CharlestonN

I am looking into buying a 129 chassis SL600, preferably a 1995, anyone have a certain year they recommend or any other bits of advice before i make a decision?

lynns

Please take a look at MY99-02 that way you get the latest body refinements, etc. Realize that the newer you get the less likely it will be that you will be replacing ADS system components. Please stay away from older models especially 93-95 due to engine wiring harness deterioration.

Ask yourself why it is that you want a V12 when both cars go 0-60 in 6.1 secs. and there is such a huge maintanence difference unless you DIY.

HLG600

Not necessarily. I believe it was Car & Driver that clocked the 600 at 5.4 seconds to sixty. In my rather inaccurate stopwatch tests, I generally hit a bit over 5 seconds.

Although the 500 is indeed a powerful automobile, the difference is certainly noticeable on the highway. Also, the powertrain is practically grenade-proof, so the noticeable areas of increased regular service is a couple extra quarts of oil every 5K miles. However, one difference where maintenance is less costly is that the 500 doesn't have that pesky ADS system, which tends to generate issues around 100K miles, or so I have read.

To the OP, this question has already been addressed several times in the forum, so you could run a search to find some detailed posts. As for year preference, it's largely a difference of opinion. In my research prior to buying the car, I have come across numerous sources saying that the MY1997 is arguably the best. MY1998 is also very similar to the '97, with the only differences being an updated steering wheel and a service display.

With a MY1995, the key mechanical difference is a 4SP automatic in place of the 5SP in the later models. Cosmetic differences include slightly different exterior bodywork, and a different interior. The wiring harness issues have also been something that plagued the earlier models, but aside from that, I have seen numerous high-mileage examples running strong. The most important thing in purchasing one of these automobiles is having a detailed service record, so keep that in mind when shopping around.

Happy Hunting.

CharlestonN

Thanks, very helpful

So the 96 is the earliest model to have the 5 speed?

Got any pictures of the difference in interior and bodywork you can show me?

HLG600

That is correct, the 5SP was introduced in '96.

1995 SL600:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=2567

1998 SL600:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=2437

CharlestonN

Thanks man, i am going to go with a 97 since it has the panorama roof

I found a mint condition black 97 SL600 only 30 miles from where i live and the guy is selling it for $20K, it also comes with the 18" chrome AMG mono blocks

Going to go check it out some time this week, wish meh luck

HLG600

If the mileage is decent, then that sounds like a solid find.

CharlestonN

It has 45K on the ODO

BANANA

Sounds like a good car. As an owner of every single model sl i have to say that the 500 is the best all rounder. it is almost as quick as the 600 from a stand still and delivers better fuel economy. it also feels sportier and sounds better too in my opinion. the 600 is faster at highway speeds, and has a nicer hand stitched dash as well as more wood on the armrest. my advice to you is buy a 500 but if you really really want a v12 buy a 96 onwards car.

HLG600

If the 500 was let's say, 7-10K less expensive than 600, I probably would have picked one up and spent the difference with some creative upgrades. However, even in 2005 when I picked this car up, the price difference was almost nonexistent with comparable years and mileages. Although I am not really a fan of ADS, and would prefer a standard setup, the motor alone sold me on the car.