The 1990's shape 500/600SL - How do you rate it.

[mattsbeamer]

At the mo my dad has a 1992 BMW 850i which I love to bits. But hewan'ts to change his car, for either a Merc SL, a Range rover (1997) or a nice E38 BMW 750iL.

How do you rate the SL?

 

[Arnie]

The 1990's shape 500/600SL

The W129 SL, like previous generations,  is destined to be a classic (only about 190,000 made in 12 years compared to 500,000 C classes annually). The newly released model is much higher tech and probably much better at everything but in my opinion has lost some of the classic style and charm. It will also be replaced much more frequently than the last.

To drive, the W129 is definately '80s in attitude and the E38 beamer outhandles it - no problem. That, too, is a very fine car and will probably also be the last of the classic beamers, now that Chris Bangle is holding the design crayons. It's very solidly built and has immense capabilities, with the latter ones crammed with high-tech goodies (try to find one of the run-out "individual" models with special paint and interiors. The V12 is lovely, but a V8 will be lighter and more fun around the corners without sacrificing much in speed. The 728 is also surprisingly quick in practice! the V8's are also more up-to-date with VANOS etc, though a V12 probably doesn't need it.

(Have you considered an M5??)

However, if 4-doors are not necessary (and judging by the 850, they are probably not) I would still opt for the SL.

There will always be better handling cars, as newer models with higher technology come out, and if it's not the new 7-series, there may be a new Merc to rival the qualities of the old E-38, which is just a saloon.... A really lovely saloon to drive and with somewhat classic BMW looks, but in time I think it will fade in comparison to the gorgeous SL.

As for the SL, the 600, V12 is too heavy and was only really built for the US market, where a V8 is commonplace. It's a great engine, but will be expensive to run and maintain. The new lightweight, 500, V8 is probably the best choice, if not the 320 V6 or earlier straight-6.

There were some nice editions in the last couple of years which had some great features such as really massive alloys and machined aluminium dash features. The alloys with 245/40 and 275/35 tyres, together with designo paint colours really make the car into something special and unusual.

The 500 was the 500 "Silver Arrow" limited edition.
the 320 was the "Almandine" or "Alanite"

Anyway, it's a great car for cruising and great fun to drive (for completely difefferent reasons to the Beamer), although not a car to be hussled around corners (some scuttle shake and very limited feedback from the steering). That's why even the SL 320 is more than adequate. The 500 will give you more straight-line speed, but that's not really the point of the car.

As with the 850, the rear seats are just for show- maybe all right for kids, but the seatbelts are not 3-point types.

With both cars just having been replaced and existing owners wanting to trade up to the new models, there are some good bargains to be had now on nearly new.

As for the range-rover, I don't know, but it wouldn't be a car to keep. Too many around and the last version wasn't all that wonderful.

Anyway, the 850 is already a rare classic, why change it?




(Edited by Arnie at 5:18 pm on July 15, 2002)

 

[Carabosse]

The 1990's shape 500/600SL

Interesting what Arnie has to say about this, Mattsbeamer! Very sensible advice there!

I would say to your dad  "Forget the Range Rover". Straight choice between the BMW and Merc. Like Arnie I don't see the point of changing from a BMW 850i to a Merc SL....almost change for the sake of change!

If he has to change let it be the BMW 750iL. At least that way he'll get 4 doors and some rear legroom!

 

[Carabosse]

The 1990's shape 500/600SL

(Edited by Carabosse at 7:01 pm on July 15, 2002)

 

[Arnie]

The 1990's shape 500/600SL

PS..

If you live in the city, then the regular 7-series is already a job to park at around 5.0m long. The L version, with an extra 30cm will be even more tricky...

 

[mattsbeamer]

The 1990's shape 500/600SL

Thanks Arnie. You know your cars. We live in a normal town. We used to have a really nice E32 1990 Alpina B12, which was based on the 750iL. I love it to bits. One of my fav cars ever. Which included the fridge, and a bar ect. []