SL/R129: Which is the better build? R129 or R230?
06-21-2010, 05:04 PM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Which is the better build? R129 or R230?
So at one time in my life, I owned a '99 SL 600. Was the most charming and beautiful car I owned...
Until someone hit me and totaled it.
I'm kicking around the idea of picking up another V12, but I'm curious as to which is the better choice. Yes, I know the R230 V12 can annihilate the older NA motor on power alone, but which is a better build?
I really felt secure in the R129 chassis. Any opinions? Is the jump from $20K to $40K worth it for the new model?
Until someone hit me and totaled it.
I'm kicking around the idea of picking up another V12, but I'm curious as to which is the better choice. Yes, I know the R230 V12 can annihilate the older NA motor on power alone, but which is a better build?
I really felt secure in the R129 chassis. Any opinions? Is the jump from $20K to $40K worth it for the new model?
06-21-2010, 07:35 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
So at one time in my life, I owned a '99 SL 600. Was the most charming and beautiful car I owned...
Until someone hit me and totaled it.
I'm kicking around the idea of picking up another V12, but I'm curious as to which is the better choice. Yes, I know the R230 V12 can annihilate the older NA motor on power alone, but which is a better build?
I really felt secure in the R129 chassis. Any opinions? Is the jump from $20K to $40K worth it for the new model?
Until someone hit me and totaled it.
I'm kicking around the idea of picking up another V12, but I'm curious as to which is the better choice. Yes, I know the R230 V12 can annihilate the older NA motor on power alone, but which is a better build?
I really felt secure in the R129 chassis. Any opinions? Is the jump from $20K to $40K worth it for the new model?
06-21-2010, 11:53 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Dallas TX
Posts: 4,846
Received 290 Likes
on
203 Posts
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The R230 is way more modern of course, but sheer build quality goes to the R129. The R129 drives like the tank it is. The early R230 models don't feel nearly as sturdy. That said the 2007+ R230 models are much better in build than the 2003-2006 models. Go for a 2007 SL600. The R129 while classic looking and charming to drive, is so old in tech and interior design. Though I can clearly see why you would want a R129, it was a fabulous car in its day. Still is.
M
M
06-22-2010, 04:56 PM
#4
Member
The R230 is way more modern of course, but sheer build quality goes to the R129. The R129 drives like the tank it is. The early R230 models don't feel nearly as sturdy. That said the 2007+ R230 models are much better in build than the 2003-2006 models. Go for a 2007 SL600. The R129 while classic looking and charming to drive, is so old in tech and interior design. Though I can clearly see why you would want a R129, it was a fabulous car in its day. Still is.
M
M
06-24-2010, 12:27 AM
#5
Super Member
The R230 is way more modern of course, but sheer build quality goes to the R129. The R129 drives like the tank it is. The early R230 models don't feel nearly as sturdy. That said the 2007+ R230 models are much better in build than the 2003-2006 models. Though I can clearly see why you would want a R129, it was a fabulous car in its day. Still is.
M
M
Sorry about your loss, but go buy another low mile 129. I'd never touch a modern Merc with a ten foot pole. (IMO as soon as Merc bought Chrysler, there cars have had some of the worst build quality in the world). Although the C63 I test drove was fun...
