R129 Purchase, which vintage?

[RGubbioli]

Finally, after a year or so waiting for the right opportunity, I feel that the time has come for me to purchase my next 'nice' car. One of my preferred choices is the R129 SL.

I would like to ask for some advice on what year would be a good choice.

Originally I considered the 1995 320 or 500 as my favourite choice as I prefer the exterior of the pre-facelift models. However, I noticed that only a minority of these have the 5 speed auto which has been said to be much better than the 4 speed, at least in driveability. The post 96 models also have a nicer interior (question: is any version more spacious than the other, I am tall and could do with all the legroom!).

I also think there were a couple of different versions of the 5 speed auto?

I found some interesting 1996 and 1997 cars on sale too, but I fear that some of the later models had lower quality components and construction quality following the Chrysler merger, although that may apply to the 2000 and onward models?

As for the engine (320 I6, V6 or 500) its a whole different topic so best left for me to find out through test drives.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Richard Moakes]

It depends on a lot of factors, sometimes it doesn't matter what generation of R129 it is, if you find the "right" car for you.

If you want to maintain it yourself, then get an early one, 300SL with the M103 engine or 500SL with the M109 engine. Being fitted with CIS injection they have less electronics than the later car and in my opinion are more mechanical than the later CAN-Bus equipped cars. They lack advanced computer diagnostics, but are rewarding to work on if you value good old fashioned fault finding.

The later cars have better gearboxes as you already know, but they were also very complicated in terms of electronics, some of which can be troublesome due to bio-degradable wiring looms and the fact that these were very complex cars for the time when they were produced. I believe the later cars are probably better if you want someone else to look after your car, rather than wield a spanner yourself.

Whatever car you get, enjoy it, the R129 is a superb car

 

[television]

Dont worry about any quality issues , for a certain year, that does not exist on the 129

The later the car the nicer the inside layout,,plus after 07-08 every option was standard

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

I must admit the 129 was a great car, you cant really go wrong.

For me the bigger the engine the better but it doesnt really matter. A 500 would be a awesome car what every year, the earlier years were less restricted and rapid as hell!!!

 

[television]

I must admit the 129 was a great car, you cant really go wrong.

For me the bigger the engine the better but it doesnt really matter. A 500 would be a awesome car what every year, the earlier years were less restricted and rapid as hell!!!

Thats interesting and I have heard it said before that the earlier engine was much better before the 113 that I have

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Yes much less restricted, more crude fuel injection and emmision control systems so the engine was allowed to show its full potenial!!

 

[davidsl500]

I'll second that !

 

[television]

I'll second that !

I can remember your video David, that cost me a lot of money

 

[Richard Moakes]

Yes much less restricted, more crude fuel injection and emmision control systems so the engine was allowed to show its full potenial!!

Why do you think I got a 1991 car?

No catalysts, KE injection, oh she flies alright when I press the loud pedal :mrgreen:

Mind you it had a lot to live up to, the RX-7 was an amazing car!

 

[jibcl500]

Careful with the early 300-24 valve versions they had head problems.

jib
PM sent Ricco

 

[Setanta]

Echo that on the head problems - the head gasket on my 300SL went about a week after I bought it

Cruising around, the 300/200-24 is fine but the 500 is just magnificent. Have become very used to the overtaking abilities of my S500 coupe (hello Mr Gap in Traffic.........rrrrrrrrooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar) so I think you will be hooked if you try a V8

Fantastic cars

 

[stats007]

If you like the early styling then you're limited in choice though they're all good cars. The interiors are slightly more solid on the very early models - but that doesn't mean later cars are sub-standard. Be aware that airbags were optional - the range saw an improvement in safety, security and standrad equipment during it's 12 year history.

The two-tone bodywork went in '94 - the next facelift was '96 and the final facelift for '99 MY with the new engines as mentioned.

If you go for an M119 500 then '95 saw the introduction of coil packs over distributors which is a big improvement.

 

[stumpy]

In the later models I found the new style steering wheel uncomfortable to hold at a 'ten to two' position. Wouldn't put me off, but I found the wheel on our 93 model car much better.

 

[Pipemaster]

I have run a 95 and a 2000 (current) In the cabin the bits to look for are the centre air vent surround which often does not seat properly if someone has fiddled and broken a screw hole thingy. The heater fans can be noisy and are known to go. You'll hear a whirring anyway but a clicking sound is not good. Check the scres are all in place under the dash (recessed into the carpet) and that all the dash lights work - the PCB on the dashboad often goes open circuit near the fuel guage so the light doesnt come on. The ignition switch is underr a great deal of load and eventually the contact wear out often causing intemittent windcreen wiper / indicator failure. But these are all well know and can be sorted.
The 129 was the last of the handmades and looks fantastic especailly with the top off. they are an everyday usable sports GT which drive well. I have the 320 and wich sometimes it had a little more mid range but it stills ounds great and wolfs down the miles when we go for driving holiers on the continent.
I am sure you'll enjoy driivng it and the way it makes you feel.

 

[hairyg]

Mine is a 1994 320 (straight 6) and has the 5 speed auto box. It has to be the best car I have ever owned and I have used it as everyday transport for the last 35000 miles.

As has already been said, these are the last of the handmade Mercedes and it shows.

The year doesn't matter too much, as it seems that features that became standard later were options in earlier years, like the 5 speed box mine has. It is just a matter of finding the one that is right for you.

When you do find it, buy it. I had one beautiful example sold from under me while I was giving it a test drive!

 

[RGubbioli]

Thanks for all the numerous replies (I didn't realise there were so many as no email notification came through).

The fact that there seems to be no years which are better is probably the same reason which attracts me to the R129, the quality. Was sort of worried on year following what I recall Helen's issues with rust on her 01 car (but I didn't follow the discussion, so don't know it inside out) as well as the famous decline in general quality post 98 (lower quality build process I assume were applied troughout the Mercedes line).

I drove a couple of 500's, have not tried the 320, but I've decided it will have to be the 500 engine for me. I loved the fact that, even on a 1994 car, there were no squeaks or rattles from the interior. It also certainly has the 'special feeling factor' which few other cars have. Was not too impressed by major wind noise from soft top when up though.

I have just spent two weeks in an Alfa Spyder (rented) which has confirmed I want a convertible. Along with the sun and wind in the hair feeling, listening to the exhaust note bouncing off walls etc is motoring heaven for me.

However, have started pondering on whether I should consider an R230 (2002 500SL) as well. Prefer the looks and the roof, but very worried on quality and spending £1000s on catalysts, roof issues, etc, plus having squeaks and rattles from my pride and joy.

 

[jibcl500]

Ricco

With the 94 car you will be able to enjoy it and if you sell in a few years you wont be out of pocket!!!!


jib

 

[RGubbioli]

Ricco

With the 94 car you will be able to enjoy it and if you sell in a few years you wont be out of pocket!!!!
jib

I have been keeping that one at the back of my mind, my main issue being the colour as I really do not want black or silver. Blues are my preferred choice, especially with the beige interior. Will email you soon.

 

[stats007]

R129s really don't rust unless there has been damage to the bodywork. Some of the Panoramic roofs had aluminium corrosion issues on the corners but covered under warranty after 08/98. As ever, buy on condition, regardless of the year of manufacture.

I think you'll prefer the R129 to the R230 myself. Classic insurance, lower tax also a benefit. You can always move up to an R230 in a couple of years time when depreciation is at a minimum.

 

[jibcl500]

Classic insurance, just insured the CL500 through the post office, with the wife on the policy £237 AND thats with £50 cash back, so £187, the TE came in at £122 + £50 back £72 for a years insurance, bargain.

jib