SL/R129: Upgrading
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
1982 MB 380SL
Upgrading
I presently own a 1982 beautiful 380SL (my fun car or tou as my wife says) and am thinking of moving up to a older R129.
Any suggestions and or cautions?
Are the early 90 cars problematic and are there years I should stay away from?
Thanks
Any suggestions and or cautions?
Are the early 90 cars problematic and are there years I should stay away from?
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 1
From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
If you're going to buy a six-cylinder model, stay away from the '90-'93 300SLs. Instead go for the '94 and newer SL320. If you want a V8, go for '92 and newer 500SL/SL500. The best ones are the '99 and newer SL500s with the new generation engine design. Stay away from the V12 600SL/SL600 altogether, unless you have a lot of money for repairs. On older SLs, check for oil leaks (almost guaranteed to have several). Also, check the front shock absorber top bushings for cracks. If the bushing breaks, the shock absorber will come through the hood, not a pleasant sight. Some SL320s have head gasket leaks at the right rear corner of the cylinder head.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1985 380 SL 2001 SL 500 2007 E350 Sport 2008 T & C Ltd.
Solid advice. I've got an '01 SL500 and couldn't be happier. (Still can't see clear to give up my '85 380, though.)
My mechanic gives block a 'bulletproof' rating if they're cared for properly. Budget a couple of grand a year to keep everything in good working order.
My mechanic gives block a 'bulletproof' rating if they're cared for properly. Budget a couple of grand a year to keep everything in good working order.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
The best years for the R129 SL model are from 96-98. In 1999, MB began to slightly cut corners with build quality. The 500 model motor was converted from the 4V per cylinder to 3V per cylinder, resulting in less power. Prior to 1996, the transmission was a 4 spd unit which was upgraded to a 5 spd in 1996+ models. Although the reliablilty of the 600 was a concern when I was searching for one, the other owners on this forum run many hard miles into them without problem. At 38K miles, my motor runs flawlessly (knock on wood). Repairs can be costly, but it appears as though the M120 V12 is rock solid. Regardless of the year, be sure to have a MB Professional overlook the vehicle and also run a background check. Search the R129 SL forum for more information.
Also, a fellow member brought to my attention a link to a very good writeup on the R129 SL. Check it out and good luck.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/
Also, a fellow member brought to my attention a link to a very good writeup on the R129 SL. Check it out and good luck.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/
Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: UK - south east
'93 SL500
If you can work on your car and have plenty of cash think 600 - if not 500 definitely. Good advice here in this thread, pay attention!
check door locks all round,
stay AWAY from self levelling suspension
check soft top + hard top all lock/unlock
+'92 for 500 (LH or above injection)
check air con
check viscous fan coupling (300GBP to replace)
Lea
check door locks all round,
stay AWAY from self levelling suspension
check soft top + hard top all lock/unlock
+'92 for 500 (LH or above injection)
check air con
check viscous fan coupling (300GBP to replace)
Lea
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
97 SL-500, 05 Ford Expedition, 98 Maxima
Originally Posted by HLG600
The best years for the R129 SL model are from 96-98. In 1999, MB began to slightly cut corners with build quality. The 500 model motor was converted from the 4V per cylinder to 3V per cylinder, resulting in less power. Prior to 1996, the transmission was a 4 spd unit which was upgraded to a 5 spd in 1996+ models. Although the reliablilty of the 600 was a concern when I was searching for one, the other owners on this forum run many hard miles into them without problem. At 38K miles, my motor runs flawlessly (knock on wood). Repairs can be costly, but it appears as though the M120 V12 is rock solid. Regardless of the year, be sure to have a MB Professional overlook the vehicle and also run a background check. Search the R129 SL forum for more information.
Also, a fellow member brought to my attention a link to a very good writeup on the R129 SL. Check it out and good luck.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/
Also, a fellow member brought to my attention a link to a very good writeup on the R129 SL. Check it out and good luck.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1985 380 SL 2001 SL 500 2007 E350 Sport 2008 T & C Ltd.
Is Rockwell **** or what. Very impressive. I found his pages on a search a while ago. I can't believe where this guy gets the time to research everything in such detail...and I guess he's a photographer for a living. Maybe he doesn't sleep.
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Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Alabama (USA)
1996 SL600 - 100% Stock
Eh?
Originally Posted by LeaUK
If you can work on your car and have plenty of cash think 600 - if not 500 definitely. Good advice here in this thread, pay attention!
check door locks all round,
stay AWAY from self levelling suspension
check soft top + hard top all lock/unlock
+'92 for 500 (LH or above injection)
check air con
check viscous fan coupling (300GBP to replace)
Lea
check door locks all round,
stay AWAY from self levelling suspension
check soft top + hard top all lock/unlock
+'92 for 500 (LH or above injection)
check air con
check viscous fan coupling (300GBP to replace)
Lea
tipds
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
I believe Lea was saying that because they are costly to repair, not because they perform poorly. I have it on my 600, and it is a pretty cool feature. But the ride is still somewhat harsh, and nowhere near as smooth as my Dad's S Class 4Matic. But I guess that's all part of the sports car feel. Absolutely incredible on well paved roads...but a ***** on the poorly maintained roads. 
