SL/R129: pre-1996 SL500 vs SL600
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 356
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From: Glendale, AZ
'95 E420 SE
pre-1996 SL500 vs SL600
Hi all. I currently pilot a pretty nice W124 E420, but in the last couple of weeks I have been considering other options. I have noticed that the W129 is not unlike the W124 in that you can get a lot of car for the money these days, which is great for buyers and sucks for sellers.
My question is to experienced W129 owners, and it is this:
What are the major pitfalls of owning a V12 other than the standard cost of ownership issues. I mean, was there anything that was/is a chronic problem with the V12 driveline? I have the M119 in my car and it is a great engine. Largely, there are very little problems with the engine to my knowledge (harnesses not withstanding). The V12 is much more complex, so I would like to know if it suffers from issues due to it's complexity, or does it enjoy the robustness of other Mercedes from the same generation?
I would appreciate any feedback. I am fishing at this point, but depending on what I learn, I may quickly act on my impulses!!!
HLG600....your comments were muchly appreciated BTW.
My question is to experienced W129 owners, and it is this:
What are the major pitfalls of owning a V12 other than the standard cost of ownership issues. I mean, was there anything that was/is a chronic problem with the V12 driveline? I have the M119 in my car and it is a great engine. Largely, there are very little problems with the engine to my knowledge (harnesses not withstanding). The V12 is much more complex, so I would like to know if it suffers from issues due to it's complexity, or does it enjoy the robustness of other Mercedes from the same generation?
I would appreciate any feedback. I am fishing at this point, but depending on what I learn, I may quickly act on my impulses!!!
HLG600....your comments were muchly appreciated BTW.
Last edited by ShanMan; Dec 7, 2007 at 04:24 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
Glad to be of help. Like I said, the M120 is pretty much bulletproof, and the main issues are with the electrical components. With the wiring harnesses, I believe the earlier moder 600's were plagued with this issues. The major mechanical difference, aside from exterior and interior revisions, in '96 was the addition of a driver-adaptive 5SP automatic, replacing the 4SP. I have read about some transmission issues in the '96 model, but none so far in the '97 models onward. Upwards of 100K miles is when the ADS generally begins to wear out, requiring a major PITA repair. Yet, overall, it is a very enjoyable automobile, and a real vault on the road.
