS light is on right now. The car feels like a sports car - very tight. The dealer tells me the front valve block need replacing ($2000 including labor). I took it to an independent, but he couldn't figure out what the problem was. So until I can find someone to diagnose it properly, its a bumpy ride, but handles like on rails.
I would look for a 97 or newer edition of the 600.

Omar
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