Smoke silver SL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jjrodger · #1 03-04-2003, 07:40 AM

I was about to sign on the dotted line for a smoke silver R129 SL when I called another dealer about a black one I've just seen. When I told him about the smoke silver one, he advised that this was a bad colour and is too old fashioned for the SL; he went on to say that if he took one in part-ex he would not retail it because they tend to be stickers on the forecourt.

What are the views of other forum members?

I happen to like smoke silver, although I acknowledge it is old fashioned (I think classy). The car I'm looking at is a 99 SL500 with 49k miles, smoke silver over java (mushroom) leather, just like this one below:

Kuan · #2 03-04-2003, 08:25 AM

I rarely believe what the dealer tries to tell me. The smoke silver paint is a premium over black. I think it's an extra $1,000 here in the US. Ask the guy what he thinks about the Silver Arrow edition of the R129. I'd say he's full of hogwash!

blackmercedes · #3 03-04-2003, 09:43 AM

I don't normally agree with the dealer, either, but in this case, I might.

Both our dealers were clearing out R129's when the R230 hit the floor. The majority of the last "left-over's" were smoke silver cars, and some red ones. Both colours seemed tougher to move. The black and silver cars went first.

That said, of course the fellow wants you to buy HIS car, not the other one. And colour preference is regional, so it might be very different where you are.

Zeus · #4 03-04-2003, 09:55 AM

I think that car would look great in pretty much any color.

dieseldude · #5 03-04-2003, 10:27 AM

I'd have to agree that while Smoke Silver is a great color maintenance-wise (doesn't show the dirt), it seems a little too conservative looking.

Like grandpas retirement-mobile instead of the sporty edge that Black would give it. I think the reserverd MB styling goes a little too stodgy with smole silver. Again, a totally subjective opinion in either case

I'm sure you'll enjoy either for their performance merits

Regards,
- Ryan

elau · #6 03-04-2003, 12:40 PM

JJ,
MB has been producing smoke silver for years. That means there is a certain following to that colour. I think it is a pretty colour and it is definitely my top choice. My SL is white, smoke silver will be my choice if I am in the market for a SL again.

Black is great only if you take care of it. My ML is black and it is a pain to keep it looking good. If I have to do it again, I will not have another vehicle in black.

Buy the one you like. Not what the dealer tells you. You are the one drives the car and have to live with it.

DieselHead · #7 03-04-2003, 12:59 PM

And black would get awfully hot in the sun with the top down. I agree though, that car looks good in any color.

TTaM · #8 03-04-2003, 01:32 PM

I agree that smoke silver SLs are ugly. Don't worry though, I will graciously take any of those ugly SLs of your hands.

SHYNE · #9 03-04-2003, 02:17 PM

Smoke silver is my favourite colour after white.

I also love the "stodgy" styling of the R129 and believe they will be collectable classics unlike the R230 which is electronic overload.

The R230 SL350 model offers simplicity but, build quality? I am not talking about structural build but, materials used. There is a lot of weight saving in the R230 design.

On the original topic, the colour black is a little too "gwee-dough" for me.
When I think of black paint on a R129, I think of gold badging next followed by window tint. In short, cheeseball.

Mike McKinney

Ashman · #10 03-04-2003, 03:23 PM

I've seen plenty of benzes in smoke silver, including the new R230 SL.

I don't think its old, thats like saying black is old since it was one fo the first colors if not the first color used on a car.

I like smoke silver. I would take the black myself over it, but I would still take the smoke silver.

Alon

akry · #11 03-04-2003, 04:59 PM

It would depend on local trend a bit.... but Smoke Silver and Black, as well as Silver are probably the most popular colors offered by MB.... I have no doubt brings same premium as Black when you decided(if ever) to sell the car again.....

Locally in Vancouver, BC, where Chinese ppl are every where, Smoke Silver actually sells quicker than Black, and usually is about 1500 - 2000 CDN more than Black/Black......

blackmercedes · #12 03-04-2003, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by akry
Locally in Vancouver, BC, where Chinese ppl are every where, Smoke Silver actually sells quicker than Black, and usually is about 1500 - 2000 CDN more than Black/Black......

It does depend on your local market. OTOH, you might mention to the dealer with the S-S car that you have heard from MB sources that S-S is a dog colour on the SL, and maybe work a couple thou extra off...

jjrodger · #13 03-05-2003, 03:06 AM

Thanks for the great responses. I went to look at the car again yesterday. The light was fading and it had been raining all day (typical UK day, really) and it still looked great. I agree it is conservative; I'd say subtle!

So I spoke to the salesman (from whom my dad has bought two or three cars and who has previously told me not to buy certain of his vehicles--so I almost trust him) and I explained my dilemma: I'd spoken to another garage about a black one at the same price and been warned off smoke silver, but I liked the car and would pay 27k for it (asking price is 30k). This was late, after the dealership had closed, so he is going to get back to me today.

I figure he'll go to 28k, in which case I'll ask him to throw in a hardtop stand and a proper MB bike rack. I hope I get it... and that the salesman isn't reading this thread!