SL/R129: Thinking about moving into a R129 from a W203
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,147
Likes: 2
From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
Thinking about moving into a R129 from a W203
Has anyone here done the same? Or possibly an owner of both? Or have driven both and can give me an idea of what i may be in for as far as the differences?
One thing that i loved about my last/first car (Acura Vigor), is that I hardly ever saw one on the road. What i hate about the W203 is that they're everywhere.
Anyway, i'm looking at late models ('97+). The R129 chassis is around 20 years old now and i'm just wondering if i'm making the best choice by going to a newer model to a much older one. I realize that the SL and C are on two separate planes.
I will be keeping the W203, so the SL would just be an addition to the stable. Basically it's down to these, a late model R129, a W209 (500 or 55), or an SLK32 if I can find one.
One thing that i loved about my last/first car (Acura Vigor), is that I hardly ever saw one on the road. What i hate about the W203 is that they're everywhere.
Anyway, i'm looking at late models ('97+). The R129 chassis is around 20 years old now and i'm just wondering if i'm making the best choice by going to a newer model to a much older one. I realize that the SL and C are on two separate planes.
I will be keeping the W203, so the SL would just be an addition to the stable. Basically it's down to these, a late model R129, a W209 (500 or 55), or an SLK32 if I can find one.
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
2006 Aston Martin Vantage
With a '99+, you get a more modern, curvier side mirrors vs the boxy ones from the older models. The steering wheel is updated in appearance as well (for the better? that is arguable).
The AMG appearance package helps disguising the age of the car (to me at least). It just looks that much better when compared next to a car without the package. Since this is an old model, it might be worth pointing out that the AMG package consists of AMG front and rear bumpers, AMG side-skirts and staggered AMG wheels. Having staggered wheels is "important" to keep the rear wheels flush with the body (stock wheels actually recess into the body a bit and looks "ugly").
HIDs really help out for night driving with this model car. My experiences with the halogen lights on a '91 500SL and a '95 SL600 is the main basis for suggesting HIDS. They just had poor light output. The HIDs at least put the light output on the same level as halogen projector lights, more or less.
This might not be the advice you are looking for but thought I would mention these points as they may crop up after buying a car without the AMG package or HID lights.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,147
Likes: 2
From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
I don't have much input on most of your post except for what I quoted. If appearance is a concern, I suggest looking at the '99 and up WITH the AMG appearance package and HID headlights.
With a '99+, you get a more modern, curvier side mirrors vs the boxy ones from the older models. The steering wheel is updated in appearance as well (for the better? that is arguable).
The AMG appearance package helps disguising the age of the car (to me at least). It just looks that much better when compared next to a car without the package. Since this is an old model, it might be worth pointing out that the AMG package consists of AMG front and rear bumpers, AMG side-skirts and staggered AMG wheels. Having staggered wheels is "important" to keep the rear wheels flush with the body (stock wheels actually recess into the body a bit and looks "ugly").
HIDs really help out for night driving with this model car. My experiences with the halogen lights on a '91 500SL and a '95 SL600 is the main basis for suggesting HIDS. They just had poor light output. The HIDs at least put the light output on the same level as halogen projector lights, more or less.
This might not be the advice you are looking for but thought I would mention these points as they may crop up after buying a car without the AMG package or HID lights.
With a '99+, you get a more modern, curvier side mirrors vs the boxy ones from the older models. The steering wheel is updated in appearance as well (for the better? that is arguable).
The AMG appearance package helps disguising the age of the car (to me at least). It just looks that much better when compared next to a car without the package. Since this is an old model, it might be worth pointing out that the AMG package consists of AMG front and rear bumpers, AMG side-skirts and staggered AMG wheels. Having staggered wheels is "important" to keep the rear wheels flush with the body (stock wheels actually recess into the body a bit and looks "ugly").
HIDs really help out for night driving with this model car. My experiences with the halogen lights on a '91 500SL and a '95 SL600 is the main basis for suggesting HIDS. They just had poor light output. The HIDs at least put the light output on the same level as halogen projector lights, more or less.
This might not be the advice you are looking for but thought I would mention these points as they may crop up after buying a car without the AMG package or HID lights.
