SL/R129: Considering parting out an SL600
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,058
Likes: 342
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
The SL500 comes with ASR and ESP starting in MY98. Please see http://www.mbusa.com/overview/1998/S...ccClassCode=SL
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
I then spoke with several Indy's before I finalized my decision. Each told me how much more it costs to maintain the 600. I simply believed them. That was good enough for me. Since then I've had guys ask me how much it costs to replace a 600's all leather sun visor. I think he said $600.00 vs. $200.00 for a SL500. And the list goes on of guys that have early model 600's trying to understand there ADS in order to DIY repair. Because there are not many 600's it is difficult to find DIY information to help other forum members. As it is the replacement parts are pretty expensive for both cars. But as the 600 ages I think you will see how much more difficult it will be to find the parts or fix the little things inexpensively.
When someone asks which R129 car I think they should buy my answer is simple. A 99-02 low mileage SL500 with the SL2 option package. Both cars are going to end up having hydraulic cylinder problems so check the soft top system multiple times for functionality.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 9
From: Daytona, Florida
SL600
When I was trying to decide on the purchase of a used R129 I drove six used R129 cars on the same Saturday. Three 600's and three 500's. I took all of them on the freeway and used the ADS system on three. I was not impressed with any of the 600's and the torque that every 600 owner seems to talk about. But I did enjoy the M113 wide torque range of 339 lbs @ 2700 - 4500 RPM. It's smooth. Note: all had door check strap noise problems.
I then spoke with several Indy's before I finalized my decision. Each told me how much more it costs to maintain the 600. I simply believed them. That was good enough for me. Since then I've had guys ask me how much it costs to replace a 600's all leather sun visor. I think he said $600.00 vs. $200.00 for a SL500. And the list goes on of guys that have early model 600's trying to understand there ADS in order to DIY repair. Because there are not many 600's it is difficult to find DIY information to help other forum members. As it is the replacement parts are pretty expensive for both cars. But as the 600 ages I think you will see how much more difficult it will be to find the parts or fix the little things inexpensively.
When someone asks which R129 car I think they should buy my answer is simple. A 99-02 low mileage SL500 with the SL2 option package. Both cars are going to end up having hydraulic cylinder problems so check the soft top system multiple times for functionality.
I then spoke with several Indy's before I finalized my decision. Each told me how much more it costs to maintain the 600. I simply believed them. That was good enough for me. Since then I've had guys ask me how much it costs to replace a 600's all leather sun visor. I think he said $600.00 vs. $200.00 for a SL500. And the list goes on of guys that have early model 600's trying to understand there ADS in order to DIY repair. Because there are not many 600's it is difficult to find DIY information to help other forum members. As it is the replacement parts are pretty expensive for both cars. But as the 600 ages I think you will see how much more difficult it will be to find the parts or fix the little things inexpensively.
When someone asks which R129 car I think they should buy my answer is simple. A 99-02 low mileage SL500 with the SL2 option package. Both cars are going to end up having hydraulic cylinder problems so check the soft top system multiple times for functionality.
There's not really much I can do to defend that system. It's over-complicated, $3k to repair when it breaks, and it WILL eventually break. To be honest, it remains my chief reservation about owning the 600 vs. the 500.
My dad's 500 definitely rides rougher, but is hardly bone-jarring. It was a lot better when he had Michelin PS2's on it, but then he got sick of getting <10k miles between tire changes and put falkens on, which roughened up the ride. Even now, I am not sure the additional headache of dealing with the ADS is worth the improvement in ride quality. I also have wondered what one of those leather sun visors costs, and I guess now I know. I think I am going to put "do not touch" signs on them. Lol.
I always have pretty good luck with interior plastic, though. I usually go 50% on tint all the way around, including the windshield (ya I know it's illegal), on my cars...so the interiors don't really age. You'd be shocked at how much of what goes wrong inside the car is the result of sun-damage that you don't even notice. UV and solar heating is responsible for 99.9% of interior aging, and especially plastic...it wreaks total havoc with the plastic.
I am about to get the tint redone on the SL though...It just looks too dark on this car, both because it's silver and because you can't tint the back plastic windows on the soft-top. So, when the hard top is off it just magnifies how dark it is, as does the paint color. I am at 50% now and am going to have it redone with 70%, probably next weekend.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,058
Likes: 342
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
Although I have never driven an SL500, I have put some miles on a W220 S500, whose numbers are very comparable to the R129 SL. Granted, the M113 is a smooth motor with a great sound to it, and has an enjoyable powerband to play with, but comparing the two, there is a rather noticeable difference between the M113 and the M120. Downshift both into 2nd gear at 50mph...while the 500 lurches forward the 600 snaps forward almost violently.
However, the 500 is lighter up front and with a standard suspension setup, would feel sportier and grippier on a winding road. Both are brilliant cars really, just depends on whether you're on the highway much.
