Newbie - looking to purchase R129 SL500 - advice needed

[RB79]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a post face lift R129 SL500. I have followed the forum for a while and great to finally join.

I have not been able to find many cars but I found the car for sale in the link below:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...-sl-sl500-v8-----------------1999/5874619?v=c

It is a 3 owner car (last owners for 5 years) with 56000 miles, and FMBSH / Independent for last 5 years (selling garage have actually serviced it since 2011). A friend of mine who lives close to the garage went to see it and said it was in great condition. He noted a small crack in soft top window and slight pain bubbling on one edge of hard top. I am going to see it with him tomorrow. I have checked the VIN so I know the spec and it has a 12m MOT.

I would really appreciate some advice about price? The owners apparently aren't willing to move on it (usual story) but does anyone have any advice / experience of the market?

Also any specific advice of what to look for (I have seen lots of buying guides and videos)?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ravi

 

[television]

That is far too expensive, the price they want for it is wishful thinking, you could get a superb 2008 230 for that price. I know some love the 129, I loved mine, but they are nowhere near as practical to use.

 

[RB79]

That is far too expensive, the price they want for it is wishful thinking, you could get a superb 2008 230 for that price. I know some love the 129, I loved mine, but they are nowhere near as practical to use.

Thank you, I got the feeling it was far too much. In your experience, how much are they realistically worth? Practicality is not a priority for me as I don't have kids and have a 'normal' daily drive so it is a bit of fun.

 

[Richard Moakes]

At least 5K too expensive, probably more TBH.
A fastidious owner would have got the roof windows replaced!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[LostKiwi]

Agreed. Way over priced.
Softop windows do crack and are about £300 to replace all 3 (that's the price from a local soft top specialist here).

 

[Dave779]

I agree with Television unless you really must have an R129 model mine is the R230 SL350 and had 28k miles and full MBSH when purchased, and immaculate inside and out and only paid £12,500 2 years ago. My view is that the R230 are better looking and also easier to live with 'if you are fortunate to get a pristine one with no problems whatsoever' which I was.

 

[RB79]

Thanks for your advice. I do like the W230 but I already have a BMW M4 convertible which is a retractable hard top so I am looking for something a bit retro and a soft top accepting the limitations when buying an older car.

I am going to see it and decide if I like it enough to put in a £10-12k offer and go from there. Nothing to lose and if they don't want to sell then that's up to them.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

You were fortunate Dave...R230 do have a money pit tag, particularly the 500 with ABC suspension...in fact I did think about getting one some years ago, after a discussion with my local mb indy I quickly realised best to avoid...although I do still think they look great...was stood next to 2007 SL350 today it was lovely + the boot had been fixed so without the MB boot pond

For the OP, critical you fully check the roof operation on any SL R129, when they go wrong can be big bucks...new roof module is circa £1k...note the R129 also does have small bench seat so 2+2...the R230 is 2 seater only.

I agree with Television unless you really must have an R129 model mine is the R230 SL350 and had 28k miles and full MBSH when purchased, and immaculate inside and out and only paid £12,500 2 years ago. My view is that the R230 are better looking and also easier to live with 'if you are fortunate to get a pristine one with no problems whatsoever' which I was.

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

Hi, as above, I think it is way over priced, yes low miles and owners but still only worth £10k at most, though haven't seen it in the flesh. They do benefit from regular use.

129's don't seem to be very popular at the moment for some reason. I contemplated selling mine earlier this year and had a few low offers, so am still enjoying it.