ChrisB

I note on other forums that I visit, that there are frequently questions on mechanical reliability from people looking to buy a used R129.

I have only owned ours for 1 year, so can not offer much feedback except that the 14,000 Km (8,680 miles) we have put on between 38,000 Km and 52,000 Km (23,560 to 32240 miles) had been trouble free.

When we went in for regular maintenance (brought on by our buying the extended warrantee) they found that an air mass sencor needed to be replaced. I had no idea.

Can other owner's give some feedback on long term, higher mileage maintenance records?

What the sales people told us was that the SL500 is a extreemly good car as long as regular sceduled maintenance is done.

Driver55er

That's good to know. I am in the market for another ragtop since my car was stolen a couple of months ago. I am interested in either a used sl 500 or 600 or a M3 convert. In fact there are two cars in the paper today both 98's 500 and 600 sport for 40 and 42k respectively. Any comments on a choice between the two? Can you explain what the panoramic roof is? Is this an additional roof in lieu of the reg?
Thanks,
Adam

ChrisB

An interesting link to find year over year changes in what is called the R129 SL series.

I was happy to buy the 1999 because of the new motor that year plus subtle styling changes.

http://www.mbfans.net/models/sl-class/sl_history.html

I can'y speak for the SL 600. More power of course, that would be fun I imagine. $ 2 K difference in price seems to be a good deal.

Some say the SL 600 is a it front heavy and dificult to steer through twisty roads.

The 3 series BMW is too small for my liking. The two seater roadster never seems as small.

Oh yes, the panorama roof was an option wnere the removable hardtop is 90% glass rather than sheet metal. A huge noon roof with a retractable sun shade.

Someone (from Vegas I seem to recall) on this forum has no use for their panorama roof and is trying to get rid of it.