Is any one still having a good time driving their R129?
Or are they all broken down - lacking basic parts?

 

So far it's been the most engaging car I've ever owned.

I never dreamed of owning what amounts to a practical V12 grand touring cabriolet.

It's too bad yours suffers from poor maintenance, keep at it and maybe one day you'll have the same satisfaction. Or just sell it.

 

I have been driving the hell out of her, especially during this crisis.
Since we don't have a lockdown here, my business is allowed to operate so I drive to my office every day with the top down and quiet empty roads.

Today's drive time tune was Eric Clapton

 

I bought an 01 6 months ago. I knew it had some work that was needed but the car ran and drove fine. Week after my right side original cats went and the brakes started sreeeching loudly. A month after that, engine light came on. Bunch of codes. Got scammed and about $1200 and some months later the problem was solved.... exactly a week ago.

Car still has some issues that aren't serious that I'm addressing way later in the future, but I'm planning on having bumpers repaired and repainted, then a custom color soft top installed all before summer hits.

The car has been great

 

Is that R129 SL55 still trukin along

 

This is one of the areas in which the R230 is a better car -- the interior is more durable.

 

I don't necessarily agree, the all leather SL600 interior (dash, A-pillars, visors, everything) seems to be holding up pretty well.

The 230 cars are probably OK, but I like the sharper styling and longevity of the R129 (259K miles so far and still looks/runs like new).

The R230s and their ilk look like a worn down bar of soap to me, not very compelling from a styling point of view, but what do I know; just ask Bruno Sacco his opinion on the R129.

 

Our 1999 SL500, we have owned for 18 years. The mileage is 249,225 Km (154,500 miles).

Is in great shape - as tight as when we first bought her.

Have been on many wonderful road trips. The longest Vancouver Canada to Key West Florida and back.

I like to hear others enjoying this great car.

The forum posts sometimes dwell on problems.

 

Have had my 1997 SL600 since 1999 and still enjoy and satisfied. The NA V12 is impressive even though I was not so enthusiastic in the beginning. The only reason for acquisition was my good friend's recommendation. After owning R129 SL500, the V12 is a totally different being. Needless to mention that I had my shares of maintenance repairs along the way but all were minor issues. If an owner can understand what the car was meant to be, the ownership would be a gratifying one.

2011 0514 110852 IMGP0762

 

Extremely happy with the my 2000. I haven't had any issues finding parts online and ebay has plenty of used available. Car is relatively easy to work on as well. I'll be picking up another one as a project pretty soon.

Fixing the top hydraulics can be a pain, but luckily we have Top Hydraulics in OR that can do the cylinder rebuilds.

Overall, probably one of the best bang for the buck cruisers right now. As the lower mileage good condition ones become harder to find, values will surely be on the rise.

 

Yes sir, I am really enjoying her!

 

Wow I gotta do that when we get back to business here. Did you settle on your original ECU with no mods?

 

I've had my 2000 SL600 for 6 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. Had a 500 before and I really appreciate the difference on the interstates. Unlike some posts I've read, my maintenance experience has not been overwhelming. I did research the vehicle pre purchase and have all the maintenance records dating back to delivery. Would highly recommend the R129 to anyone looking for a classy motorcar. Only exception might be the '95 model year.

 

Yes sir, I will probably tune it when I finally get some extra dough laying around to burn.

 

Took the panorama roof off 2 weekends ago.
Took these pictures last weekend. Will have been out (3) times this Long weekend - after tomorrow.

The sensation of top down driving on this modern day classic never gets old!