SL320 or SL500 ?

[Ray Wiliams]

Hello and welcome

R129 SL500 Silver Arrow

is the r129 engine in a sl320 the best engine

 

[Blobcat]

is the r129 engine in a sl320 the best engine

R129 is the chassis

Engine is -

M104 (SL320 - 1994 - 1998) or M112 (SL320 - 1998 - 2001)

M119 (SL500 - 1989 - 1998 or M113 (SL500 - 1999 - 2001)

I'd have the SL500 M113 2002 Silver Arrow edition if I was in the market

 

[mioba]

Special Edition SL - Mille Miglia

 

[RhodieBill]

If I could afford a R107 in this condition, (albeit the 500 here) I would choose it above the R129 as a personal choice - and if looked after the price will only go up!

(And although I don't like the big Bumpers, I prefer the Double Headlights).

 

[Adamki83]

I want a SL between 1978 and 1993 which is the best model and why/

I must admit when we picked up R129 500SL i was shocked to feel how quick the thing moves and how quicknfor its age it can moves between gears! 326bhp i believe in our 92 SL!
I would pick an R129! Purely because i am biased too!

 

[Ray Wiliams]

The M113’s where fitted from 1998 so don’t be fooled into thinking you have a M119 engine. There are obvious visible differences, the M113 has two spark plugs per cylinder for one,

Where can you go to get this wealth of knowledge and selection personal opinions eh.

All you have to do now is decide which you prefer then find one. I would take a few out for test drives but work you way up the engine sizes or stop when you feel happy and go no further.
If you drive a 500 I think you will want one.

Again, once you have chosen a model you can ask on here for more info, what to look for etc.


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Is the body work on the sl320 AND 500 THAT MUCH DIFFERENT/

 

[LostKiwi]

Is the body work on the sl320 AND 500 THAT MUCH DIFFERENT/

No. The bodywork is the same. All r107 (pre 1989) look the same. All r129 (1989 to 2001) are the same and available as both 320 and 500. All r230 (2002 on) are the same and available as 320 and 500.
Within each generation there are very small (if any) external differences.

The early r107 can look very different for US markets but that's nothing to do with engines fitted.

I think you're getting confused by the three different generations discussed.

 

[Ray Wiliams]

No. The bodywork is the same. All r107 (pre 1989) look the same. All r129 (1989 to 2001) are the same and available as both 320 and 500. All r230 (2002 on) are the same and available as 320 and 500.
Within each generation there are very small (if any) external differences.

The early r107 can look very different for US markets but that's nothing to do with engines fitted.

I think you're getting confused by the three different generations discussed.

Cheers LostKewi i have been looking at a Jersey 320L 1993 is there anything i have to look out for

 

[LostKiwi]

Ok...
1993 was the year Mercedes introduced the self destructing wiring harness.
The wires were clad in a new biodegradable plastic but unfortunately heat starts the biodegrading process early. To see if it's self destructing look at the wires where they leave temperature senders etc and if the insulation looks to be cracked or wires are exposed it needs doing.
The m104 gas a tendency to blow head gaskets at around 100k miles (probably less for an island car that rarely gets up to any speed).
Aside from those issues normal care and attention to condition is about all you need be concerned about.

 

[Ray Wiliams]

Ok...
1993 was the year Mercedes introduced the self destructing wiring harness.
The wires were clad in a new biodegradable plastic but unfortunately heat starts the biodegrading process early. To see if it's self destructing look at the wires where they leave temperature senders etc and if the insulation looks to be cracked or wires are exposed it needs doing.
The m104 gas a tendency to blow head gaskets at around 100k miles (probably less for an island car that rarely gets up to any speed).
Aside from those issues normal care and attention to condition is about all you need be concerned about.

If it is a biodegradable harness what sort of cost and how easy is it to rectify?

 

[LostKiwi]

If it is a biodegradable harness what sort of cost and how easy is it to rectify?

The replacement is £700ish for a V8 (no idea for the 6 cylinders) or Sileck in Kent can rebuild them for around half that.
Removal and fitting is pretty easy.

 

[SL63 Mark]

To be fair, if the car is 26 years old, it is likely the harness had been replaced long ago, but worth checking to be sure.

 

[LostKiwi]

To be fair, if the car is 26 years old, it is likely the harness had been replaced long ago, but worth checking to be sure.

Mine wasn't till I did it last year.

 

[Ray Wiliams]

The replacement is £700ish for a V8 (no idea for the 6 cylinders) or Sileck in Kent can rebuild them for around half that.
Removal and fitting is pretty easy.

Is there anything you need too look out for from a imported car from Jersey?

 

[Blobcat]

Is there anything you need too look out for from a imported car from Jersey?

Rust from been parked near the sea

 

[js190d]

If it's been on Jersey for a long time then low mileage and lack of use may cause all sorts of problems with perished rubber parts etc.
As for your original question 320 or 500... there really is no question the correct answer is the V8.

 

[S500 Pete]

Is there anything you need too look out for from a imported car from Jersey?

Needs a good blast to clear it out nowhere on Jersey to do more than about 50mph

 

[Ray Wiliams]

Hi
I have bought a 1991 SL500 and want a hardtop storage rack. What's the best one or have anybody got one for sale

 

[SL63 Mark]

Hi
I have bought a 1991 SL500 and want a hardtop storage rack. What's the best one or have anybody got one for sale

Well done Ray, congrats on your purchase

Mark

 

[Wighty]

Hi
I have bought a 1991 SL500 and want a hardtop storage rack. What's the best one or have anybody got one for sale

I think we need some pics buddy