I currently own a 2000 C230 Kompressor. It has the 5 spd auto with Tiptronic (I know that's a BMW term but I'm not sure what MB calls it) and it has the electronic ignition key.

I just found a pristine 2000 SL 500 in Silver/Ash with the AMG Sport Package, 52k miles, not a scratch on it. But I was disapointed to find out that it didn't have the auto/stick and it had the blade type igniton key.

Were these options on the SL or were they not offered on the SL in 2000? Seems to me a high line car like that would have had the latest in technology MB had to offer.

I'm still considering buying the SL, but I've gotten so used to these two features on my C230k, that it would feel like a step backwards without them.

Thanks for any input.




Go ahead.... ask me about my Glocks.....

 

The blade key first came out in 1997, for the 1998 Benz models...except for the R129's. Mercedes kept building them for 5 more years, through 2002, and never put the new-style keys in it. I don't know why, seems pretty stupid to me too.

As to the tiptronic-style shifter, that was another thing that never came on the R129s. That, however, I don't miss. They don't do anything differently anyway, since it's still a fully automatic gearbox, not a computer-controlled manual like in the Ferrarri F1 editions, or BMW's SMG system. Personally I like having the car do the work for me.

 

Yea, I know what you're saying. For the most part I leave it auto mode too. It's just nice to be able to downshift when I get into the the mountains & the twisties to get that little extra response.

Thanks for the info!

P.S.: The car looks just like yours except for the 2 pc rims, Beautiful!

 

Believe me, the R129 will be anything but a step backwards from a C230. Personally, I love the blade key, and it light clicking whoosh it makes just before you slide it into the ignition. The gear layout is also better than newer unit, as you physically downshift, as opposed to just tapping a lever.

In the newer models, Mercedes referred to it as Touch Shift, and AMG's variant was labeled Speed Shift. Tiptronic is Audi/Porsche; BMW calls it Steptronic. They are all different names for the same Manumatic style transmission.

 

I knew it was "xxx-tronic something", thanks for the correction.

I got to admit, the electronic key thing is more snobish than anything, people look at it and wonder how you start the car with it. I was just suprised to find out that it was included in a baseline model but not the SL. But bottom line, a key is a key.

I only got to drive the car for about 2 miles on level surface streets. I realize it will be quite a performance/handling upgrade over the C230k. I just can't wait to get it up over some of the Sierra passes before it starts to snow....

 

Is there a way to tell if the car has the optional Adaptive Damping Suspension, IE dash lights, switches, etc...? I could run a VIN check but I forgot to get the VIN.

Thanks.....

 

There would be a switch/button near the hazard lights that would stiffen the suspension when activated. Not sure if this is also standard with the ADS but there would also be another switch/button near the headlight knob. This will raise the ride height by two settings.

As for the key thing, I personally think the newer key was never implemented to the r129 because the car is rather old. The design was introduced in the late 80's and I guess it wasn't economical to change the key setup. Despite that, they at least implemented the "quick start"... just twist the key briefly and the car will start up (unlike older cars, where you have to hold the key for it to start up).

 

Now is the time to buy these cars, with a boat load of deals floating about, and an awful time to sell, as I have been learning. You can truly appreciate the car at speed, or through a windy road with the top down. Post up some photos when you pick it up.

 

I have a 2000 SL500 which is also known as an R129.068 chassis M113.961 engine 722.624 (W5A580) transmission 765.907 steering

Engine: 303 cid/4,966-cc SOHC 24-valve V-8 high pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block and heads.
SMFI: Sequential multi-port fuel injection, ME-SFI 2.0 = Motor Electronics -Sequential Fuel Injection, two plugs/cylinder (Bosch F8DC4)
Net Power: 302hp @ 5,600 RPM
Net Torque: 339lb-ft @ 2,700-4,500 RPM
Compression: 10:1
Transmission: Driver-adaptive electronic 5-speed with Summer/Winter(starts in second gear)
Rear axle ratio: 2.65:1
Curb weight (lbs.): 4125
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.1 Seconds
1/4 mile (E.T.): 14.5 seconds @ 97.2 MPH
Top speed: 155 mph
Fuel capacity (gal.): 21.1
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy/avg (MPG): 16/23/20
Bose Accoustmass seven speaker 200W system with speed-dependent volume control.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Heated Outside Mirrors
Rain Sensing Wipers

SL500 Package Options

SL1 Sport Package ($4,995)

AMG designed sculpted lower body aerodynamic enhancements, to include:
Front apron with mesh air intake, two seperate tow hook covers
Contoured rear apron
Sculpted side skirts with Sport emblem
Halogen projector-beam front foglamps
245/40ZR18 front and 275/35ZR18 rear, low profile high-performance tires 33/36 PSI
8.5Jx18" front and 9.5Jx18" rear, staggered-width AMG I 5-spoke monoblock alloy wheels
$780(part #66031008) front and rear $830(part #66031009)
Front offset 25 mm & Rear offset 23 mm, with 5x112 mm bolt pattern

Note: Suspension and steering calibrations are unchanged by the Sport Package.

SL2 Value Added Package ($1,820)

Xenon headlights w/ automatic level control w/o headlight washer/wiper
Integrated trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer, OEM p/n 0028207989 model# MC3198, CD magazine p/n 0028206289
Electrically heated seats

Special Order Options
Wood and leather trimmed shift knob
Wood and leather sterring wheel ($1,800)
Multicontour Seats ($710)
Panorama glass roof p/n 1297902540 ($3,695)
Adaptive Damping Suspension System (ADS) approx. $4K-$5K

 

Take the car to an Indy and pay him $100.00 to check it out prior to purchase. Make sure to remove the Hard Top and raise/lower the Soft Top 3-5 times just to make sure that there are no hydraulic oil leaks. Check the door strap stays for noise. Drive the car between 55-75 MPH and check for ANY vibrations. You may need a tire balance, alignment, or you could have a bent rim or a tire with a flat spot. Typically these are never really checked.

 

Please read 2002 SL500 with ADS option. and Please read these combined topics and R129 soft top 'Hydraulic System' ultimate thread and Hydraulic system fluid flush and renew