WayneE

I'm casually shopping for another convertible. I had a 2004 SL500 that was my wife's daily driver, but she wanted another SUV and we sold the SL. I would like another convertible and always loved the R129. I've seen some reasonably priced SL600s, but I don't know the differences year to year.

Specifically looking at the SL600 - what are the power differences year to year (1996-2002)? Are any years more desirable than others? If so, why? What about the hardtops? Was the panoramic hardtop available in all years?

Thanks!

HLG600

The R129 SL600 used the M120 V12 for the duration of its production lifespan, and in 1996, the transmission was upgraded from a 4SP to a driver-adaptive 5SP. In your search, anything MY1997 and up will be fine (I remember reading about some transmission issues in some MY1996's before). They pretty much come fully loaded from the factory in regards to features. Overall, it is a durable, excellent daily driver that enjoys to be pushed hard. As said before, in city driving, it will be very comparable to the 500. But venture off into the expressway, and the difference will become obvious! Hope this helps.

HLG

JizJizJiz

For some reason, I read "faq" as "***."

Anyway, thanks for the post, HLG. Now, what about maintenance? I'm having trouble decide between going strictly for the 500 or perhaps looking at 600s as well. The only other car I'm considering is leasing the new Audi S8 - but honestly, I'd rather have the SL. It has always been one of my dream cars since I was in middle school.

WayneE

Thanks for the reply, HLG. I have my fill of daily drivers, I just want a droptop to drive when it's nice out and not pay $100,000 for it to sit around most of the time.

Jiz^3 - I typed it in all caps, but the forum software changed it to u/l. It does look like a g

Bigdot

i read SL600 flag, then ***. i hought to my self " i wonder if he makes an SL500 flag?"


get a new-er 600, the 120 was good in its later years. i feel diffrent about the 119. if you can, i would get an SL73 or and SL 74 they are not to much more than the stock 600's

Mark

WayneE

Aren't the 73s and 74s pretty rare?

Bigdot

u would be suprised what you can find on the internet, there were 2 74's on ebay at the same time, and this guy i know was tyrying to sell me his for an awsome price (~50K) and it was immaculate. so if u look hard enough, u will find one!

Mark

lynns

Take a look at these sites:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...x.cfm/id/2462/
http://www.mbwholesaleparts.com/whol...lChart/out.htm
http://www.mbwholesaleparts.com/whol...models.htm#129
http://motors.listings.ebay.com/_Car...22QQsofocusZpf
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...0400513&rd=1,1
http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

HLG600

Glad to be of help. The M120 V12 is a very reliable motor, from my experience with it and of what I have read. If you use the highest grade gasoline and motor oil, it will return years of performance. The only thing is that you have to drive these cars.

SL600 V12

Agreed. It's built like a brick sh*thouse.

HLG600

Haha, that's an interesting way to describe it.

agentMurdoc

I would recommend 97+ SL600

the V12 is sooooo much better than the 500.

lynns

Take a look at this car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...7468137&rd=1,1

Pigzmickey

Its true you can't compare the V8 to the V12, too far apart. And I don't just mean speed...

But beware the haters, they usually arrive in an SL500!

mebeJOE

Oh, yeah. I'd consider that one in a second.

WayneE: search the forum for a couple of threads re purchasing advice
on R129. You will find some excellent stuff there.

I love my baby. You will love almost any R129 that is well maintained.

I don't know much about the pano top -- but don't buy one without some hard top unless you get a huge discount. Sometimes you can find a replacement top cheap, but then sometimes you can't. Either way, you have a paint issue.

Features I would recommend:

1. I agree with Mark -- if you can find a Brabus, SL65, or similar, consider it; I would if I had to do it again. I've seen some cars for sale with $30,000 in mods for sale almost as cheap as as the non-modified cars.

2. On the other hand -- I am so glad my baby had 60,000 miles left on her warranty when I purchased her.

3. If you find one with the wheels you want, you will save some $$$.

4. I love my designo interior, vented and heated seats, premium stereo and matching silver soft top. I am not sure which were standard and which were options -- I purchase 5 years old. Oh, as far as I am concerned, the built in cell phone hook up is next to useless. Only a few types of motorola phones work, is my understanding.

5. According to my dealer service rep, some of the 500's had factory cross-drilled rotors like mine. I think they look good if you have thin spoke wheels. Maybe you want them. Have the calipers painted to taste.

I would say that the one warning I'd give is to just be aware of the potential extreme repair/maintainence expense. $900 for power rear view mirror. $1200 for head lamp assembly. $600 for antenna. $1300 for a new set of tires.