320SL Mille Miglia

[Flip]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to get some more information on this model?

Or does anyone own one?

Cheers!

:lol:

 

[SL Boy]

I know someone who does own one. What do you want to know?

 

[Flip]

I am considering a W124 CE or an R129 - We have a v young daughter, so I figure the rear bench on the Sl will be good enough for the next few years.

I understand there were 80 RHD SL Mille Miglias? What do I need to know when looking? These were 1995 cars, so pre-facelift (should I really just go for a '96+ car?) what are the major services, I am looking at a 320 rather than a 500.

Cheers!

 

[SL Boy]

As you probably realise this time of year is a very good time to buy this sort of car. The problem is finding a Mille Miglia as there were only 40 320 models and 40 500 models made. As a result the prices can be somewhat higher than the equivalent standard model. Currently the best value 129s are undoubtedly the much later post faclift models with oval exhaust (1999 on I think) which have the V6 320 engine. These are quite plentiful and could be around the same price as an equivalent condition MM.

Look at this:

http://www.mercseller.com/popup.cfm?p_n=208566&p_i=208566

If you are thinking of the 124 CE cabriolet rather than the fixed head these will usually be more than the equivalent 129.

The 124 is bullet proof if well looked after. I ran a 124 300 24v estate for ten years and over 300,000 miles with no major problems. The 124 is simpler to service and less complicated electronics to go wrong. Having said that some 124 owners have had major wiring loom problems.

Regarding 129 rear seat legroom your daughter will probably be ok up to about age 8 - 10. If either front seat occupants are tall there will be virtually no leg room in the back though.

Really the usual buying criteria apply like full MBSH and the overall condition of the car when viewing. There are a few of these cars around with a long list of previous owners and I believe these are best avoided. They can often have a patchy service record even though the service book appears to be fully stamped. Speak to previous owners and the servicing dealers if you can to build up your own impression. Unfortunately these days a fully stamped MB dealer service history is no guarantee the services have been competenetly performed.

Take a look at

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/index.php?url=/carbycar/index.htm

for a list of major problem areas on both 129 and 124.

Hope this is useful

regards

Paul

 

[Flip]

Thanks for your help!

 

[television]

the V6 SL320 started 06-98 better looking,nicer wheels, lot of little extras like folding mirrors, Rain sensor etc.

Malcolm

 

[Flip]

Thanks!

Where can I get a comprehansive list of the changes that came with the facelift? (and how would I recognise one?)

Phil