Best pre 96 R129 Buy

[ChinaClipper]

What is the best year R129? Engine tranny combo? Sixes? Eights? Common problems? Is the A/C a big a POS as the rest of them? Thanks! Clip

[DaveL]

I absolutely love my 94 SL600 (31k miles, near mint), but be very careful about which one you buy, and have it thoroughly inspected, AND expect to spend some money.

Mine checked out "perfect" prior to purchase, and has cost nearly $3000 in repairs in the first 2 months of ownership (about 1500 miles...)

Good luck.
-David
92 500SEL
94 SL600

[iwrock]

I absolutely love my 96 SL600. It is quite capable, and it is still a very nice looking car even though it is going to turn 10 this month. It has the 5 speed gearbox, and it has the infamous V-12, but it isnt as problematic as everyone says they are. The only thing that hurts in this car is the gas mileage. We get 13-15 freeway on a good day,

[cbdo]

The V12 is a roll of the dice; there are happy folks and then folks like my friend. He loves the car, but the local indie and dealer both know how he takes his coffee and how soon he's likely to want a refill. Not only is the engine significantly more complex and expensive to fix, but some of the other systems were "enhanced" as well for that model.
I toyed with the idea, though after doing so I'm sticking with my 107. My best gleanings are that the six is decent power and pretty trouble-free, and the 5-liter is plenty of power and pretty trouble-free. With either, the likely source of issues is not the engine, but the wiring harness, top mechanism, etc.--all those bits that make the car the overengineered but luscious wonder it is. I found it tempting, but for a toy car/summer driver I decided I like the simpler feel of manual seats, a manual top, and not so much to go wrong.

[bhatt]

Both old and new SL's are nice as Craig says.. I had a 560SL just like his, and now have a 300SL.

Here's why we like the 300SL better:
-Power roof - MUCH easier for my wife to open & close. She can't actually shut the 107 roof (I had to do it every evening)
-More luxury items (power seats, etc.)
-Much quieter, less wind noise, newer/better engineered car

What we don't like:
-As Craig mentions, there are tons of power toys on these cars that break. So far we've been lucky and nothing major has gone wrong. But don't kid yourself -- these cars are definately more complex than a 560SL!

What about a '90 300SL or 500SL? Same car as later on (basically), most of the issues are well known by now, there are lots of good ones around, and to the unknowing eye, they are ALL "Mercedes SL's" whether they are a 1990 or 1999. I've driven the 1999, one that was around 1996 or 1995, and then bought the 1990. The newer cars are nicer, but too expensive for me.

Hope I didn't tick off anyone with a newer SL, but it all came down to value for the $ for me (Yes, I realize the irony of that statement considering I drive an R129 and not a Camry.....)

Neal

[elau]

I have a '95 320 and absolutely love it. So far, knock on wood, my yearly maintenance is only for my oil change. That's amount to $35/year and I have the car since new. I have thought about upgrading to a 600 many times, but changed my mind after reading from various MB forums about the complexity of the vehicle.

Some will tell you the 500 is a better car. Most 500 owners will tell you the gas mileage is not that much difference than the 300/320, but I tend to disagree. Consider the extra weight of the engine + extra power + extra fun = extra gas. But that's just my opinion. With that much more torque, it will be a waste if you don't stomp on the gas a lot more.

Careful inspection of the car is a must. Pay extra attention on the roof mechanism, and water leak on the A pillar. I would recommend once you find your car, take it through a car wash with the soft/hard top on to check for water leakage. Operate the soft top as much as you can, put the hard top on and off a few times. Hopefully, if there are any problems, it will manifest themselves by work it hard. Also look for oil stain around the A pillar and in the trunk. It is a sign that the cyclinders are getting worn.

Another thing you may consider is the seat mechanism. Check to make sure they operate as they should. Some members here had problems but usually an easy fix.

Look for oil stain on the haed gasket for pre-95 vehicles. The 104 engine is known for premature head gasket failure. But usually that should not be a problem as most gaskets should have been replaced by now.

Pre-95 models also have wiring harness problem. Mine has not manifested itself yet, but I know it's just a matter of time. There really is no safe way to check except look carefully for crumpled insulation.

I think the most important piece is the service histroy. Look for one that has full history. Sounds impossible? Not really, they are out there. I keep all my service receipts from day one.

Good luck, the SL is a great car if you find a perfect one. Patience is what you need.