what are the major differences among all the years?
i know there was a major enjinge change around '97, but what's the best year to own? i'm thinking late '99 to '01 SL500 sport?
perhaps this could be a future classic and just own it for 10 more yrs.

 

any help? i recall some major difference from 96 to 97? and perhaps another upgrade 2000 or 2001? thx guys.

 

These issues have been covered several times in a few different threads. I suggest that you do a search, and then ask some specifice questions.

This is a good place to start:

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r129/122618-r129-buying-advise.html

 

Hi Patrick, here's a site that may help you: http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/r129history.htm

 

Best years for 500 are '99 to '02. They have different V-8 with a little more power. '96 and later have different bumpers and lower panels.

 

where did you hear that the 99^ have more power?

 

I have a couple of SL brochures. '99 and later car is .3 seconds quicker 0-60.

 

more power? no. in fact the other way around..... better tranny..... YES! better gearing....YES! LESS HP tho. 302 vs 327

 

This is incorrect. The tranny is identical after '95 and so is the gearing.

The misquoted horsepower figures (315 for a '96) can be misleading. This is because they are peak horsepower and occur at well over 4000 RPM. Below 4000 RPM the newer engine makes more horsepower, and that is why 0-60 is 6.1 seconds vs. 6.4 seconds.

 

just drove a 1997 SL500 and also a 2001 SL back to back, same dealer lot.
wow - what a difference!
i'm not sure if the 97 wasn't running well, but the 2001 drove so much better...smoother engine, smoother shifting, and also felt more balanced.
also, although the 97 had the contour seats which are nice, the newer seats are actually just as comfy. lastly, the i don't particularly like the 2001's steering wheel looks, but it felt very substantial vs. the 97 which felt skinny.

then, i got back into my 2001 E55 and thought...wow, how much fun was that? ...and drove home with a big smile on my face.

 

Wait . . . wait . . .

Are you saying that the 2001 R129 was more fun to drive than your 2001 AMG E55?

The E55 has almost 50 more HP and weighs 400 pounds less. And is supposed to go to 60 almost a second faster (5.4 vs. 6.1).

And the R129 is more fun? Is that with the top up or down?

How cool is THAT??!!!

See, I know these are GREAT cars!!!!!

 

Take a look at this site for year to year differences.
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...z-sl-class.htm

 

don't forget this:

http://www.mbusa.com/models/class-ov...=sl_class_main

Click on "features & specs" towards the bottom of the pop up is "16 year model overview" you can chose any year you like.

This is 1998:

http://www.mbusa.com/overview/1998/S...wMenu=sl-class