SL/R129: 1996-1998 SL500 Owners: Happy?
11-14-2012, 07:15 PM
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1996-1998 SL500 Owners: Happy?
I've been looking for a CLK430 for some time now, but recently stumbled on the SL500, specifically the years 1996-1998, as I've read those are the best of the best.
Considering they fall right in around my price range, I'm seriously thinking about picking one up over the CLK.
What I'm wondering is, are you guys happy with your car? Has it been mostly a positive ownership? Pleasure to drive? Reliable? etc....
Appreciate some feedback!
Considering they fall right in around my price range, I'm seriously thinking about picking one up over the CLK.
What I'm wondering is, are you guys happy with your car? Has it been mostly a positive ownership? Pleasure to drive? Reliable? etc....
Appreciate some feedback!
11-14-2012, 07:45 PM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
no experience with CLK ownership, but I enjoy the current Benz toy. Since I don't drive special cars long distances nor park in lots ( any more ) the daily driver is not a concept I can speak to. The SL600 has been great, but it has tarnished my relationship with Benz because of the "Wiring Harness issue". No great loss to them but I will not likely buy new from them. I have more fun with finding a neglected older car and bringing it back to worthy! most have been European. Good luck with your pursuit!
11-14-2012, 07:59 PM
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Does the wiring harness issue relate to the SL500 as well, or is that an SL600 specific problem?
What are the warning signs I should look for?
What are the warning signs I should look for?
11-14-2012, 08:44 PM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
several models, and other manufactures however the time span is early 90's In the R129 the 93-95 have been all of the problems. The insulation, with heat and age, crumbles when moved. The harnesses we replaced have small cracks around the girth of a wire and in a bundle the "voltage leak" and cross-talk would give nonsense code readings. The problem shows up with multi warning lights and LHM.
In the year you are considering look out for transmission and RST hydraulics issues. A note from an old collector, cars don't get better with age!
In the year you are considering look out for transmission and RST hydraulics issues. A note from an old collector, cars don't get better with age!
11-14-2012, 08:48 PM
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Ok, good info to know for sure. Thanks!
I'm checking out a '96 tomorrow, may or may not be the one.. but I'm going to keep an eye out for a '98 since those seem to be spared the wiring issues.
As far as the convertible top goes.. I'm not too, too concerned because honestly I'm more of a hard top kind of guy anyway. I would definitely like to drive up the coast with the top down, don't get me wrong.. but most days the hard top will be on there.
I'm checking out a '96 tomorrow, may or may not be the one.. but I'm going to keep an eye out for a '98 since those seem to be spared the wiring issues.
As far as the convertible top goes.. I'm not too, too concerned because honestly I'm more of a hard top kind of guy anyway. I would definitely like to drive up the coast with the top down, don't get me wrong.. but most days the hard top will be on there.
11-28-2012, 03:04 PM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
If I lived in an area with "entitled" citizens, I would worry about a bystander interacting badly with my top down cars. To date, my only bad events have been from grateful cats leaving the catch of the day in or about the vehicle! My hard top has only been used during protracted visits to the mechanic and wife "forced the roof" summer road trip.
12-05-2012, 07:40 PM
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1997 sl500 83 Elcamino 05 Caddie
I've been looking for a CLK430 for some time now, but recently stumbled on the SL500, specifically the years 1996-1998, as I've read those are the best of the best.
Considering they fall right in around my price range, I'm seriously thinking about picking one up over the CLK.
What I'm wondering is, are you guys happy with your car? Has it been mostly a positive ownership? Pleasure to drive? Reliable? etc....
Appreciate some feedback!
Considering they fall right in around my price range, I'm seriously thinking about picking one up over the CLK.
What I'm wondering is, are you guys happy with your car? Has it been mostly a positive ownership? Pleasure to drive? Reliable? etc....
Appreciate some feedback!
I have a 97 and I still get off every time I let her loose. Any problems I have had were self induced. She is the best bang for the buck for me.
I sold my 98 Boxster S to get mine and would do it again.
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12-08-2012, 02:21 PM
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1996 SL500
If I lived in an area with "entitled" citizens, I would worry about a bystander interacting badly with my top down cars. To date, my only bad events have been from grateful cats leaving the catch of the day in or about the vehicle! My hard top has only been used during protracted visits to the mechanic and wife "forced the roof" summer road trip.
12-10-2012, 03:48 PM
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1992 400E, 1997 SL500, 2009 R350, 1977 Ericson 32
If I lived in an area with "entitled" citizens, I would worry about a bystander interacting badly with my top down cars. To date, my only bad events have been from grateful cats leaving the catch of the day in or about the vehicle! My hard top has only been used during protracted visits to the mechanic and wife "forced the roof" summer road trip.
12-13-2012, 10:15 AM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
anyone who feels they can do anything they want, without regard to others around them. The earlier cluster is a good example, but not the one I had in mind! Kansas Farm folks are a respectful lot.
Kansas Farm folks are a respectful lot.
