History & Differences in the R129 ??

[xx 5id xx]

Bonjour!

I want to get an SL... and trying to do some research into all the models first.

Can you all please tell me what are the differences in the R129 SL's from years gone by?

Like when did the Panaromic Glass roof come in,
changes to the side slats,
new headlights etc etc

This info would be very much appreciated.

Thanks alot.

Sid

[crconsulting]

you can look here.....


http://www.mbfans.net/models/sl-class/sl_history.html

[Gilly]

This may help also:

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/index.jsp?persist=false

Gilly

[bobterry99]

It was an interesting read, but this chronology is fraught with errors:

http://www.mbfans.net/models/sl-class/sl_history.html

I mean, new ACC in '94, again in '95, and once more in '97?

I am developing a history of the changes to the 129, and most of the info I have came right off of the link that Gilly mentioned.

[jjrodger]

Major updates took place in 1995 and 1998.

The best history is at www.r129sl-club.de

The site is in German, but it is easily intelligible. You can also translate it using the Babel Fish translator at Altavista. Click "Der 129 SL" and then "Geschichter" (History) for a comprehensive analysis with pictures.

[xx 5id xx]

The world premiere of the new SL series R129 was one of the main attractions Geneva automobile salons in March 1989. With the predecessor models of the series R107 the perfectly again designed types exhibited 300 SL, 300 SL-24 and 500 SL except the total conception practically no thing in common. Pronounced improvements in relation to the predecessor models could be obtained regarding passive security. The absence of a roof federation had required a body structure and thus intensive development deviating fundamentally from the closed variants. The inherent stability desired of the passenger space could be obtained in cooperating different structural components.

-- security --

The automatic overroll bar represented a component of the security concept to integrals , which was realized for the first time in the automotive manufacture and which had task to secure in the case of an estimate the survival area of the passengers. With a threatening estimate the overroll bar was sensor-steered electromagnetically released within 0.3 seconds. Additionally the handle could be set up also when desired the driver. The Hardtop consisted now of light alloy and was easier thereby opposite the Hardtop of the predecessor model despite larger window areas 10 kg. Altogether one could reach a decrease of the carcass, which was appropriate for only 20 kg with 405 kg despite improved structure security over that of the predecessor model by lightweight construction. The again developed integral seats represented a further quintessential point of the SL specific passenger protection , which granted increased protection due to their basic structure with high transverse rigidity with a seitenaufprall. The basic sitzgestell, which consisted of five magnesium pressure pouring parts of high firmness, made it possible in addition, the belt system with belt-taut to integrate the belt vertical adjustment with coupled head restraint adjustment as well as the vollektrischen adjustment functions into the seat.

-- the equipment --

The electrohydraulical verdeck offered particularly high comfort, with which the R129 was in series equipped. The verdeck could be opened within 30 seconds and put down in the boxbox box or taken out and concluded from the boxbox box. At the same time the side windows and the overroll bar were lowered and led back afterwards again into the starting position. A further innovation, which was available for the first time for the SL series 129, was the so-called "wind bulkhead". The wind bulkhead consisted to fasten of a framed air-permeable lattice, with few handles to the overroll bar left themselves and in set up condition the travelling comfort clearly with opened verdeck increased, by reducing wind noises and draft to a minimum.

Regarding its technical equipment the SL represented a combination of proven and again developed components. The chassis corresponded in principle to the construction well-known of the sedans of the series 201 and 124.

In addition when desired a again developed supplementary system was available, which combined three subsystems. The level attitude and adjustment on front and rear axle had the task to keep the vehicle level always constant with running engine. With the automatic speed-dependent level adjustment depending upon momentary speed the vehicle level was lowered or raised. The third component, the "adaptive absorption system" ADS, made it possible by adjustable shock absorbers and a complex electronic control, the absorption fully automatic within fractions of a second meeting demand at the respective to adapt of five sensors determined driving condition.

Their sporty requirement accordingly, all models of the series 129 were equipped in series with 16 tariff light alloy wheels in the 15-Loch-Design and broad tire of the dimension 225/55 ZR 16. The wheels larger compared with the predecessor models permitted the installation of generously dimensioned brakes, which were appropriate for the improved road performances of the new SL. The front festsattel-Scheibenbremsen represented a new fact, which exhibited four pistons with in pairs different diameter. This for the first time with a Mercedes Benz passenger car used construction ensured even wear of the brake linings and improves utilization of the lining volume. With all three models the anti-skid system ABS belonged to the standard scope of supply.

-- the engine pallet --

Also in the engine pallet well-known with new one was combined. All three aggregates of the original model program were equipped in series with regulated catalytic exhaust-gas recycling plant. The 3,0-l-Sechszylindermotor 300 SL did not only have itself for years in the predecessor model, but also in the sedans of the series 124 and 126 works satisfactorily and was used in the new SL now in a revised version. The most important improvement measures existed in a transformation of the combustion chamber, whereby the raw mission of the unburned hydrocarbons could be reduced, and in a change of the exhaust-gas recycling plant. By omission of the enginenear, thermally highly Vorkatalysators as well as the increased cross section of the tail pipes and now the double-flow trained catalyst stressed could the rated output of the M103 from 180 HP to 190 HP be increased. A reconstruction represented the 3,0-l-Vierventilmotor 300 of the SL-24 , which was developed from the M103 and in the engine parts its two-valve counterpart corresponded to a large extent. The four-valve cylinder head and the characteristic diagram-steered adjustment of the inlet cam shaft used for the first time with Mercedes Benz were new. In connection with a higher compression and an electronic ignition system with anti-knocking regulation an achievement yield increased opposite the M103 by 40 HP resulted for the Vierventiler M104.

For special attention on that Geneva salon provided the 500 SL, which was equipped as Topmodell of the new SL series with 326 HP strong 5,0-l-V8-Vierventilmotor and so that represented the highest performance Mercedes Benz series passenger car. Constructionally the V8-Vierventiler M119 was based on since over ten years worked satisfactorily 5,0-l-Leichtmetallmotor M117. Regarding the higher power ratings one had made large modifications at crank cases, crankshaft and connecting rods. The two four-valve cylinder heads represented a reconstruction, which had like the six cylinder adjustable inlet cam shafts. For the increase at achievement and torque the anti-knocking regulation, as well as the changes at the exhaust-gas recycling plant were decisive apart from the conversion to four-valve technology: As also the Vierventil-V8 under omission of the Vorkatalysators a double-flow catalyst with larger cross section had received the two six cylinder aggregates.

The production of the new SL models came not, as with the predecessors, in Sindelfingen, but for capacity reasons to Bremen had been shifted; there the main quantity production still started in March 1989.

-- the twelve-cylinder --

Starting from October 1992, three and a half year after its presentation in Geneva, the SL was available also with that approximately 400 HP of strong 6,0-l-V12-Motor, which had already worked in the sedans and Coupés of the series W140. For the further decrease of the pollutant emissions the fuel injection system was modified and without the mixture enrichment with full load did. The highest performance engine of the passenger car selling program mobilized thereby "only" 394 HP, 14 HP less than the original execution. The new Topmodell of the series was in series equipped with a whole set of extras, which were available with 500 SL only against surcharge. Apart from the adaptive absorption system with level control at front and rear axle the basic equipment covered among other things Tempomat, automatically anti-dazzle mirror, headlamp wash/wipe system, air conditioning mechanism, leather upholstery and seat heating. Outwardly could be differentiated the 600 SL only at the vehicle identification plate and two "V12"-Emblemen, which were attached in the range of the air outlet openings behind the front wheel arches.

With the appearance of the new Topmodells presented itself also the 500 SL easily revised. Since that time used execution of the V8-Vierventilers with Bosch KE Jetronic was replaced bythe "unit cover engine ", which was already used into 500 E and into the sedans and Coupés of the s-class. Characteristic characteristics of the new engine were the changed crank case and the electronic fuel injection system Bosch LH Jetronic with air mass measurement. As is the case for the V12-Motor had one for the decrease of the pollutant emissions also here without the full load enrichment done, a measure, which concerned not only the SL, but also all other passenger car types with V12 and V8-Aggregaten. In the case of the 5,0-l-Motors this meant an achievement output of 6 HP.

[xx 5id xx]

-- the new names --

In June 1993 also the type designations of the SL models were adapted to the new nomenclature system, which was introduced on the occasion of the presentation of the C-class W202. The legendary and steeped in tradition letter contraction "SL" was now the three-figure number placed in front. At the same time gave it in addition, technical changes to register: Both six cylinder models received new engines; the two-valve and four-valve variant of the proven 3,0-l-Aggregats were replaced by two Vierventiler with 2,8 l and 3.2 l capacity.

The 2,8-ltr-Motor of the SL 280 was used since October 1992 in the series 124 and the s-class-sedan 300 SE 2,8 and exceeded the capacity-stronger Zweiventiler from the type family M103 regarding achievement and torque, without exhibiting a higher fuel consumption. With the 3,2-ltr-Aggregat of the SL 320, which had already worked since March 1991 in the s-class-models 300 SE and 300 SEL, the rated output had remained in the comparison to the seitherigen Vierventiler directly, however 900 U/min had been in former times reached; the torque maximum lay clearly more highly and was likewise shifted to lower numbers of revolutions. The SL 280 was as only type of the series still with 5-Gang-Schaltgetriebe available, all other models with automatic transmission was in series equipped.

-- the first model care --

To the Frankfurt IAA in September 1995 the SL models presented themselves optically and technically updated. The model-maintained variants were characterised by a changed body Design, an extended standard and newer technology. The body Design was only slightly modified. Newarranged front and tail bumper, colorless cover glasses at the front turn signals and changed radiator grille with only more six lamellas dezent let the SL appear still more dynamic. The side panel linings were not, like also the bumpers, any more in contrasting color, but in car color paints and exhibited changed entlueftungsoeffnungen. Further innovations were the appearing uniformly red bichromatischen rear lights and new light alloy wheels in the 12-Loch-Design, with which all SL types were equipped in series. In addition when desired a glass roof with Sonnenrollo was available, which could be installed in place of the usual aluminum Hardtops. In the interior door linings, steering wheel and seat Design were modified.

Headlights with xenon gas-discharge lamps, which had been presented few months before for the first time in the new e-class W210, were now also in the R129 available. Opposite conventional halogen headlights the new xenon lamps achieve double luminous intensity and provide thereby for a better and brighter illuminating of the roadway. Further technical improvements concerned the engines and the transmission of the types SL 500 and SL 600. With both models a completely again developed 5-Gang-Automatikgetriebe with transducer bypass clutch was used starting from September 1995, which replaced the seitherige transmission with hydraulic control. Principal item is an electronic transmission price increase, which adapts switching attitude fast and automatically to each driving conditions and with the electronic motor control in permanent data exchange stands. The engines were again revised for the further lowering of the fuel consumption and the pollutant emissions. The 5,0-l-V8-Motor received for this purpose a modified crankshaft, an optimized valve gear, weight-relieved pistons, single ignition coils for each cylinder as well as an improved electronic motor control. The constructional changes at the V12-Motor failed less extensively and concerned only the ignition coil arrangement and the electronic motor control. Likewise starting from September 1995 the "electronic driving stability program" ESP was available for both models, which supports the driver in the case of driving errors, by working against the unstable moment sensor-steered by purposeful brake interference and so that to driving safety contributes. With the SL 500 the ESP was when desired available, with the twelve-cylinder belonged it since that time to the standard. Starting from June 1996 the new automatic transmission with electronic control was also for the six cylinder models SL 280 and SL 320 available - with the 2,8-l-Variante when desired, with the SL 320 against it as standard. Starting from December 1996 six cylinder L L equipped with this transmission could be equipped also with the driving dynamics system ESP. At the same time a further improvement was used as world novelty, which likewise serves active security: the brake assistant, who was built in series starting from December 1996 into all models of the series 129 and 140. The brake assistant BAS is in a the position to recognize and if necessary automatically and in shorter time than so far the maximum braking power aid develop emergency braking.

At the beginning of of April 1998 was transferred the electronic stability program with models the SL 500 and SL 60 AMG to the standard equipment extent.

-- the second model care --

At the end of April 1998 presented itself on the Turiner automobile salon an updated SL Typenprogramm also again-developed engines and easily revised Design. To the most important measures in the framework the introduction of the new v-Motorengeneration with six as well as eight cylinders, which replaced the row numbers of the series M104 and the V8-Aggregat of the series M119 now also in the SL, belonged to this model care. Owing to three-valve technology and double ignition the new engines up to ten per cent less fuel used. The Topmodell SL 600 had also further the twelve-cylinder engine M120. The SL 60 AMG was void in the context of the model care and was not available since June 1998 any longer. The Design of the SL was again dezent modified: an easily changed heckpartie, where the now monochromatic cover glasses of the tail lamps with only three bars present themselves, a new oval final tubing screen of the exhaust system and an adjustment at the bumper. Round forms dominated also with the new outside mirrors, which had been adapted to the SLK Design and which represented most important outside distinguishing feature of the model-maintained types. Door handles and body attachments published with the new SL models high gloss in car color paints. Also size and Design of the wheels were modified: The model-maintained SL types were in series also again-arranged five-hole light alloy wheels and tires of the dimension 245/45 ZR 17 equipped.

-- the new AMG models --

In the spring 1999 two particularly high performance AMG models supplemented the type pallet of the series 129: The SL 55 AMG was equipped with 260 KW (354 HP) strong V8-Motor, while the V12-Aggregat of the SL mobilized 73 AMG even 386 KW (525 HP) with a maximum torque of 750 Nm. The maximum speed of the two Topmodelle was limited likewise electronically on 250 km/h, the delimitation could when desired the customer in addition, be waived. In August 1999 the electronic stability program became ESP also with the two six cylinder types SL 280 and SL 320 a component of the standard. Later, in July 2001, the SL 500 than first model of the new SL series R230 world premiere celebrated two years. In the same month Bremen the last came from altogether 204,940 copies of the R129 off the line in the work. Thus the first SL built in Bremen was not completely as successful regarding the total number of items as its predecessor, who still holds the record with 237.287 vehicles; in the comparison against it the R129 with approximately 16,500 units is to the average annual production far because of the point. Most successful model of the series R 129 became the 5-ltr-Variante equipped with the Vierventil-V8-Motor M119, from which in the period 1988 to 1998 altogether 79,827 copies developed. The by far rarest execution was the SL 280 with V6-Motor, which functioned starting from 1998 as a riser model of the series and only 1704mal came off the line.