oneill_1

I am quite aware that they are two different styles and vehicles themselves but is one car harder/more expensive to maintain over the other? I am looking into the R129's and currently own a W124 and i want to know what i am getting into.

What year does anyone advise to stay away from or the year that is most favorable?

Thanks in advance....

Bigdot

hello, imo 94-97 are the best. because b4 those had a diffrent engine, and after 97 they switched to everything running off of relays and electronics and those can be a pain in the *** to replace (thats what my machanic said) but basicley sence the 129 were somewhat the smae throught the years they are about the same cost to repair. i head that the all around best year is 1997 from a guy named Ken Rockwell and he gave some valid points. BUT visually, unless you get the AMG package, i like the pre 1996, because they have a solid front bumber instead of the impact stpips that are really ugly again imo, also on the newer non-amg the edges are not as sharp, and i like the sharp edges personally. as for 129 being more expensive than the 124, yea i think it is, just because there are more little things to go wrong. but the feel of the 129 is very unique compared to other mbz, i know u know that i also have a E500 (the Tia Juana meet?), and they are totally diffrent cars, they complement eachother very well. so if u can get one for a good price.... GO FOR IT!!!

bobterry99

The only years to be careful about buying are '93-'96. From '93-'95 (except the '93 300SL) there are issues with the insulation of the engine wiring harnesses crumbling, and it is very expensive to repair. It is less of a problem on the SL320 and more of a problem on the 600SL/SL600. For '96 V-8 and V-12 cars, it is the first year for the electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, and problems with these cause many to fail prematurely.

oneill_1

Thanks for all the useful tips RedMongoosE.....and yes i do remember about your sweet *** E500.

Thanks for yours also, bobterry99.

I'll certainly let you guys know what happens...
If anyone else has more to add, please do.

ChrisB

In the 3 1/2 years onwing our SL we have put on 45,000 Km (from 39,000 Km to 84,000 Km) and spent $ 8,173 Canadian total over that time on three year extended warantee, service and out of warantee costs.

That is $ 0.18 Canadian per Km.

Is that a lot?

Well worth it in my opinion.