SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: 320 vs 500

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Old Mar 9, 2011 | 07:32 PM
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irishattorney's Avatar
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SL 55 AMG
320 vs 500

Hi,

I am looking for a R129, either 320 or 500.

With these cars being 15 years old, how are the two holding up? Either better with maintenance? last longer?

What are the opinions on these two cars?
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:43 AM
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V8, Flat 6, V6, & Turbo flat 4
Originally Posted by irishattorney
Hi,

I am looking for a R129, either 320 or 500.

With these cars being 15 years old, how are the two holding up? Either better with maintenance? last longer?

What are the opinions on these two cars?
If you're not worried about gas mileage, I would go with the 500. The V8 motor if properly maintained is amazing and will last forever. I have seen more issues with the V6 motors than the V8.
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 12:08 PM
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From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Since you already have the muscle version SL in a new style, the six may make a nice addition. As you already know past service and owner care is everything.
In a past contact, you asked about the 12, so am assuming you found no good answer with the M120. My experience has been positive with the M119 and have not owned a six in the modern area (280SL in the 80"s but that level of complication was all my mechanical talents could wrap around! )
Good luck with your hunt
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 03:29 PM
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Don't think any USA R129s were sold with V6 engine.
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by lkchris
Don't think any USA R129s were sold with V6 engine.
Yes V6 option was offered in early '90s.
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by kostas86
Yes V6 option was offered in early '90s.
Mercedes didn't make a V6 on anything until 1998. The I6 was offered on the 129 from 1990 to 1997, at which point 129 sixes were discontinued (U.S.).
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by deanyel
Mercedes didn't make a V6 on anything until 1998. The I6 was offered on the 129 from 1990 to 1997, at which point 129 sixes were discontinued (U.S.).
That's what I meant.
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Old Mar 10, 2011 | 10:51 PM
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I agree with SRHsl600 . I absolutely love my I-6. It's got more than enough get-up-and-go with better fuel economy than the 8. If I keep my foot out of it I get 22 mpg. Of course I don't know of anyone with any 3 versions of this car that keeps their foot out of it. Why when you can have fun and who cares about the mileage.
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 06:56 AM
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The 500 is the way to go, it can hold it's own against almost anything at the traffic lights as long as the BD Sequence is used. Looks sexy, hard, soft or no top on. It can be expensive to maintain, but like a beautiful woman it's a pleasure to spend your hard earned on.
Attached Thumbnails 320 vs 500-img_2707.jpg  
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