Thoughts? SL500 or E320 Cabrio...

I have been considering getting an SL500 for quite some time, and have found some from 1994 to 1996 that interest me...

For about the same price I can get a 1995 E320 Cabrio and I am curious what your thoughts are if you have any experience with both.

I already have a 300E that I will be keeping until it falls apart, so while the full back seat of the E320 would be nice to have, I don't necessarily need it.

With the SL I would need to add those nasty jump seats in back just in case I ever need to take my kid somewhere when it's not convenient to switch cars... Oh for the 70's when my parents used to pile 6 people into a 450SL - them in the front and me and 3 siblings on the bench thinking it was fantastic...

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

-mick

[Momo]

E320 was a low-volume custom job which I think looks ugly. I think the real decision, possibly based on space needs might be between the SL and a CLK320 cabrio. If you need the back seats, that's the best solution. My kids are 6 and 8. If I drive, I can have one in the passenger seat of the SL500 and one in a back seat. If my wife drives, there is enough room for all of us for short trips.

Momo

OK - I was concerned about the back seat and my kid not fitting...

My wife got to ride back there for the test drive and didn't complain too much - so I got the SL500



Any suggestions for a good place to get the jump seats in black?

Thanks.

[DALE DORIA]

You might want to check with your insurance company regarding the legality of the rear SL jump seat. The car was not designed as a "four" seater and thus is not classified as such. Also, you will have to install aftermarket seat belts and these also will be subject to scrutiny. Is a MB dealership going to certify that therwere professionalyy installed in case of an accident and the impending insurance investigation? And God forbid..you had a child in that seat and was hurt or even worse...your life would definatly take on a different direction. If it's four seats you need, then look at a sedan.......but I caution you to investigate about adding the "jump" seat for passengers....

[G-Benz]

www.************************ has them in vinyl and MB-tex (I think), priced up to $1700 for the set. They come with seat belts and professional installation is required.

I considered having a set installed, but I really don't trust having my 7-yr old back there...we have other cars that serve that need, so the SL is generally, the "date" car.

[Momo]

Since they are standard in Europe, is it not possible to just order the MB parts from the PartsShop here?

Momo

[MBenzNL]

If you are getting a convertible for the joy and fun, get the R129 SL, if you need the back of the car for your kids, skip the R129 SL...I have a SL with jump seats and am only able to put in legless childs...there is just NO room in there.
The 300CE34 conv on the other hand has more room, a better rear seat but still. a shortgage on leg-room...the W124 conv is a lot better as the R129 when you have young kids, but is also too small when you have older (taller) kids!

greetingz,