ken garchow

it sounds like the 98 has 4 valve w/more HP but the 99 started the latest refinments.

blueSL

The 99 onwards was the last version of the R129 and had things like the variable service indicator (ASSYST). There was a slight reduction in power but not one you'd especially notice - the R129 is not a car to race around in, it's much more suited to smooth rapid progress.

If I was going for one now, I would go for a 99 or after.

nickg

And BlueSL - do you regret selling your SL600, and miss driving it? Do you prefer the harder ride and disposition of the 911?
We are waiting with baited breath ?!?!

Black129

I had a 97 and sold that for a 2000. I tell you the cars are pretty much the same but I do like the refinements of the radio, seats new dash, heated seats. The drop in power in my eyes is not even noticeable. Plus with mercedes it is a pretty good rule of thumb that newer is better.

blueSL

I don't regret selling it because it had become rather unreliable. Years of no problems had given way to "what is it, NOW?" The SL600 was a fine car, superb build quality, a touch nose heavy but actually more suited to a daily driver than the 911 is turning out to be. It feels a bit slow and has leaden controls. The heaviness of the clutch defies belief and is a pain in town.

So mixed views on the SL600 but I don't regret at all keeping it for 8 years. The morning I washed it for the last time before taking it in to the dealer, it still looked great after all that time. As you might guess, I like to see my cars off looking good, sort of a betrayal to do otherwise.

ChrisB

After formally introducing the car ... do you insist the new owner calls them by their original names? What was the SL 600 ... Brunhilda? I couldn't find your post where you declaired the names .

vraa

You named your cars as well?

blueSL

I dont go as far as naming my cars, but I do call the lady in the SL55 Sat Nav/Linguatronic Helga. There's just a hint from her voice that she's into domination... LOL. I just love it when she says "Function Not Possible!"

Mind you, Brunhilda would be a good Wagnerian name for an SL600, storming forwards with the Ride of the Valkyries playing at full volume, just before they cart you off to the funny farm.

What did surprise the dealer I sold the car to was the level of documentation. Not just a stamped service book, but all the invoices from more than 8 years ownership, quite a collection...

ChrisB

So funny! Thanks for the laugh!

I note in several posts on diferent forums that people tend to develope a very close bond witht the SL cars.

One guy posted a picture of his now sold R129 and simply wrote ... "gone but not forgotten". That post really nailed the feeling.