SL/R129: Looking at a 91 R129. What should I look for?
02-28-2019, 07:48 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Looking at a 91 R129. What should I look for?
Looking to buy a R129 and wanted to know what to check out to make sure I am not missing anything that is of concern.
02-28-2019, 10:25 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Make sure the top works.
A complete record of regular maintenance.
Reasonable miles - not sitting around unused for 28 years.
Otherwise a well built car - I have heard the power train on R129s are bullit proof.
others can chime in on mechanical / electrical stuff. There are probably lists of common problems by year.
A complete record of regular maintenance.
Reasonable miles - not sitting around unused for 28 years.
Otherwise a well built car - I have heard the power train on R129s are bullit proof.
others can chime in on mechanical / electrical stuff. There are probably lists of common problems by year.
Last edited by ChrisB; 02-28-2019 at 10:27 PM.
03-01-2019, 07:46 AM
#4
Banned
Between a retired dentist friend and myself we have at least 7 for sale here in the Atlanta area. It might be worth an interstate trip for you. For details on those cars send me a PM.
When evaluating a car check that the various features work. Since a 129 generally has the same features as a 230 you'll know what to look for.
One specific check would be the level of hydraulic oil in the roof pump reservoir. The pump is located under a plastic cover which is under the spare tire and secured with three 10mm plastic nuts. Low level suggests a leaking hydraulic somewhere. The cylinders can be resealed for c. $65 each at TopHydraulics in Oregon. Unlike the R230's, the 129 cylinders are mostly easy to remove and replace.
When evaluating a car check that the various features work. Since a 129 generally has the same features as a 230 you'll know what to look for.
One specific check would be the level of hydraulic oil in the roof pump reservoir. The pump is located under a plastic cover which is under the spare tire and secured with three 10mm plastic nuts. Low level suggests a leaking hydraulic somewhere. The cylinders can be resealed for c. $65 each at TopHydraulics in Oregon. Unlike the R230's, the 129 cylinders are mostly easy to remove and replace.
03-02-2019, 02:36 AM
#5
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R129 SL55 AMG & W208 CLK55 AMG
Almost everything in this car is repairable in my opinion, and it ain't as expensive as folks may think it is.
If you have the patience and knowledge to research, you can get this car back to new with minimal expenditure.
The little electronic bits may be a ***** to source, but not impossible.
If you have the patience and knowledge to research, you can get this car back to new with minimal expenditure.
The little electronic bits may be a ***** to source, but not impossible.
03-04-2019, 05:43 PM
#6
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Stay away from the 93 on as they had the biodegradable wiring harnesses. I own a 1990 and have run into some issues in normal ownership like the alternator, but overall the car is very solid. It really is a well built over-engineered car, and there are a lot of used parts for it on ebay etc- so don't be afraid of the cost of ownership!
03-13-2019, 07:24 PM
#7
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
So what did you get? Ahmed is correct but....
Bobterry99 can help you move into the neighborhood, but it ain't cheap
Enjoy the process.
Bobterry99 can help you move into the neighborhood, but it ain't cheap
Enjoy the process.
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03-14-2019, 05:08 PM
#8
Between a retired dentist friend and myself we have at least 7 for sale here in the Atlanta area. It might be worth an interstate trip for you. For details on those cars send me a PM.
When evaluating a car check that the various features work. Since a 129 generally has the same features as a 230 you'll know what to look for.
One specific check would be the level of hydraulic oil in the roof pump reservoir. The pump is located under a plastic cover which is under the spare tire and secured with three 10mm plastic nuts. Low level suggests a leaking hydraulic somewhere. The cylinders can be resealed for c. $65 each at TopHydraulics in Oregon. Unlike the R230's, the 129 cylinders are mostly easy to remove and replace.
When evaluating a car check that the various features work. Since a 129 generally has the same features as a 230 you'll know what to look for.
One specific check would be the level of hydraulic oil in the roof pump reservoir. The pump is located under a plastic cover which is under the spare tire and secured with three 10mm plastic nuts. Low level suggests a leaking hydraulic somewhere. The cylinders can be resealed for c. $65 each at TopHydraulics in Oregon. Unlike the R230's, the 129 cylinders are mostly easy to remove and replace.
Bobterry99, I'm in the Atlanta are too. I've owned a 1990 SL500 for a week now. Will be looking for parts. Would you have any?
03-14-2019, 07:24 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
03-15-2019, 02:04 PM
#10
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03-16-2019, 01:36 PM
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
There are problems listed by year on web sites ... I did a quick search and found this;
https://mercedes-enthusiasts.co.uk/b...blems-r129-sl/
Google Ken Rockwell R129 and you will find a somewhat biased - but extensive list of features that changed year to year.
https://mercedes-enthusiasts.co.uk/b...blems-r129-sl/
Google Ken Rockwell R129 and you will find a somewhat biased - but extensive list of features that changed year to year.
03-24-2019, 12:00 AM
#13
The power top roof hydraulics are the number one issue with this car. Everything else is near bullet proof including the engine and transmission. If the seals on the 11 or 12 hydraulic cylinders have not been replaced they will fail at some point. Once one of them goes don't bother fixing just one, fix them all or they will all fail in succession. Not to worry, but just take this into consideration when you buy an R129.
