The facts

30K for a 560SL is rather high at 55K miles. I did a search on 88 and 89 560SL's with milage between 50 and 60K. 14 listings on AutoTrader from $13K to $35K Second highest was $27K, Most of these were in the upper teens and lower $20's. Therefore I put the average ASKING price for these cars at 20K

30K for a 2000 SL500 is an average listing price. I did a search on 2000 SL500's with milage between 50 and 60K. 17 listings on AutoTrader from $22.5K to $37K. The prices were pretty much spread evenly across the range. Therefore I put the average ASKING price for these cars at 30K

Kelley Blue Book Private Party Sale results for a 2000 SL500 with 55,000 miles and a 1988 560SL with 55,000 miles

SL500 Excelent - 28,500, Good - 27,000, Fair - 25,000
560SL Excelent - 14,500, Good - 13,600, Fair - 12,500

Esentially according to KBB there is a 2 to 1 price difference. Also this is for the CT area, where people have little tolorance for old cars.

My personal feealings on the 560SL vs the SL500.

The 107 just looks better

Both have all the power and handeling you would ever want for everyday driving but the 107 leaves you wanting more for the stress relieving occation when you feel the need for speed.

Things the 129 has and miss in the 107
I like to see the following in a 107, Radio controls on the stearing wheel. Tilt wheel, especially one that moves out of the way when you get in and out, even the 129 doesnt have that. A sound system with at least 4 good speakers. A keyless entry. Electronic Stability Control. And last but not least the thing I really long for in the 107 is the availability of a honking 6 liter 4 cam, 48 valve, V-12 engine with breaks and handeling to match.

Things I like about the 107
I like analog gauges, I like these alot and miss them in all new cars. I like the manual seats, why would I want to move the seat in a car that only I drive, same for seat memory, and it's not hard. I usually like the mannual top for it's simplicity but the electric does have its good points.

Other points are that the 107 is more affordable to own and maintain in that the 129's level of technology has put the car out of the capabilities for the average DIY'r

Now hear is another interesting comparison. Again using KBB in CT. A 87 to 89 560SL vs a 90 to 92 500SL all with 75K miles

1989 560SL Excelent - 15,125, Good - 14,225, Fair - 13,075
1988 560SL Excelent - 13,925, Good - 13,075, Fair - 11,975
1987 560SL Excelent - 12,825, Good - 12,075, Fair - 11,025

1990 500SL Excelent - 12,775, Good - 11,975, Fair - 10,975
1991 500SL Excelent - 13,300, Good - 12,500, Fair - 11,450
1992 500SL Excelent - 15,450, Good - 14,600, Fair - 13,450

Obviously people prefer styling over performance

John Roncallo