SL/R129: Maintenance on SL500's
07-11-2007, 11:27 PM
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Maintenance on SL500's
I am buying a 1990 SL500 in very good shape, 98000 miles. The mechanic has just finished replacing the timing chain, belts, AC compressor, etc. Is anyone aware of any maintenance headaches with these particular cars? I know they are old cars, but this one seems to have been lovingly maintained. And since the engine is basically rebuilt now, I feel pretty good about it. Any and all comments welcome!
RockingRobin
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07-12-2007, 12:32 AM
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'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
I own two R129's - a '94 SL500 (164K+ miles) and a '96 SL600 (109K+ miles). Fundamentally, this model is fairly sound. As long as the car has been maintained well - oil and filter changes regularly - it will last a very long time. Maintenance is key to the longevity of the R129 and I strongly recommend sticking to or exceeding the MB recommended maintenance. In particular, the soft top mechanism. It's a very reliable system *if* it's cleaned and lubricated regularly. Bidding of the soft top frame can lead to serious (i.e.: expense) problems.
Getting the timing chain replaced at ~100K mile mark is good, but ensure the tensioner was changed at the same time. It's the tensioner that will probably fail first, before the chain.
The model will have a number of 'nuisance' problems. For example, my SL's had an A/C Blower Regulator go bad (SL500) and the volume controls on the radios started getting intermittent (both SL's). Right-rear wheel bearing got 'noisy' (SL600). But other than that, neither has developed a bunch of problems, or anything serious enough to require a tow. I'm not sure I know where/how to tow the model!
My SL600 did have a number of issues when I bought it - intermittent ADS (still troubleshooting) and clogged (!) catalytic convertors. Supposedly, my MB dealership conned me into a variable camshaft motor, though I'm not convinced I needed it. But considering I got the vehicle for pennies-on-the-dollar, I knew what I was getting into.
While this may sound bad, I am quite pleased with both of my SL's.
Because you're buying a '90, check the condition of the soft top - it may be in marginal, if even usable condition. Also check each cylinder's compression to ensure the rings/valves are in reasonable shape.
It's a great model and one worth owning. Obviously however, as the car ages, it will become more 'temperamental'. But that is natural for any vehicle. Good luck.
Getting the timing chain replaced at ~100K mile mark is good, but ensure the tensioner was changed at the same time. It's the tensioner that will probably fail first, before the chain.
The model will have a number of 'nuisance' problems. For example, my SL's had an A/C Blower Regulator go bad (SL500) and the volume controls on the radios started getting intermittent (both SL's). Right-rear wheel bearing got 'noisy' (SL600). But other than that, neither has developed a bunch of problems, or anything serious enough to require a tow. I'm not sure I know where/how to tow the model!
My SL600 did have a number of issues when I bought it - intermittent ADS (still troubleshooting) and clogged (!) catalytic convertors. Supposedly, my MB dealership conned me into a variable camshaft motor, though I'm not convinced I needed it. But considering I got the vehicle for pennies-on-the-dollar, I knew what I was getting into.
While this may sound bad, I am quite pleased with both of my SL's.
Because you're buying a '90, check the condition of the soft top - it may be in marginal, if even usable condition. Also check each cylinder's compression to ensure the rings/valves are in reasonable shape.
It's a great model and one worth owning. Obviously however, as the car ages, it will become more 'temperamental'. But that is natural for any vehicle. Good luck.
07-12-2007, 09:53 PM
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'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
Sorry... Binding, not bidding
The soft top mechanism can bind at the joints of the frame. I have found it good practice to exercise the soft top mechanism periodically, as well as to lightly lube all the joint points twice a year - spring and fall. On the R129, there are quite a few.
