1997/1998 SL Differences

[the director]

Anyone know where I can find a detailed list of the changes in specification to the 1998-2002 SL as opposed to the pre '98 model? I'm particularly wanting to know about the 320 as mbz switched from a straight 6 to a v6.

 

[peterchurch]

Hi,
As you have pointed out the main change for the face lift is the engine.

The V6 is much smoother and economical that the old straight 6
Two long vents on the wing instead of three short ones
Front bumpers and skirts change...
Round aero dynamic mirrors (electric and retractable)
Chrome rings round the speedo cluster
Rear seats now an option. climate control is standard, (used to be the other way round)
The paintwork sucks on the facelift, although some really cool colours released, including an obegene purple which is really nice.
A new choice of alloys and the car is setup to run on 17" as standard.
The 5 speed 722.6 box was standard by then I believe ... although now sealed for life... (not !)
Panoramic roof now offered

The last few years of the 129 saw some realy nice "special editions" released...

 

[the director]

Thanks Peter..............much as I thought although I hadn't noticed the swap with the rear seats. You're right about the colours............I even have my eyes on a very nice silverarrow!!!!

 

[pascal]

You'll find that most 'R' reg or before will be inline, and most 'S' reg and after V6.

In addition to what Peter has mentioned:
I'm not terrabley sure if these two items were standard pre-facelift, but they came as standard in my 99 'T': Rain sensing wipers, Draught Stop.

Personally, I prefer the V6 (last car was inline), even if its down on power by a few BHP.
It is more economical, and on a long spin 32mpg is possible.

Go and look at a few cars, so as to get the feel of them. A lot of them can be discounted (I dont mean in money) over the phone. If a sellers account of it's history sounds a bit iffy; Walk.

PS: I was in the same position as you at Christmas (inline-6 v. V6), and I spent a couple of weeks researching on Autotrader. I went to see a few in the Dublin area, but none were what I wanted. I printed out the details of a dozen cars that fitted my shopping list in the London area, travelled over, discounted most over the phone, and bought my 'Baby', and drove it back.
I printed out a list of items to check out from this forum, and spent 30 minutes checking, before taking it for a second test drive. I bought it from a reputable indepentant car sales company in Surrey.

Anyway Director, best of luck with you search, and looking forward to you posting a photo of your new SL in the near future.

Pascal