BoMB

Hello all -- I am a big fan of the R129 model. I am also a fan of certain R230 models. However, I am not a fan of 12 cylinders, and truthfully, I don't even "need" an 8. I don't drive fast, high-speed, etc. I had a 2004 SL 350 (V6) and I loved it. I don't know if this was a good year/model or not, and I didn't have it long, but I really liked it. I got it through a business deal and sold it for more than I was owed, LOL.

I guess my question is -- what is the best or better models/engines to get between the 6 cylinder 129 and 230 models? Any years/models of 6 cylinders I should stay away from? I guess I am looking for something between 2001 and 2005 or 2006 -- but I am flexible. Were there years/models of the 6 cylinder that had known problems, weren't good, weren't reliable, etc. What about the inline 6 engine? I really don't know a lot about those models and years, but I was thinking about the 2001 SL280 (there's both an I6 and a V6), or a 2003-2006 SL 350. Thank you very much in advance!

jhoagg

I’m pretty sure the last year of the r129 chassis was 2001. Anything newer is not an r129, but a different chassis number. And if you’re actually talking about a 6 cylinder r129 chassis, MB stopped putting 6 cylinders in these cars (at least for the US market, but I think world-wide) about 1996.

Ahmed

All R129 vehicles manufactured between 1st September 2001 and 31st December 2001 were 2002 designation model years.
Naturally, I would tell you to go for any SL500 manufactured from September 1998 onwards which had the M113 engine. However, the cars prior to that with the M119 engines were solid and very desirable today.

As for the R230, I would definitely go with the facelifted version manufactured from September 2007 onwards.

jhoagg

Interesting. And, in summary, the major reasons you prefer the M113 over the M119 are……..?

mahunt

The Internet is full of testimonials, do a search.

Ahmed

Availability of the Engine itself in case you get bored and wanna stick a 5.4 liter AMG one in there!

MB_Fahrer

I think most people like it due to perceived reliability, less complexity, and parts are cheap and readily available from just about anywhere.

Harrdware

You're on the right track with the R129. It was a sensational era for Mercedes in general, (before the whole Daimler-Chrysler mess) and these were top of the line cars.
It all depends what you want from the car. Collectable models are mostly different from Weekend Cruisers or even Daily Drivers. Having the luxury of owning more than one M-B of the era, I have other models (AMG) which satisfy my need for speed. What I was looking for with my SL purchase was a touring car or cruiser, as simple and reliable as possible. Most of us who are into R129s find that the 1997-1998 models are the sweet spot for these cars. They have a mid-cycle body refresh which doesn't look as dated as the two-toned earlier models. 1993-1996 era had the wiring harness issue to contend with. 1997 & up had OBD-II technology, for easier code troubleshooting and other options. 1996-7 & up had the smoother 5 speed automatic that learned your shift pattern and adapted to it. 1997 was the last year for the butter-smooth inline six, the M104. As long as the head gasket has been taken care of, otherwise that is a tremendous engine. (The complicated V-12 is really just two M104 inline six engines). The 1998 V6 (one year only!) is also fine -- it is, after all, the same engine as used in countless other Mercedes of the era. The 1996-7 does have the early push button key fob which is proving to be difficult to source, at times. Make sure the one you find has two or more keys! And keep your keys in a soft pouch! In summary, the V8 cars are the best all-arounders for performance & value. The V12 cars are the most impressive, but can be very expensive to service. The 6 cylinders are the simplest, the least expensive to buy, and the most efficient. Don't let the engine alone determine your choice. Look at other factors such as long-term ownership, no accidents, good service history, etc. -- these can be more important than certain years and engines.

mahunt

Well said.

Midnightsun

This should help you decide. https://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/r129h...er's%20car.

Personally my 96 SL320 has been great. The straight six is extremely reliable and smooth as butter.

mahunt

The only thing better than one straight six would be 2 side by side with a shared crankshaft. Now that's smooth!

Midnightsun

Better than that is my Tesla motor, talk about smooth.