SL/R129: Need feedback on '96 SL500
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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Need feedback on '96 SL500
Hello Guys,
A very nice 1996 Sl500 has come up for sale in my area, it has 92k and is in immaculate condition. I might make an offer but want to get some feedback first. I currently own a 500E and C36 that both have the 4 spd trans that it pretty much bulletproof. I have heard horror stories about the '97+ C36's that utilize the updated 5spd, I was curious to know if this was the same trans in the Sl500 I am looking at? He did let me know the A/C compressor is in need of replacement and the convertible top has a few issues. I have always loved the R129's, so please give me your honest feedback. Oh and he states it has factory Xenon and heated seats, was the Xenon even an option then?
Thx!
A very nice 1996 Sl500 has come up for sale in my area, it has 92k and is in immaculate condition. I might make an offer but want to get some feedback first. I currently own a 500E and C36 that both have the 4 spd trans that it pretty much bulletproof. I have heard horror stories about the '97+ C36's that utilize the updated 5spd, I was curious to know if this was the same trans in the Sl500 I am looking at? He did let me know the A/C compressor is in need of replacement and the convertible top has a few issues. I have always loved the R129's, so please give me your honest feedback. Oh and he states it has factory Xenon and heated seats, was the Xenon even an option then?
Thx!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
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From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
So, is the price 3-5K??? Top issues I have repaired for less than $1K but the controllers , back window nor canvas were not renewed, and A/C compressor replacement would be a dealer ( Indy ) redo that would be 3-5K. Xenon are nice but also expensive to R&R. I am not certain of the year they were a MB/dealer option.
Right price it could be good, too much and you would be like lots of us, in the world of "love-hate"
Good luck
Right price it could be good, too much and you would be like lots of us, in the world of "love-hate"
Good luck
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
1996 SL500
Sorry this is a late response; hope it still helps.
Anyway, yes, there is a lot of angst about the 5-speed gearboxes in the 96-97 SL's... I have a 96 with 137,000 miles on it, and it did indeed have a problem when it refused to shift out of 2nd gear (reverse, neutral, continued to work fine). As it turned out, transmission fluid had sneaked its way up into a solenoid and needed replacing... I had all of them replaced at roughly $30 each, but the job overall was near $1,000.
This was definitely money (but not MONEY) as far as I was concerned, and nothing I got bent out of shape about, because the car has been absolutely solid otherwise.
Another family member has a 97 E420 (almost identical transmission) and it has been absolutely flawless for 5 years and 50,000 miles... although it has always had less refinement when cold than the SL (shifting into 2nd hard if the throttle is just so -- this happens once every 4 months -- barely worth mentioning).
There might be cause to be concerned, but my feeling is that almost every 96-97 SL has now reached an age and mileage where fundamental transmission problems will have reared their ugly head, and either be evident in a test drive, or have been fixed by the previous owner. In other words, its worth checking on, but don't obsess it... finding a good SL that has been loved and is in the specification you want is the best advice, and just keep a bit of money for those occasional issues.
Also, yes, the Xenon was a $1,000 option; not sure about the similarities in transmissions with the C36's - perhaps a part number check would clear that up.
Anyway, yes, there is a lot of angst about the 5-speed gearboxes in the 96-97 SL's... I have a 96 with 137,000 miles on it, and it did indeed have a problem when it refused to shift out of 2nd gear (reverse, neutral, continued to work fine). As it turned out, transmission fluid had sneaked its way up into a solenoid and needed replacing... I had all of them replaced at roughly $30 each, but the job overall was near $1,000.
This was definitely money (but not MONEY) as far as I was concerned, and nothing I got bent out of shape about, because the car has been absolutely solid otherwise.
Another family member has a 97 E420 (almost identical transmission) and it has been absolutely flawless for 5 years and 50,000 miles... although it has always had less refinement when cold than the SL (shifting into 2nd hard if the throttle is just so -- this happens once every 4 months -- barely worth mentioning).
There might be cause to be concerned, but my feeling is that almost every 96-97 SL has now reached an age and mileage where fundamental transmission problems will have reared their ugly head, and either be evident in a test drive, or have been fixed by the previous owner. In other words, its worth checking on, but don't obsess it... finding a good SL that has been loved and is in the specification you want is the best advice, and just keep a bit of money for those occasional issues.
Also, yes, the Xenon was a $1,000 option; not sure about the similarities in transmissions with the C36's - perhaps a part number check would clear that up.
