SL/R129: Am I really a "Sport"?
I'm a newbie and have recently purchased a 1999 SL 500 Sport... or at least I THINK so!

I assume this is an easy question/answer for some, so here it goes...
My dilemma: The car has the "Sport" badges on the front sides, near the 2 slotted "vents", as expected. It also came with some nice meaty-meat AMG wheels and tires (love 'em!)...
But here's where I get confused... in all the photos of the 1999 SL500 Sport I can find, that particular model also has the nifty twist in the panel UNDER the doors, whilst mine is just a smooth rounded panel, like a traditional non-Sport SL 500.
I also checked on one of those VIN websites, and the Model is simply called an "SL 500"... Would it say SL 500 Sport, if it was a Sport?
Answer me this, Batman: Do I have SL 500 Sport, or simply a SL 500 with "Sport" badges added on later? Is there additional things that would tell me?
Wouldn't be the end of the world if it's NOT a Sport (Low mileage and I got it for a song), I just wanna know exactly what I have!
(I love it, either way!)
Cheers, and thanks in advance!
Last edited by Splatman; Jan 7, 2025 at 02:46 PM.
In addition to those different side skirts that you're referring to, that option also includes different front / rear bumper covers.
1999 SL brochure for reference: https://oudemercedesbrochures.nl/R129_USA_1999.html
I found a front angle photo of my car on my phone, and it looks EXACTLY like the green SL 500 on page 4-5 !!!
(No mesh intake on the front, and no sculpted side skirts)
Did the MB VIN Decoder thing, too: SL500R
Someone before I just put on some sweet chrome AMG wheels/tires and then slapped on Sport badges... go figure!

STILL love it, and now I know the facts!
Thanks again, HLG600 !!!
Last edited by Splatman; Jan 7, 2025 at 04:03 PM.
It's a great car regardless of which option boxes were checked from the factory.
Besides, the wider wheels / tires are what actually make a difference in performance, so you're all set there.





https://autohunter.com/Listing/Detai...edesBenz-SL500
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Yup, it is NOT a factory Sport model, Ahmed.
I think I have a Faux Sport!
Quick question tho... how easy is it to REMOVE my Sport badges? Would I ruin the paint? Would it be faded or discolored underneath?
I actually would LOVE to have them removed, it would look cleaner, imho! Below is even MY color!

(but this is NOT my actual car!)
Last edited by Splatman; Jan 8, 2025 at 07:26 PM.
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