SL/R129: What are the differences between a 1996 and a 1999 SL320?
11-26-2002, 06:15 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: West Covina, CA
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S60R, ML320, W211/E350
What are the differences between a 1996 and a 1999 SL320?
I always thought they looked the same since 89, but I've seen some SL that looks a little more modern...
an you guys tell me what changes were made to the SL class during it's long run... It's just minor face lifts right?
Thanks.
an you guys tell me what changes were made to the SL class during it's long run... It's just minor face lifts right?
Thanks.
11-28-2002, 02:06 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
I think the SL500 and SL320 got the new modular V8/V6 engines towards the end of their life. The SL500 engine was carried across to the R230 with only minor changes to the oil sump if I recall correctly.
A 99 SL320 will also have different shaped door mirrors, chrome surrounds to the instruments and a few other cosmetic changes. By 1999, the SL was overdue for replacement - whole generations of S and C class had been and gone in that time - and the R230 was very long in the making by modern standards - 5 years. There were two mid-life makeovers during the life of the R129 where one would now normally be the rule, as the current S and CL show. The earliest R129s had smooth bumper covers, the first makeover (about the time 500SL became SL500 - 94/95) introduced more detailing into them.
The R230 will not be around for as long as the 129 was and of course the R107 was around for 17 or 18 years by the time it was replaced. Maybe Boody Ewing's use of one in "Dallas" gave it an end of life kicker, more likely, Mercedes took their eye off the ball.
A 99 SL320 will also have different shaped door mirrors, chrome surrounds to the instruments and a few other cosmetic changes. By 1999, the SL was overdue for replacement - whole generations of S and C class had been and gone in that time - and the R230 was very long in the making by modern standards - 5 years. There were two mid-life makeovers during the life of the R129 where one would now normally be the rule, as the current S and CL show. The earliest R129s had smooth bumper covers, the first makeover (about the time 500SL became SL500 - 94/95) introduced more detailing into them.
The R230 will not be around for as long as the 129 was and of course the R107 was around for 17 or 18 years by the time it was replaced. Maybe Boody Ewing's use of one in "Dallas" gave it an end of life kicker, more likely, Mercedes took their eye off the ball.
