Hi, I am longstanding member of this wonderful forum and am looking for R129 owners to help me better decide between two R129’s I have located locally. I have been searching the forums and reading up on the engine variation, soft top hydraulics etc. I understand there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes from a maintenance perspective, hence being quite detailed in my findings thus far. Listing details below for both cars as I am a bit torn as to the one I should pick.

#1 1999 SL500, 89,650 miles

Black with black interior
AMG package and wheels
Black hardtop included
OEM Xenon headlight
Clean Carfax, 2 owners, the last owner had the car for 14 years, drove 5,808 miles a year
34 service records
Almost has had all yearly service done at local Mercedes dealer through 2015
In 2014, had the Maintenance inspection completed, Recommended maintenance performed, Air filter replaced,Serpentine belt replaced,Vehicle washed/detailed,Wiring repaired
In 2015, Brake rotor(s) replaced,Front brake pads replaced and Front brake rotor(s) replaced
All service records at the same Mercedes dealer since 2002
Other fixes at the dealership in 2002 through 2004 include: 2004 - Engine serviced,Harmonic balancer,Oil pan,Pulley tensioner,Seals/gaskets and Fluids/lubricants. 2002 - Computer(s) checked,Door locks checked,Electrical system checked,Fluids checked,Power steering checked,Power steering fluid leak checked,Power steering system serviced,Steering gear replaced and Vehicle washed/detailed


Test drive observations

Drives well, quiet cabin, good pick up and acceleration

Issues noted: Rearview mirror was shaky, the seat control module to move the driver side seat was broken and loose. Used the memory setting to move the seat forward, the center vents were not blowing any air (perhaps liked to the seat control module. The pop up area above the center vents is loose and does not close properly. I noticed some front end vibration so might need engine and transmission mounts or some front end suspension work. I plan to use it as a coupe so did not test the soft top mechanism. This will be tested during the PPI.

I liked the look of this car better and to me a Black Mercedes looks really sharp. The add on AMG package, wheels and xenon headlights give it a better look.


#2 1998 SL500, 76,800 miles

Silver with black interior
Silver hardtop included
Clean Carfax 3 owners, the last owner had the car for 10 years, drove 3,615 miles a year
13 service records
3 service records at local Mercedes dealer in 2014 and 2015


Test drive observations

Drives well and better than the 99 SL500 as there was no front end vibration or suspension related item, quiet cabin, good pick up and acceleration

Issues noted: Did not notice any issues. I plan to use it as a coupe so did not test the soft top mechanism. This will be tested during the PPI.

This car drove better, but looks plain compared to the 99 Black SL500.


My questions

Are the issues noted on the 99 SL500 major? I am not sure if the center vent issue is something that would warrant the whole dash being taken out.

What are some of the other item I should have specifically looked into as a part of the PPI?