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Been trying to locate an R129 for a while now and it does seem like an ocean of choices but very few ones that are within my budget.
Also, the US market differs so much to other markets in Asia or Europe as far as pricing is concerned.
Initially, my ultimate car would have been a 2002 Silver Arrow but that is way over my budget of Sub 15k. However, I have managed to locate a couple which have high mileage but are in good condition.
Anyways, I have located one not too far from where I live, I will be flying out there to inspect it.
It's a '98 500 V8. It's in immaculate condition with 50k miles on it.
I'm told owner is asking 14k but may negotiate.
Everything works, car has been serviced. top works great, suspension in tip top shape. Full dealer history and PPI has been carried out.
Attached are some pics.
Your thoughts please and what I need to look at when I visit.
Nice looking ride. Open the convertible top half way and take a look at the hydraulic pistons w/ a flash light. You can't see them all but you will see the Main hydraulics. Even if they do leak they can be fixed. Check out Top Hydraulics. They're in Washington state, USA I think. Do a search. You'll find them. Good luck!
The deal for the above car didn't go through, it was way over my budget. But damn it was a nice clean car.
However, good things come to those who wait I guess.
Found a clean '99 in Smoke Silver and jumped on it. I am finally an owner of an R129. Let the project commence.
Finally got all the parts I needed..
Secured these Genuine refurbished 18" 2 Piece Monoblocks
Seller is a very respectable well know regional AMG collector, I am extremely excited. I think I got a good deal.
Btw. have a look to the rubber parts behind the MAF. I bet they are all hard/brittle and should be replaced to prevent false air in the intake.
Also the lower part of the underpressure distributor is pretty sure cracked.
And at your front bumper the left and right intake pieces are missing (300+€ per piece when available)
Cheers, Frank
Last edited by Frank_S500; 02-28-2019 at 03:16 PM.
Thank you Frank. Much appreciated.
Managed to source the intake pieces. Car is at the body shop now. careful reconstruction and installation of AMG kit as we speak.
I even managed to buy the Grill mesh and missing side skirt jack cover.
As noted you have Smoke Silver (some call it Desert Silver) paint. It looks like the Java interior. A black (or dark brown?) top?
That is the same colour combination as our 1999 SL 500. And yours is looking georgeous!
We currently have 151,560 miles on the odometer. So although we had the hood, quarter panels and mirrors painted recently under a “rock spray” insurance claim ... there are tiny bo-bos accumulated over the years that show as small mars in the paint (I have done amature touch ups).
With a full paint job - yours is going to look brand new! I am a bit geleous.
Our soft top was originally a Java fabric. We experienced some vandalism - that led to it being replaced under an insurance claim & we took the opportunity to change to a dark brown fabric (much better than Java soft top). Your top replacement workmanship was of very good quality!
We just took the panorama roof off & we were out recently on the first top down drive of the new year.
Wheels needed further work as the inner spokes were not touched during the refurbishment, thought of getting that done before installing. Tires already mounted as you can see.
11-14-2018, 04:40 AM
