SL/R129: 1998 vs 1999 - which one to choose
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
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1999 SL 500
1998 vs 1999 - which one to choose
Hi all, I am in love with this car but have very big fears about buying a car with 100k mi. Engine sounds so quiet, everything works.
Should I go for it, or look for different year or miles?
Scared to hear from wife - I told you so (if it breaks in a day).
Also, not sure if I should get 1998 Black for $7.7k with 20in ghetto rims or 1999 Silver for $9k with AMG rims.
Sorry for dumb questions - really want to do it in a day but scared to death of going through with it.
Thank you
Should I go for it, or look for different year or miles?
Scared to hear from wife - I told you so (if it breaks in a day).
Also, not sure if I should get 1998 Black for $7.7k with 20in ghetto rims or 1999 Silver for $9k with AMG rims.
Sorry for dumb questions - really want to do it in a day but scared to death of going through with it.
Thank you
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 7
From: Seattle
1999 MB E430 1998 SL500
Choices
My guess is that you should choose the one that you can present to your wife the best after having it thoroughly checked out. The rims are neither here nor there at this stage. What sounds like the most important issue is the 'dumb me' situation.
First, get help getting the top off (both cars) so that you can cycle the soft top several times to see that it operates very smoothly. That is the number one glitch in R129's (SL's of 1989-2002). Past that there are a host of things that could need attention and many are quite expensive unless you collect some new friends that have found local mechanics that are familiar with the fixes. The good news is that a vast majority of systems on Mercedes are well engineered and of high quality. The worst enemy is the owner that doesn't maintain the car despite the brand. One hundred thousand miles on them means that 1/3 of the service life has been used with 200K still available according to Mercedes.
Mechanically they are 98% identical cars but the engines are different. The 1998 has the DOHC 4 valve engine in it (315 HP) and the 1999 has a SOHC 3 valve engine in it (305 HP). The 1998 and earlier have been declared a classic while the 1999's haven't right now.
Don't let the potential image keep you from doing your homework. A $200
inspection is worth it's weight in gold. Good luck.
First, get help getting the top off (both cars) so that you can cycle the soft top several times to see that it operates very smoothly. That is the number one glitch in R129's (SL's of 1989-2002). Past that there are a host of things that could need attention and many are quite expensive unless you collect some new friends that have found local mechanics that are familiar with the fixes. The good news is that a vast majority of systems on Mercedes are well engineered and of high quality. The worst enemy is the owner that doesn't maintain the car despite the brand. One hundred thousand miles on them means that 1/3 of the service life has been used with 200K still available according to Mercedes.
Mechanically they are 98% identical cars but the engines are different. The 1998 has the DOHC 4 valve engine in it (315 HP) and the 1999 has a SOHC 3 valve engine in it (305 HP). The 1998 and earlier have been declared a classic while the 1999's haven't right now.
Don't let the potential image keep you from doing your homework. A $200
inspection is worth it's weight in gold. Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 13
2006 s65. Ford Excursion 6.0. Pontiac GTO convertible. Porsche 944 Turbo SCCA car. Wife-E550 and 968
My guess is that you should choose the one that you can present to your wife the best after having it thoroughly checked out. The rims are neither here nor there at this stage. What sounds like the most important issue is the 'dumb me' situation.
First, get help getting the top off (both cars) so that you can cycle the soft top several times to see that it operates very smoothly. That is the number one glitch in R129's (SL's of 1989-2002). Past that there are a host of things that could need attention and many are quite expensive unless you collect some new friends that have found local mechanics that are familiar with the fixes. The good news is that a vast majority of systems on Mercedes are well engineered and of high quality. The worst enemy is the owner that doesn't maintain the car despite the brand. One hundred thousand miles on them means that 1/3 of the service life has been used with 200K still available according to Mercedes.
Mechanically they are 98% identical cars but the engines are different. The 1998 has the DOHC 4 valve engine in it (315 HP) and the 1999 has a SOHC 3 valve engine in it (305 HP). The 1998 and earlier have been declared a classic while the 1999's haven't right now.
Don't let the potential image keep you from doing your homework. A $200
inspection is worth it's weight in gold. Good luck.
First, get help getting the top off (both cars) so that you can cycle the soft top several times to see that it operates very smoothly. That is the number one glitch in R129's (SL's of 1989-2002). Past that there are a host of things that could need attention and many are quite expensive unless you collect some new friends that have found local mechanics that are familiar with the fixes. The good news is that a vast majority of systems on Mercedes are well engineered and of high quality. The worst enemy is the owner that doesn't maintain the car despite the brand. One hundred thousand miles on them means that 1/3 of the service life has been used with 200K still available according to Mercedes.
Mechanically they are 98% identical cars but the engines are different. The 1998 has the DOHC 4 valve engine in it (315 HP) and the 1999 has a SOHC 3 valve engine in it (305 HP). The 1998 and earlier have been declared a classic while the 1999's haven't right now.
Don't let the potential image keep you from doing your homework. A $200
inspection is worth it's weight in gold. Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
mileage is nothing to service and attention to detail. Sun and elements extract a price that can not be rolled back. In my life time these will not appreciate like the SL's of the 50-60's. Buy for the fun, not for transportation.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
1991 500SL
Is the one a Silver Arrow? Those seem to demand a premium.
Fortunately, my wife has held her tongue on the repairs. Still not perfect yet and probably never will be. But man, it's a sweet car to drive with the top down.
Fortunately, my wife has held her tongue on the repairs. Still not perfect yet and probably never will be. But man, it's a sweet car to drive with the top down.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
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1999 SL 500
Was going to pull the trigger on the silver (not Silver Arrow, just Sport), but the soft top got stuck when tried to close. It went up no problem and then didn't move down to closing position although I heard the motor making noise.
Dealer said it's an easy fix. The rest is perfect - you can't even hear the engine.
Now I am not sure if I should go through with it.
Dealer said it's an easy fix. The rest is perfect - you can't even hear the engine.
Now I am not sure if I should go through with it.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 90
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1991 500SL
See if the hydraulics are leaking. There are 12 in my 1991 but I think there are a few less in newer models.
Also check where the spare tire is to see if there is enough hydraulic fluid in the pump.
I replaced all 12 hydraulics with rebuilt ones from Top Hydraulics for $550 plus another $500 to install.
Also check where the spare tire is to see if there is enough hydraulic fluid in the pump.
I replaced all 12 hydraulics with rebuilt ones from Top Hydraulics for $550 plus another $500 to install.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 10
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1999 SL 500
hi, no, no leaks at all. he's taking it to his guy who deals with these types of cars.
at least he was nice and didn't even want to start anything or take deposits until that thing is working at 100%.
i am so happy i signed up to this forum - so many great responses!
appreciate all!
at least he was nice and didn't even want to start anything or take deposits until that thing is working at 100%.
i am so happy i signed up to this forum - so many great responses!
appreciate all!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 10
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1999 SL 500
yeah! that seems to be the issues with these by looking at all the forums.
i'll be on the lookout.
can't take prx down any more if it works - already beat him down :-) lol
if i get it, i'll take it to mercedes for diagnostics and oil change etc right away
i'll be on the lookout.
can't take prx down any more if it works - already beat him down :-) lol
if i get it, i'll take it to mercedes for diagnostics and oil change etc right away
