W129 Merc SL500

[snakebrain]

Just been having a lazy morning browsing cars and noticed a few of these. They seem to be good value at the minute to say the least. £6-8k for a late 90s 5 litre Merc topless cruiser, or a bit more for an early 00s seems alright to me..

Anybody know much about them? Are they ruinous to run etc?

[mabz]

ive had 2 of these mate they are really sweet motors,what would you like to know?

[Blitz]

Pacerpete knows about these. My dad just bought a 1993 500SL, and I do love them especially the early ones.

[mabz]

Pacerpete knows about these. My dad just bought a 1993 500SL, and I do love them especially the early ones.

bodywise theyre stong as an ox but be careful of the wiring looms on the early ones,i have some very tasty r129 parts in my stash like amg r129 18" split rims and the very sought after panoramic glass hardtops,there pricey though.

[Andyboy]

Pre facelift with the original factory wheels are the way to go. The facelift was really clumsy and big wheels make them look Council. The 300SL is a decent car and the original 12v, whilst not the fastest thing on earth, is okay.
W129's are afflicted with E36itis. They still look quite modern unlike the previous model and thus won't be classic or appreciating in value for a very long time. But a good one is still worth having.

[jonb]

Never been a fan of these. The louvred panel behind the front wheel looks really awkward to me. The r230 that came after it is the boy.

The w129 was a very expensive car when new, the servicing ain't gonna get any cheaper.