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I don’t know if this is the right place to post this (classifieds might be the right choice, as I am looking for a specific car to purchase), but I’m trying to track down my father’s old Benz.
I actually posted the story of this car on Jalopnik and they added it to their "Stories about the One that got Away.” Here’s the link, just in case anyone is curious: https://jalopnik.com/these-are-your-tragic-stories-of-the-one-that-got-away-1829104531 (just pop down to user Sinatra23).
My father had a 2000 SL500 Designo Slate Blue Edition for almost 10 years, and it made me the R129 nut I am today. His had relatively low mileage, and had no extra options (no SL1 or SL2) except heated seats.
I know this is a long shot, but would anyone have a lead on a Slate Blue SL500 that would be for sale? I know they didn’t make too many of them, and I’ve exhausted all my searches (I check AutoTempest at least 3 times a day like a nut).
Also, I do still have the VIN of my father’s SL, if you think you may have it! I will say the car is currently located somewhere in NY, thanks to the CARFAX I recently pulled. Also, the “SL500” badge is slightly higher than normal. Around 2009, the SL was involved in a small parking lot fender bender around the badge’s area, and when the minimal damage was fixed, the badge was tacked on at an incorrect height.
If you do know of a Slate Blue Edition for sale, I really don’t care about options. Sure, having SL1, SL2 and/or pano would be a nice touch, but with the limited number of cars they made... you really can’t be too picky.
I’m just starting my search, but if I find the perfect one…I’ll make a move.
The 129 market is in favor of the buyer right now, but don't wait too long to make a move, as many are starting to realize these were one of the best SL's ever built, and I think prices on these have about bottomed out.
I own two of them, both from no salt states originally, as I shop only for cars that have not been driven on salty roads. Personally I'd stick with 99-02 years, your getting the best features at the end of production.
Of course you can find rust free cars in the northeast, mine are are stored all winter, and I'm sure many owners do likewise. But buying from California, Arizona, Texas and other states, and only cars that lived there their entire lives makes sure that rust exposure is a minimum. Stay away from coastal cars, for salt spray and flooding issues.
For about $10K, you can get a very nice129 that will serve you for years. The top hydraulics are not deal killers, rebuild all 11 cylinders for around $60 each I think, (under $1K), and even if you can't afford the extra repairs right now, put the hard top on and run like that until you can.
Good luck, and start looking now, auto trader personal owner buy is a good place to start, and it is really worth the upgrade for the xenon headlights, I have them, my wife does not, and driving her car is like driving blind after driving mine. If you need to get the other upgrade options to get the better headlights, do it, you will never regret it.
Here are some examples on auto trader right now,, a bargain if it checks out OK
Here are pics of our 129's, love them...... ( I put the SL55 wheels on my wife's car this summer, and the headlights will be changed over the winter, I have spare xenon's from my wrecked 99...
Thank you for the reply! Both your SLs look absolutely gorgeous (especially with Pano). I was really look to stick with the Slate Blue Edition, but I've realized that I may have to expand my horizons a little bit (due to the limited number of examples that were originally made). For example, Midnight Blue or Firemist Red are two of my other favorites! And I recently found a 98 in Black Opal that caught my eye. It's funny what you say about the Xenons, as I have a buddy who just sold his Desert Silver SL without Xenons and he said he used to put his high-beams on just to get around at night! Lol
Needless to say, any SL I get will be shared with the group!
Thank you for the reply! Both your SLs look absolutely gorgeous (especially with Pano). I was really look to stick with the Slate Blue Edition, but I've realized that I may have to expand my horizons a little bit (due to the limited number of examples that were originally made). For example, Midnight Blue or Firemist Red are two of my other favorites! And I recently found a 98 in Black Opal that caught my eye. It's funny what you say about the Xenons, as I have a buddy who just sold his Desert Silver SL without Xenons and he said he used to put his high-beams on just to get around at night! Lol
Needless to say, any SL I get will be shared with the group!
Here is a link to a Designo Slate Blue 2000 SL on cars.com
I picked up a 2000 SL 500 Designo Sport Slate Blue a few weeks ago. 115,000 miles. Love it. I was online to see what others said about this model with these options and came across this post.
Not keen on selling, but would consider an offer. The wife is complaining that 2 classic MB convertibles is 2 too many.
Had a pre-purchase inspection that revealed a couple minor issues that I would be happy to share.
Please reply if you are interested and we'll chat.
Leo
Originally Posted by Sinatra23
Hi Everyone-
I don’t know if this is the right place to post this (classifieds might be the right choice, as I am looking for a specific car to purchase), but I’m trying to track down my father’s old Benz.
I actually posted the story of this car on Jalopnik and they added it to their "Stories about the One that got Away.” Here’s the link, just in case anyone is curious: https://jalopnik.com/these-are-your-tragic-stories-of-the-one-that-got-away-1829104531 (just pop down to user Sinatra23).
My father had a 2000 SL500 Designo Slate Blue Edition for almost 10 years, and it made me the R129 nut I am today. His had relatively low mileage, and had no extra options (no SL1 or SL2) except heated seats.
I know this is a long shot, but would anyone have a lead on a Slate Blue SL500 that would be for sale? I know they didn’t make too many of them, and I’ve exhausted all my searches (I check AutoTempest at least 3 times a day like a nut).
Also, I do still have the VIN of my father’s SL, if you think you may have it! I will say the car is currently located somewhere in NY, thanks to the CARFAX I recently pulled. Also, the “SL500” badge is slightly higher than normal. Around 2009, the SL was involved in a small parking lot fender bender around the badge’s area, and when the minimal damage was fixed, the badge was tacked on at an incorrect height.
If you do know of a Slate Blue Edition for sale, I really don’t care about options. Sure, having SL1, SL2 and/or pano would be a nice touch, but with the limited number of cars they made... you really can’t be too picky.
I’m just starting my search, but if I find the perfect one…I’ll make a move.
Still searching for the perfect one - had a couple come through that weren't in the best condition. If anyone has a lead on one of these Slate Blues, please let me know!
10-09-2018, 11:29 PM
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