Sl500r

[bcgreen]

I was looking at an ad for a '99 SL500R, and was just wondering what the difference is between a SL500 and a SL50OR? If "R" stands for Roadster, aren't all SL500 roadsters. This particular one was listed as a '99-1/2 model, "same as a 2002".

[jjrodger]

I've never come across this designation before. All SLs are roadsters, maybe the seller is being over enthusiastic with his letters! There was a Sport package available in the US; I understand this consisted of AMG alloys and body kit but you may wish to check the ten year model overview at MBUSA:

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/starmark/overview/overview_engine.jsp&subNav=overview&yearModelCode=99_SL500&class=99_SL&rnav=012345678&menu=5_6

The last facelift on the R129 took place in about June 1998, so maybe this is what the seller means by '99-1/2 model, "same as a 2002". Except the R129 ceased production in July 2001. You can tell whether it is the latest model by the door mirrors; after 6/98 they are rounded like on the SLK. Equipment after that date is pretty complete, too, with some of the most beautiful upholstery I've yet to see in a motor vehicle.

I have a 1999 SL500 and have found it to be an extremely satisfying and good value car.

Good luck!

[kloudin]

Too funny, when I was recently shopping for an SL, I was wondering about the extra "R" as well so I inquired and found that if the vehicle had the hardtop on in the picture normally they called it a SL 500R or a SL 600R just so shoppers would know that it is a roadster. So the R means nothing special. When I had my hardtop on, a person come up to me and commented on my car then stated that he had a friend that had one but his is a convertible, I was all smiles. The hardtops look incredible on this car, not an after thought like every other manufacturer.

[CDNC36AMG]

Kloudin, that's so true.

I've had people tell me they didn't realize that MB made this model in a hardtop version.

The ht looks perfectly in harmony unlike Corvettes.