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I am looking at adding a nice 1998 Blue R129 SL500 but wanted to try and get more info in regards to the best option R129 to choose. Are the later models better than the earlier ones? Or is earlier better? If so, why?
I recently purchased a 2002 SL 500 and have been told it is the best year for that model. The car is a beast and likes to go fast. I’ve had minimal issues after driving it all summer. It only has 60,000 miles and was stored through the winter.
The cabin air filter and airfilters is a good place to start if your looking at preventive maintenance. The fuel filter and pump are very easy to remove and replace using a hose clamp. 4 nuts hold the shield in place that protect the filter/pump.
Your car is looking very nice!
Whats years are you talking about on these? Thanks
1999-2002. Also be aware that you can no longer buy remote keys for these cars. I think you can still get a mechanical valet key. Try to find one with 2 working remote keys if possible.
I am looking at adding a nice 1998 Blue R129 SL500 but wanted to try and get more info in regards to the best option R129 to choose. Are the later models better than the earlier ones? Or is earlier better? If so, why?
Thanks in advance!!
That does not look like a 98, most probably a 99+
It should have the M113 engine in it that looks like this
It does have that engine in it. So does that mean its a 99?
Yes it's a 100% 1999 Model year car.
However, keep in mind that most manufacturers designate cars that are produced from September to December, as the following year's model designation.
Basically, all r129's produced from september 1998 onwards, are 1999 model year cars.
It does definitely look like a 1999 but It looks like the door handles aren’t body color… so maybe 98?
Personally, I would take a 1998 over a 1999-02 but I would certainly take a 1999-02 over anything pre 1998.
The SL500/500SL had 2 different engines and two different transmissions.
1990-98 had the M119 V8
1999-02 had the M113 V8
1990-97 had the 4 speed Auto
1998-02 had the 5 speed Auto
The consensus is that the 5 speed is superior in every regard to the 4 speed making a 1998-02 superior in terms of drivetrain. However opinions differ on which V8 is preferable, I have owned both and I have to say the M113 is better as an engine as it’s gonna be slightly more efficient, more torque low in the revs and more serviceable with better parts availability though I believe they are equally reliable. While the M113 is better In all practical purposes I much prefer the M119 which is in my current car (MY 1998), I find it to be more interesting in its behavior, it revs better, sounds cooler and while the torque isn’t as accessible I never feel a shortage of get up and go when mated to that 5 speed. It also has a more interesting history being put in the 500E and being much older. I still get decent miles to the gallon with it, I took a trip recently which included lots of highway but also some quick mountain drives and some triple digit pulls and I averaged 18.5 mpg.
I say buy the 98, but you certainly will be happy with either car.
Edit: get a car with Xenon headlights, far far superior!
Second Edit: I can confirm it’s definitely the 99+ model, forgot about the wing mirrors being so different.
1996 was the first year for the 5 speed tranny, as well as the first year for xenon headlamps. 1999 was the year the 3 valve v8 appeared, which is arguably easier to maintain and less likely to leak oil (in my humble experience.)
1998 is the best year IMO. 4 valve per cylinder DOHC V8 (the M119) 5 speed trans, the last year before MB bought Chrysler and got all screwed up. I have the Sport version which I think is great - Pano roof, 18" AMG rims, AMG body trim. Looks cool, goes like a rocket, and I can get around 24mpg on a trip provided that I stay under 85mph.
10-24-2022, 02:00 AM
