SL/R129: Mechanically, what years are the best for the W129?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
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From: North Bay Area, California
2001 E320
Mechanically, what years are the best for the W129?
From a mechanical standpoint, what year(s) of the W129 chassis is the best year(s) to buy?
What years are best to stay away from, and why?
What are some of the most expensive repairs to watch out for...
Thanks,
What years are best to stay away from, and why?
What are some of the most expensive repairs to watch out for...
Thanks,
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Arguably the best years are '90-'92 and '99-'02. Years '93-'95 have problems with disintegrating wiring harnesses, and '96 has problems with the transmission that was new that year. These problems diminished in the following years and were well-sorted by MY1999.
If you have your car serviced exclusively by a professional mechanic, then the hydraulic system for the convertible top is probably going to be the most expensive repair. This can easily run thousands of dollars. But if you do your own repairs, then this repair is very inexpensive.
If you have your car serviced exclusively by a professional mechanic, then the hydraulic system for the convertible top is probably going to be the most expensive repair. This can easily run thousands of dollars. But if you do your own repairs, then this repair is very inexpensive.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 35
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
SL500
From what I hear...
I would also stay away from high mileage (obviously), as it seems the transmission's die around 130,000 and other small but expensive parts such as water pump, etc... die around then too.
THIS IS PURLY FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD. I've only had my 91 for a week now, and it has 170,000 miles, but runs great because it has a new trans and a bunch of new engine components.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 31
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
1992 SL-300
From my experience....
I own a 92' 129 and would have to say that I am very pleased with the mechanical durability of the car. I recently replaced the head gasket on the car (300 by the way) and was shocked to see that the internals of engine were in near perfect condition. The hatch mark pattern was still visible on the cylinder walls there was no scuffing on the cam lobes the rings were not seized the cam bearings had no gouges or scrapes. Basically it looked like the engine would have had only 30K.....but it has 240K! My opinion, the engine is very well built. The head gasket was replaced because of leaks commonly associated with engines that have iron blocks and aluminum heads. The process of replacing the head gasket was incredibly easy. This is definitely the easiest car I have ever had to repair.
The hydraulic system is rather expensive to replace but I have found someone who will rebuild the all of the hydraulic cylinders on the car on Ebay. Also its not just the upper hydraulic latches that leak you will want to check the others as well. The ones above the visor are just the most visible.
I have also heard that the Pre-Daimler cars are the better ones to own because of the engine changes that followed.
Happy W129 Hunting
The hydraulic system is rather expensive to replace but I have found someone who will rebuild the all of the hydraulic cylinders on the car on Ebay. Also its not just the upper hydraulic latches that leak you will want to check the others as well. The ones above the visor are just the most visible.
I have also heard that the Pre-Daimler cars are the better ones to own because of the engine changes that followed.
Happy W129 Hunting
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
From the myriad of blurbs I have read on the R129 and from a bit of personal experience, it seems that 97-98 are the best model years for this car. Granted, the M119 is a more durable motor than M113, but I have yet to hear of any issues with the newer V8, only improved efficiency at a minor decrease in output.
More critical than the model year, however, is the maintenance record. The drivetrains on these cars are fairly solid and can withstand much punishment. Unfortunately, the electrical components tend to wear out. I recently replaced the module and now have a troublesome yaw rate sensor awaiting replacement, and you can search the forum for other typical repairs.
Overall, this is still a rather durable automobile. Provide it with quality fuel and oil, and the motor will gladly return year and years of spirited use. Due to some harsh depreciation hits, this is a prime market for R129 shopping; I can attest to coming across some enticing deals. Happy hunting indeed.
More critical than the model year, however, is the maintenance record. The drivetrains on these cars are fairly solid and can withstand much punishment. Unfortunately, the electrical components tend to wear out. I recently replaced the module and now have a troublesome yaw rate sensor awaiting replacement, and you can search the forum for other typical repairs.
Overall, this is still a rather durable automobile. Provide it with quality fuel and oil, and the motor will gladly return year and years of spirited use. Due to some harsh depreciation hits, this is a prime market for R129 shopping; I can attest to coming across some enticing deals. Happy hunting indeed.
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4
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2002 Honda Accord
I am very much a layperson, so could someone please explain to me why when Mercedes updated the 1998 R129 to the 1999 R129 they go from a 4 valve head (M119) to a 3 valve head (M113)?
Was it a move purely for efficiency sake or are there other benefiets to a 3 valve configuration that I do not know? Other tahn less moving parts, less friction loss, etc. etc.
Superchris, am I to infer that the M113 engine, that replaced the M119 is a Chrysler derivitive?
Was it a move purely for efficiency sake or are there other benefiets to a 3 valve configuration that I do not know? Other tahn less moving parts, less friction loss, etc. etc.
Superchris, am I to infer that the M113 engine, that replaced the M119 is a Chrysler derivitive?
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Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 203
Likes: 21
From: North East
04 E500, 00 SL500, 99 SL500, 94 E420, 92 500E, 92 500E, 92 300CE, 06 Lexus GX470
Here is a helpful link
here is another interesting link
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/r129history.htm
I haven't read through it in a while, but somewhere in there Ken picks the 97 as best on the engine and other subtle differences.
Other than that, most reccomendations say newer the better, which I finally did myself, picking up one in the 99 - 02 catagory.
My factory optioned SP1-SP2-Pano 99 Sport is such a pleasure. I was holding out for a Silver Arrow, but the 99 came up for sale at a price I couldn't pass up.
As far a mechcanicals, previous posts have covered the important items, but they are complicated machines that will require more maintenance over it's lifetime than most other cars will, just keep that in mind.
I hope you enjoy the articles.. Good Luck
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 161
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From: Yokohama& Tokyo, Japan
1994 AMG E60 (W124); 1997 SL600; & few others that I cannot fit in here
I have to agree and pick '97, not perfect but much better improved.
Overall, my thinking is that MB model has a life span of roughly ten years. It seems to me that the thoughts of MB is fix and improve as one goes along. Therefore, the early part of a model tends to have issues, which get resolved over the next several years, resulting in improved ones toward the end of the run. w/ smiles Jimmy
Overall, my thinking is that MB model has a life span of roughly ten years. It seems to me that the thoughts of MB is fix and improve as one goes along. Therefore, the early part of a model tends to have issues, which get resolved over the next several years, resulting in improved ones toward the end of the run. w/ smiles Jimmy
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 65
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From: Panama city FL
1997 sl500 83 Elcamino 05 Caddie
. Looking at new Brembo brakes and a few other up grades.I think I'll just keep this one forever. I love the car and the styling is timeless.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14
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1996 SL500
I have a 1996 SL with 130,000 on the clock. Another family member has a 1997 E420 ( with a similar but smaller displacement engine and an almost identical transmission) with 140,000 showing.
I sometimes read about potential issues with the five-speed transmissions on 1996's, but have yet to experience any problems, and when I swapped the fluid out last week on the SL, it was definitely 'used' but still amazingly clean -- and the factory catches were still on the drain, suggesting that it was the first time it had been changed. In fact the 1996 SL switches gears BETTER than the 1997, which can thump unexpectedly into 2nd gear when cold, and has so for its entire life.
These are now 16 year-old cars, and most of them have decent mileage on them. I think it's fair to say that transmission issues will have generally surfaced, and will either be apparent or have been addressed by previous owners.
Cars die as much by old paint, ripped leather, body damage, etc as any mechanical issues, so in my opinion and experience, obsessing the model year is abit of a fool's mission. A car that comes from a good owner, has been taken care of, is your favored color / option specification, and all of that is just as important; if you don't love it, you won't take care of it or feel happy to spend on repairs and upkeep, and that's when the problems start.
I sometimes read about potential issues with the five-speed transmissions on 1996's, but have yet to experience any problems, and when I swapped the fluid out last week on the SL, it was definitely 'used' but still amazingly clean -- and the factory catches were still on the drain, suggesting that it was the first time it had been changed. In fact the 1996 SL switches gears BETTER than the 1997, which can thump unexpectedly into 2nd gear when cold, and has so for its entire life.
These are now 16 year-old cars, and most of them have decent mileage on them. I think it's fair to say that transmission issues will have generally surfaced, and will either be apparent or have been addressed by previous owners.
Cars die as much by old paint, ripped leather, body damage, etc as any mechanical issues, so in my opinion and experience, obsessing the model year is abit of a fool's mission. A car that comes from a good owner, has been taken care of, is your favored color / option specification, and all of that is just as important; if you don't love it, you won't take care of it or feel happy to spend on repairs and upkeep, and that's when the problems start.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 58
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From: Desert Southwest
01 CLK55 AMG, 2011 Honda Accord (for the wife) 97 Suburban (for the camp trailer), 97 SL600 (for me)
I studied this and then sought out a 1997 sl600. I looked for the right one for 2 years before I bought mine.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 137
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From: Southern Illinois
82 380SL 96 SL500
There's no such thing as the perfect year for the 129. Just keep in mind the issues with each and use that information to temper your buying decision.
I wanted an early KE-Jetronic model because I was familiar with that system, but instead found a '96 whose service and repair history made buying it a no-brainer.
I wanted an early KE-Jetronic model because I was familiar with that system, but instead found a '96 whose service and repair history made buying it a no-brainer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Agree with above...
99-02 are the best build quality, and most (but not all) glitches are dealt with, also have the nicest interior trim, better hi-fi, and many have lights and seats. That being said, top issues (expensive and aggravating), AC evaporators, and power steering pumps can still be an issue. What's amazing is that the best 129's have asking prices close to the bottom of cheap R230's. And I wouldn't buy one without Sport package (just me). I sell lots of them, drop me a PM if you want to chat.I have lost lots of my own money learning...
