Ray Wiliams
Member
I want a SL between 1978 and 1993 which is the best model and why/
1978 to 1989 are r107.I want a SL between 1978 and 1993 which is the best model and why/
i have been told the SL500 is mega expensive to repair compaired to the Sl3201978 to 1989 are r107.
1989 to 1993 are r129.
They're chalk and cheese with later car (as you'd expect) being a better handling and riding car.
I'm biased but I'd go r129 500SL. More powerful than the r107, one of the best engines MB ever made, less rust prone than r107 and a more enjoyable place to be.
I can't see why? The m119 engine is pretty much bombproof. Aside from that they're the same.i have been told the SL500 is mega expensive to repair compaired to the Sl320
What engine would you go for?1978 to 1989 are r107.
1989 to 1993 are r129.
They're chalk and cheese with later car (as you'd expect) being a better handling and riding car.
I'm biased but I'd go r129 500SL. More powerful than the r107, one of the best engines MB ever made, less rust prone than r107 and a more enjoyable place to be.
Is the M119 engine a V8?I can't see why? The m119 engine is pretty much bombproof. Aside from that they're the same.
The only expensive consumables on a 500 are distributor caps and rotors (but even they aren't horrific). Post 93 V8s have an issue with crumbing wiring harnesses but you aren't looking at them. The 24v 320 on the other hand has a propensity to blow head gaskets at 100k.
What engine would you go for?
Yes it's a V8.Is the M119 engine a V8?
The 500 every time, I think the folks who are telling you it’s mega expensive are getting mixed up with the later SL(230) model 500
True! We drove the 129 down to Beziers. Lovely relaxing trip. Doubt it would have been quite so relaxing in the 230!once you had one for a yr, YOU wont be mixing them up !!!..
You're correct of course it was 1998 they fitted the M113 - don't know why I put 2001 - that was the year they stopped making them!The M113’s where fitted from 1998 so don’t be fooled into thinking you have a M119 engine. There are obvious visible differences, the M113 has two spark plugs per cylinder for one,
Where can you go to get this wealth of knowledge and selection personal opinions eh.
All you have to do now is decide which you prefer then find one. I would take a few out for test drives but work you way up the engine sizes or stop when you feel happy and go no further.
If you drive a 500 I think you will want one.
Again, once you have chosen a model you can ask on here for more info, what to look for etc.
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True! We drove the 129 down to Beziers. Lovely relaxing trip. Doubt it would have been quite so relaxing in the 230!
But not because it's not a relaxing cruiser, just the attendant niggle of ABC...
Thev129 isn't completely without worry (it's 26 years old after all) but there's a feeling that you have at least a half a chance to limp off a motorway to figure out a repair to get you home.frankly Alistair that and the barby brake system ie countdown to no brakes ! . are the main reason i sold mine , whilst neither system gave meany real hassle ,i had the distinct impression that it was just a matter of time.. as i also made the choice to give up work i thought it sensible to to avoid the inevitable, sad tho . i drive the 01 W208 without a care in the world .as i am sure you do with 129 . thinkin on puttin a bar on the back of NG and makin small trailer for muts . if i get bored , fat chance around here!
Thev129 isn't completely without worry (it's 26 years old after all) but there's a feeling that you have at least a half a chance to limp off a motorway to figure out a repair to get you home.