SL/R230: BUY R230 -OR- KEEP R129? Hmmmmm.....
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
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From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
BUY R230 -OR- KEEP R129? Hmmmmm.....
Greetings to all R230 forum members.
I own a 1996 SL320 (R129), however I have been following the R230 forum in order to get acquainted with all the issues that a R230 owner should be familiar with.
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
I try not to be (majorly) influenced by the (unhappy) R230 owners in this forum, but also my MB dealer / friend says that there are lots of issues with the R230 (rattling roof, electrical glitches, etc) and that MB's reliability / high standards took a dive on/around 2000-2001.
Although I like the R230, I would hate to part with my trouble-free R129 (which I also love) and buy a 'headache'. Therefore, I see foll alternatives:
1. Keep the R129 (tends to become a classic like the R107?)
2. Swap the R129 for the R230 (and cross fingers)
3. Sell the R129 and wait for few months to buy a 2005 model (heard that 2005's problems are less than 2002's / 2003's)
I would like to hear some concrete opinions please.
George
++
I own a 1996 SL320 (R129), however I have been following the R230 forum in order to get acquainted with all the issues that a R230 owner should be familiar with.
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
I try not to be (majorly) influenced by the (unhappy) R230 owners in this forum, but also my MB dealer / friend says that there are lots of issues with the R230 (rattling roof, electrical glitches, etc) and that MB's reliability / high standards took a dive on/around 2000-2001.
Although I like the R230, I would hate to part with my trouble-free R129 (which I also love) and buy a 'headache'. Therefore, I see foll alternatives:
1. Keep the R129 (tends to become a classic like the R107?)
2. Swap the R129 for the R230 (and cross fingers)
3. Sell the R129 and wait for few months to buy a 2005 model (heard that 2005's problems are less than 2002's / 2003's)
I would like to hear some concrete opinions please.
George
++
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
test drive it yourself and find out :> the R230 imho is much more refreshing than the dated r129.. the r129 is nice, but you are looking at an interior designed my mbtechs almost 2 decades ago... not to dismiss the r129, but the r230 is a great improvement if you can afford it.. it can be pricey, but it is the ultimate gt two seaters hardtop convertible out there imho :>
Originally Posted by detailas
Greetings to all R230 forum members.
I own a 1996 SL320 (R129), however I have been following the R230 forum in order to get acquainted with all the issues that a R230 owner should be familiar with.
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
I try not to be (majorly) influenced by the (unhappy) R230 owners in this forum, but also my MB dealer / friend says that there are lots of issues with the R230 (rattling roof, electrical glitches, etc) and that MB's reliability / high standards took a dive on/around 2000-2001.
Although I like the R230, I would hate to part with my trouble-free R129 (which I also love) and buy a 'headache'. Therefore, I see foll alternatives:
1. Keep the R129 (tends to become a classic like the R107?)
2. Swap the R129 for the R230 (and cross fingers)
3. Sell the R129 and wait for few months to buy a 2005 model (heard that 2005's problems are less than 2002's / 2003's)
I would like to hear some concrete opinions please.
George
++
I own a 1996 SL320 (R129), however I have been following the R230 forum in order to get acquainted with all the issues that a R230 owner should be familiar with.
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
I try not to be (majorly) influenced by the (unhappy) R230 owners in this forum, but also my MB dealer / friend says that there are lots of issues with the R230 (rattling roof, electrical glitches, etc) and that MB's reliability / high standards took a dive on/around 2000-2001.
Although I like the R230, I would hate to part with my trouble-free R129 (which I also love) and buy a 'headache'. Therefore, I see foll alternatives:
1. Keep the R129 (tends to become a classic like the R107?)
2. Swap the R129 for the R230 (and cross fingers)
3. Sell the R129 and wait for few months to buy a 2005 model (heard that 2005's problems are less than 2002's / 2003's)
I would like to hear some concrete opinions please.
George
++
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Thanks seattlecarfreak for your reply, already test-drove an early 2003 SL500, beautiful car / interior - however on hitting the first road bump, immediately noticed the rattling roof. Honestly speaking, if there was a remedy to that (is there?), I would not have any second thoughts..
George
++
George
++
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
yeah it does do that.. i have an 03 as well so i'm not sure if it's rectified in the newer models.. the SL does have it's bugs. just have to take the good with the bad, and the good very much outweighs the bad 
Originally Posted by detailas
Thanks seattlecarfreak for your reply, already test-drove an early 2003 SL500, beautiful car / interior - however on hitting the first road bump, immediately noticed the rattling roof. Honestly speaking, if there was a remedy to that (is there?), I would not have any second thoughts..
George
++
George
++
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: El Segundo, CA
2006 SL 500
2006 SL 500 - Great Car
I've had mine for almost 6 months now and have not had one problem. The trunk doesn't leak, top doesn't rattle (all 2003 model problems I've gathered from this forum). Classic, beautiful, elegant car IMHO. Purchase a 2005 or 2006 model and I don't beleive you'll be disappointed. I left 2004 out because I think, might be wrong, that they we're still using a CD based GPS system instead of the DVD based in the 2005-06 models. Also the COMAND screen looks better in the 2005-06 models.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Thanks So Cal Sam - indeed (from what I read) most problems eliminated from 2005 onwards, however in Greece a 2005 SL500 costs usd 135k, whereas a 2003 model is abt usd 95k (diff of some usd 40k..).
Can also wait for few months and get a late 04 / early 05 model with usd 110k - or test drive & check the heck out of all the local 2003's and get the best one now for usd 90k..)
Guess that yours has the 7-G tranny... any comments?
George
++
Can also wait for few months and get a late 04 / early 05 model with usd 110k - or test drive & check the heck out of all the local 2003's and get the best one now for usd 90k..)
Guess that yours has the 7-G tranny... any comments?
George
++
Last edited by detailas; Feb 17, 2006 at 11:10 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
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From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
I had a R129 for almost 2 years and now have a R230 05 SL that is a month or so old. It has better handling, less road noise, overall smoothness and exterior looks then my R129. The hard top is icing on the cake. I still love the R129's and appreciate that long run they gave us....but now I could never go back 
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Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: On a hill
2004 SL350
I'm looking at a 2004 at the end of the year to replace my '93. I can't wait - and that's without even a testdrive!
The qualifiers for me are the hard roof - the same as my wife's SLK 230 and it's a real boon - and the slippery shape. As much as I enjoy my updated AMG style, the newer body is that much better-looking to me.
Good luck with your decision!
Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons, AMG facelift to 2002 style.
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate
~1999 Lexus LX470 SUV, sand/ivory leather.
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver.
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5, Jaguar Daimler and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.
The qualifiers for me are the hard roof - the same as my wife's SLK 230 and it's a real boon - and the slippery shape. As much as I enjoy my updated AMG style, the newer body is that much better-looking to me.
Good luck with your decision!
Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons, AMG facelift to 2002 style.
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate
~1999 Lexus LX470 SUV, sand/ivory leather.
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver.
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5, Jaguar Daimler and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Spain
SL500 (R230)
Buy one!
I recently swapped a 1992 R129 for a 2003 model R230, 40,000km, SL500 loaded with extras. No regrets. No roof rattles or leaks. No bugs as yet. I live in Spain, so conditions must be similar to yours in Greece. True, a DVD based COMAND system would be preferable. However, as I understand it, they still only display 2D images in the SAT/NAV system. So does my 2005 model BMW Series5, by the way. A far cry from the elegance and ergonomics of a 400 Euro PDA based Tom Tom system....not only does it give you 3D maps but much better functionality and ease of use. Buy new if you can afford it and can stomach about 25keuros of depreciation per year. Buy a well maintained, low km pre-owned car and save around 50% off list price for the same pleasure and use the difference to get yourself an almost new ML, if you want one. Or invest it to offset the original investment in the car.....
I recently swapped a 1992 R129 for a 2003 model R230, 40,000km, SL500 loaded with extras. No regrets. No roof rattles or leaks. No bugs as yet. I live in Spain, so conditions must be similar to yours in Greece. True, a DVD based COMAND system would be preferable. However, as I understand it, they still only display 2D images in the SAT/NAV system. So does my 2005 model BMW Series5, by the way. A far cry from the elegance and ergonomics of a 400 Euro PDA based Tom Tom system....not only does it give you 3D maps but much better functionality and ease of use. Buy new if you can afford it and can stomach about 25keuros of depreciation per year. Buy a well maintained, low km pre-owned car and save around 50% off list price for the same pleasure and use the difference to get yourself an almost new ML, if you want one. Or invest it to offset the original investment in the car.....
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
96 SL500, 97 E420
To me our 129's look best with the hard top or no top. The only advantge I see for the 230 is the folding hard top. I have thought about getting another 129 to use top down only, I'd then have 2. And I would then have saved $40-$50k. I like the 230, but not at that price.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 2
From: West Coast, USA
2 SL with every Brabus mods available & Class A competition sound system
I say keep the R129 and get R230.......... I think you can afford to keep them both.......because it not worth it to sell the SL 320.......that thing worth no more than 12G.........12G can't even buy a Honda Civic.......just my 2 cent.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 2
AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
I agree with SL Brabus..keep the R129 but just wait it out for a couple months and get atleast an 04 if not an 05 if possible, I'd stay away from the 03's as the navigation unit is different than 04 n 05 and because of the first model year problems
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Originally Posted by SL BRABUS
I say keep the R129 and get R230.......... I think you can afford to keep them both.......because it not worth it to sell the SL 320.......that thing worth no more than 12G.........12G can't even buy a Honda Civic.......just my 2 cent.....
Thanks SL BRABUS, however still have to consider that I live in Greece where:
1. 1996 sl320 worths abt usd 50k (43k euros)...
2. 2003 sl500 costs abt usd 100k (86k euros)...
If I could sell my sl320 in 2 days I would def consider giving usd 50k on top for a nice 2003 sl500. But SL's are hard to sell here (as everywhere) and I would like to avoid buying a R230 and still wait for some months to sell the 129..
And another thought : Distance home - office is 2 miles, i.e. 5 minutes drive and I usually take the Grand Cherokee Ltd for that. Therefore, do not spend much time in the car - mostly weekends where I prefer the SL when the weather allows for top down driving...
So at the end of the day, it's my garage that enjoys my cars - not me... Grrrr!!
George
++
Last edited by detailas; Mar 22, 2006 at 04:37 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 4
From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Sl320
I have a 1996 SL320 and kept it, for what it is worth on the market, it didn't make sense to sell or trade it, the car is in excellent shape and I have about 150,000 miles on it.
I bought an 2005 SL600 we won't talk about that, but then I bought a 2006 SL600.
I bought an 2005 SL600 we won't talk about that, but then I bought a 2006 SL600.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: On a hill
2004 SL350
Originally Posted by StephenK
I have a 1996 SL320 and kept it, for what it is worth on the market, it didn't make sense to sell or trade it, the car is in excellent shape and I have about 150,000 miles on it.
I bought an 2005 SL600 we won't talk about that, but then I bought a 2006 SL600.
I bought an 2005 SL600 we won't talk about that, but then I bought a 2006 SL600.
Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons, AMG facelift to 2002 style.
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate
~1999 Lexus LX470 SUV, sand/ivory leather.
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver.
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5, Jaguar Daimler and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 4
From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Originally Posted by Ken Silver
So do you still drive the R129? If so, what's the appeal when you have the latest/better model sitting just a stone's throw away!
Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons, AMG facelift to 2002 style.
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate
~1999 Lexus LX470 SUV, sand/ivory leather.
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver.
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5, Jaguar Daimler and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.
Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons, AMG facelift to 2002 style.
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate
~1999 Lexus LX470 SUV, sand/ivory leather.
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver.
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5, Jaguar Daimler and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
[QUOTE=Ken Silver]So do you still drive the R129? If so, what's the appeal when you have the latest/better model sitting just a stone's throw away!
Ken Silver
//
Indeed Ken, still driving the R219 (on sunny weekends). I have efficiently advertised it but I will not 'kill' the price just to sell it / buy the R230. Will be patient and (try) get what I'm asking for and if I still don't sell it within next couple of months - will keep it for the summer (after all it's still an SL..).
Prefer not to buy the R230 and still have the R129, as there is no space in my garage to shoehorn a 4th car... Also waiting to see the effect on the (softening?) prices of the 03 R230's after the new SL550's arrival...
George
++
Ken Silver
//
Indeed Ken, still driving the R219 (on sunny weekends). I have efficiently advertised it but I will not 'kill' the price just to sell it / buy the R230. Will be patient and (try) get what I'm asking for and if I still don't sell it within next couple of months - will keep it for the summer (after all it's still an SL..).
Prefer not to buy the R230 and still have the R129, as there is no space in my garage to shoehorn a 4th car... Also waiting to see the effect on the (softening?) prices of the 03 R230's after the new SL550's arrival...
George
++
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, MD
'97 RENNtech E60RS
Originally Posted by detailas
Greetings to all R230 forum members.
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
I would like to hear some concrete opinions please.
George
++
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
I would like to hear some concrete opinions please.
George
++
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
SL500 2001 Formula 1 Edition;
Originally Posted by detailas
Greetings to all R230 forum members.
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
++
Thinking of selling the SL320 (not my daily driver) to buy an SL500 (mod 2003), however still not truly convinced if I should make the move due to the various problems of the R230.
++
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
Originally Posted by StephenK
I still drive the old SL sometimes, ... it looks as good as new. ... I also have a lot of company visiting me, and I would rather they drive that then the SL600.
Next time we come down to Florida we will have to look you up
.You could take me for a spin in the Renntech SL 600. I'd like that as well.
Chris
