R129 320 SL

[Windsurf1]

Morning all. I'm considering re- entering the R129 world again. Previously owned 320 SL. Mine had the V6 engine and provided effortless performance. Looking at availability and prices should I also consider the straight 6 engine, pros/cons of each? Or even a 280. Underpowered? Difficult choices as ideally I would like rear seat option, pan roof etc. Any thoughts please primarily engine choice. Thanks J C.

 

[bembo449]

imo , if not going V8 for the noise , it doesn't really matter which , its all about the roof down motoring , ive had 5 different make of convertible and the only one which actually went well was the saab aero , the rest were just about enjoyment and as you have said about options you prefer , why not just look for the right car in that way no matter what engine it has ?

 

[Windsurf1]

Morning all. I'm considering re- entering the R129 world again. Previously owned 320 SL. Mine had the V6 engine and provided effortless performance. Looking at availability and prices should I also consider the straight 6 engine, pros/cons of each? Or even a 280. Underpowered? Difficult choices as ideally I would like rear seat option, pan roof etc. Any thoughts please primarily engine choice. Thanks J C.

 

[Windsurf1]

imo , if not going V8 for the noise , it doesn't really matter which , its all about the roof down motoring , ive had 5 different make of convertible and the only one which actually went well was the saab aero , the rest were just about enjoyment and as you have said about options you prefer , why not just look for the right car in that way no matter what engine it has ?

Thanks, sound advice. Look for the right spec' and accept the engine.

 

[Blobcat]

I’d go for the one with best bodywork

 

[Windsurf1]

Thanks. R129's mileage is another consideration but can be tempered with good service history. Those V6's seem to be robust.

 

[00slk]

Sorry, service history means diddly squat in my book, the best ever cars I have had came with no S/H. My Money Pit has good history and is the most expensive car I've had to run everday

 

[Garista]

Sorry, service history means diddly squat in my book, the best ever cars I have had came with no S/H. My Money Pit has good history and is the most expensive car I've had to run everday

I had the opposite experience, the cars I have got have good service history and they have been very reliable. But obviously you must do the research and know what to look out for.

Personally I think the base inline 6 is the most reliable engine due to its simplicity, lightness, and ease to work on.

 

[Garista]

I had the opposite experience, the cars I have got have good service history and they have been very reliable. But obviously you must do the research and know what to look out for.

Personally I think the base inline 6 is the most reliable engine due to its simplicity, lightness, and ease to work on.

And as few former owners as possible.