SL New Thread advice required

BNZ94**

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:)Apologies I originally posted in the wrong place...

I am currently looking at getting a used ( up to and over ~ 5years old) “sports” car for me and my wife, we would prefer a 2+2 configuration due to having 2 small dogs as well ! and are considering the Mercedes SL (don’t know what year / model yet) , a Porsche 911 or a Jaguar XK8.
We will almost definitely be keeping the C Class as it is too reliable to give up, but selling our Jeep.

Any advice from the knowledgeable folk on here about the potential SL purchase gratefully accepted.

Malcolm (Television) asked me what model I'm thinking of, ...a late 129 or early 230, and the engine size

I was thinking about getting a 350 (I believe it is a 3.9l engine) I really like the 230 shape with folding hard top, ...and I believe the 129 has a plastic rear screen and is very heavy, but apart from that I'm not very knowledgeable on these vehicles.


Thanks to all in advance

:)
 

turbopete

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well Malcolm or Alex M Greive are probably two very good people to talk to about the 230 as they both own them. Brianbrian and Dizzy Lizzy own a 129 (which Brian has fitted a 2.5 diesel engine to) and again, will probably be good people to chat to about 129 ownership
 

Alex M Grieve

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well Malcolm or Alex M Grieve are probably two very good people to talk to about the 230 as they both own them. Brianbrian and Dizzy Lizzy own a 129 (which Brian has fitted a 2.5 diesel engine to) and again, will probably be good people to chat to about 129 ownership

Thanks TP. Malcolm has the 230 (tin top), whereas I have a 1994 129 (fabric top).

Each has its virtues. The 129 has a fabric top which folds to take up virtually no space (and a weighty hard top for winter use but stored apart from the car when off). It also has +2 type back seats which are best described as a shelf. I prefer the 129 as it gives loads of space for luggage when touring. The later 129s are best as they have electronic ignition and xenon lights. Almost all have climate control and most of the other toys you could name.

The 230 has a folding metal roof, but loses some luggage/storage space accordingly. It is a rather more modern car and therefore has more up to date toys, but is more complicated.

The OP has not mentioned budget, but there are cars to suit all budgets available on the market and now is a good time to buy.

I went to see a late model 129 recently and it was very nice:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ww...ry=cars&channel=DEALERPAGE&id=200941343103843

but I decided to stick to my own car as the newer one did not offer conspicuous advantages for me over the one I already have.

I am sure Malcolm will comment - he is out today at the 3-Pointed Parts gtg.
 

turbopete

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Thanks TP. Malcolm has the 230 (tin top), whereas I have a 1994 129 (fabric top).

Each has its virtues. The 129 has a fabric top which folds to take up virtually no space (and a weighty hard top for winter use but stored apart from the car when off). It also has +2 type back seats which are best described as a shelf. I prefer the 129 as it gives loads of space for luggage when touring. The later 129s are best as they have electronic ignition and xenon lights. Almost all have climate control and most of the other toys you could name.

The 230 has a folding metal roof, but loses some luggage/storage space accordingly. It is a rather more modern car and therefore has more up to date toys, but is more complicated.

The OP has not mentioned budget, but there are cars to suit all budgets available on the market and now is a good time to buy.

I went to see a late model 129 recently and it was very nice:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ww...ry=cars&channel=DEALERPAGE&id=200941343103843

but I decided to stick to my own car as the newer one did not offer conspicuous advantages for me over the one I already have.

I am sure Malcolm will comment - he is out today at the 3-Pointed Parts gtg.

i stand corrected. thought yours was the hard top one, like Malcolm's, but now ive looked at the pic again, i can see its different!
 

television

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The 230 SL350 is a cheap car to run and offers so much, even with the boot down it holds more than the 129, within 20 secs it puts its roof up or down and no storage required for any hard top. I would try and get one with Comfort seats, as these make the car,, no rust problems on these, the facelift with the 3 chrome grill slats came out mid 06 with the more powerful engine
 

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The 230 SL350 is a cheap car to run and offers so much, even with the boot down it holds more than the 129, within 20 secs it puts its roof up or down and no storage required for any hard top. I would try and get one with Comfort seats, as these make the car,, no rust problems on these, the facelift with the 3 chrome grill slats came out mid 06 with the more powerful engine

I agree that the convenience of the folding metal hood is excellent, but the figures do not support your assertion that "Even with the boot down (sic) the 230 holds more than the 129".

230 boot volume is 317 litres, hood up. 235 litres hood down.
129 boot volume is 256 litres either way (but the 129 also has more usable space behind the front seats which, with the wind deflector in place, is pretty secure).

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ww...ry=cars&channel=DEALERPAGE&id=200941343103843

The differences in volume are slightly academic, as the usable space in the 129 is readily accessible and of a much more useful shape. For touring purposes, the 230 boot would be fine with the hood up for longer journeys when full of luggage, but hood down for travelling around at the destination when the luggage has been off loaded. Indeed, some users travel with the hood up for all longer (and motorway) journeys, because there is less traffic noise.

But doing that, you don't get the wind in your hair Malcolm!
 

television

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Driving along normal B roads is great with the roof down, on the motorways the ambient noise does get tiring on a 200 mile run.

Re the boot size square people would fit easier into the boot of a 230, and the longer thin ones would fit better in a 129, the 230 can carry lots too behind the seats
 

jc41

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On the subject of boot space, the 129 has a full size spare wheel under the boot floor and so somewhere to store a flat tyre, whereas the 230 doesn't. Not a problem until you have a puncture when the car is loaded with luggage.

Jeremy
 

television

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On the subject of boot space, the 129 has a full size spare wheel under the boot floor and so somewhere to store a flat tyre, whereas the 230 doesn't. Not a problem until you have a puncture when the car is loaded with luggage.

Jeremy

Very few cars have spare wheels these days,,in fact hardly any
 

jc41

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"Very few cars have spare wheels these days,,in fact hardly any"

It would interesting to know how many spare tyres make it to the scrapyard, without ever being used. Anyway, I've had punctures in the past and feel more comfortable with a proper spare. Maybe others are less concerned.

Jeremy
 

television

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I agree with you Jeremy, it is nice to have a spare,,the AMG 230 does not have one, and cars like mine come with a blow up canister and pump
 

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I agree with television ,sad but true not many cars offer proper spare tyre for a while now,most come with puncture repair can or space saver wheels
 
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BNZ94**

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Visited the dealership.....

Thanks all...... we went to our local dealer looked at an SL, wife wasn't impressed with the prices and the space behind the seats, .. and then she spotted a 2 year old SLK !!!!

.. "we don't need that space" etc.. I guess I'm going to have to factor in SLKs now as well :confused::confused:
 

television

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Thanks all...... we went to our local dealer looked at an SL, wife wasn't impressed with the prices and the space behind the seats, .. and then she spotted a 2 year old SLK !!!!

.. "we don't need that space" etc.. I guess I'm going to have to factor in SLKs now as well :confused::confused:

OK then do check the inner edge of the rear wheel arches, the SLK is a great car and good value for money
 

Alex M Grieve

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SLKs

If you were looking at an SL in a dealership, then that would be expensive.

That sort of budget should enable you to look at most SLKs. Sailorp has a beauty - last pic on this post:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showpost.php?p=354460&postcount=169

SLK 32 AMG IIRC. Other members have custard yellow ones too (Lisa Jayne), so it is an important genre!
 

television

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If you were looking at an SL in a dealership, then that would be expensive.



SLK 32 AMG IIRC. Other members have custard yellow ones too (Lisa Jayne), so it is an important genre!


I am sure that there are only 8 that colour in the UK
 
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BNZ94**

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From SL to SLK and Back !!!

I've now surfed for several days solid (and I'm getting very wrinkly !)....

My budget was going to max out at 15k (might go a little higher, but would prefer to see something over 15k and get them to come down :) )
My personal preference in the SLK space is a black SLK350 (R171), with as many toys and the lowest possible mileage I can get.... I've seen a couple of good ones on Autotrader ( anyone recommend looking somewhere else ?)

BUT I've also seen a black SLK32 (R170) as well and I'm very tempted with that also.... ..SO the $64m question ( and your starter for 10 ) is which is better SLK32 (R170) or SLK350 (R171) :?:
 
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BNZ94**

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PS

Malcolm, what do I need to be concerned about here ?
"OK then do check the inner edge of the rear wheel arches, the SLK is a great car and good value for money"
 

television

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PS

Malcolm, what do I need to be concerned about here ?
"OK then do check the inner edge of the rear wheel arches, the SLK is a great car and good value for money"

the 171 did not come out till 04-04 so should be good and mainly only the inner edge of the rear wheel arch again, there should be no brown rust stains

I agree the SLK is good value, nice looking as well,,if you can get one with all the toys,,it just gives the car that edge,,I love all of the toys on mine,,and they get used
 


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