SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: So tell me a little bit about the R129...

Old Feb 22, 2005 | 11:20 PM
  #1  
Bouncer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
2001 CLK 320
So tell me a little bit about the R129...

Hiya. I'm an owner of a 2001 W208 CLK320 and I'm starting to have this urge to upgrade.

Can any of you compare the vehicles? I'd probably be looking at a 2001-2002 SL500. I am open to suggestions though.

Of the two cars, what do you find the biggest difference in experience? What do you enjoy most about your R129? And what bugs you most about it?

My thanks for your time in answering these questions. As well, anything else you think I should know would be very much appreciated. General comments and tips as well.

Regards,
-Bouncer-
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2005 | 01:31 AM
  #2  
swany's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: California
1993 500 SL
If I were to do it over again, I'd go with the R230.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2005 | 01:48 AM
  #3  
ChrisB's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
At a reasonable price (R230 is out of many (my) range) the R129 is a great car.

Is your CLK a convertible?

If not then you may not have the experience to fully analize this.

I had reservations 2 1/2 years ago when I bought used. Would a convertible be worth the 10 to 15 K more in cost?

My wife had very serious buyers remource. 12 months later she was converted. Power? No. Hadeling? No. Prestige? No. Vitamine D. Oh ya ... got to have it!

The answer? It has completely changed our enjoyment of our mundane life. Weekend chores .... like driving to pick up produce is now a great adventure.

Do it!

Last edited by ChrisB; Feb 26, 2005 at 01:11 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2005 | 08:58 PM
  #4  
GreenM3's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
From: El Dorado Hills, CA
1999 ML430
In my opinion, a 2002 SL500 is a bargain right now. For $30k less than a 2003 you can get an awesome car.

I just got a 2002 Silver Arrow with 29k miles. I love it.

I will be adding a Kleeman supercharger and it will be faster than an SL55.

At half the price.

I don't know how much money I would have to make before I would feel ok buying a car for $100k.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:57 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE