new to forum first post

[Sean-f]

Hello everyone, let me start by saying what a first class site you have here lots of very useful info and looks like some very helpful people.

About me I am new to the site and world of the R129, I have done quite a bit of research and have decided I need one in my life when I return back to the UK (I split my time between Brunei and U.K.) but am not sure which model to go for sl320 straight or v or just go sl500 so am looking for a little help and advice from people who currently run these cars so I will give as much info as I can so you can give me more accurate advice on which is the best way to go I will do around 100 miles per week round town (very little highway driving) when I am away my wife will use the car for the same, I am not looking for a accurate number but more of a approximation or the running cost of these cars per year based on my milage (excl fuel and ins) the car will be our daily drive.

lastly and most importantly I have a budget of no more than £4500 GBP to buy the car

One last thing what in any is the difference between R129 and W129?

Thanks in advance

 

[mikestrivens]

Hello and welcome. The R129, there is no such thing as a W129 (R designates roadster, W designates wagon or saloon), are fast becoming classics. The V8 is an eminently practical car and great fun to drive. The engine is pretty much bullet proof and I get around 20mpg for the sort of driving your talking about. The only problem I've had with mine is the crank position sensor (CPS). It's a common problem and cost £80 to fix. You need to find a good indie in Newcastle, look at the Mercedes specialist finder on this site, click on box at top right of screen, to maintain the car. Don't bother with Mercedes dealers for a car of this age as they will charge you twice as much as a good indie. You might get a reasonable one for £4500 but you will have to be patient and probably go for and older per-facelift (around 1996) one. Good luck with the hunt.

 

[mikestrivens]

The running costs for mine have been a couple of hundred a year other than planned improvements, eg new wheels. The next job will be to replace the plastic windows in the canvas top as these go cloudy and split with age, about £300 to £500. But you need to put some money aside to a major service and ATF change, about £200, for piece of mind on the gearbox when you buy whichever one you get.

 

[peterwhayward]

Welcomr to you Sean.

 

[television]

Hello and welcome, they are very good cars, and one of the best made ever from Mercedes.. Many that buy them find some adds and pop up the links where we can discuss the merits and downfalls of each

 

[Mic]

Hello and welcome

Mic

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Hello and welcome to the forums.......

 

[brianbrian]

Hi Hope this helps

 

[BAZZER1]

Welcome to the Forum, there are some good guys on here and in my experience are always willing to give good helpful advice.
Good luck searching for your car
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[st4]

Good solid cars but get the V8. Stupidly strong engine and the one for the car. HTH

 

[Sean-f]

has anyone seen this on ebay item No. 300831408257 what would your thoughts be?

Thanks

 

[S.Speed]

To make it easier for everyone here is tghe link:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300831408...l?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=300831408257&_rdc=1

 

[mo008]

Hello Everyone

I'm new to this and i'll get straight to the point. I am desperately trying to find out who the suppliers are for merc parts for servicing. If anyone knows the supplier for OE parts, that supply merc, i'd appreciate the help.

I also noticed recently, everytime i put the AC on, after a little while the AC makes a hissing noise like it's running out of air or something is wrong with the fan; and then it goes back to it's full capacity. garage not sure what the problem is and told me nothing to worry about but it's becoming more prevailant.

Thanks guys, look forward to the responses!



Mo