1996 SL500 buying doubt

[Adso]

Hi there, this is a newcomer from Spain.

I'm thinking about buying a '96 SL500 (18.000 euros) but I have same doubts about versions. This car doesn't have the electronic climate with the large screen. I thought all SL from 96 had the new climate. when did MB started to install the new one?

The old one:


The new climate control:


is it worth the electronic climate? is there any more differences between the 96 and 97 model?

[Mike Miller]

I am a little confused. I have the version you call "The New One" in my 1992 R129. Do you have them labeled backwards or am I just thick?

[page62]

Originally Posted by Adso

Hi there, this is a newcomer from Spain.

I'm thinking about buying a '96 SL500 (18.000 euros) but I have same doubts about versions. This car doesn't have the electronic climate with the large screen. I thought all SL from 96 had the new climate. when did MB started to install the new one?

My guess is that the "new" climate control was used in some Euro-spec cars, but never in US-spec cars.

[iwrock]

The one with the WIDE screen was used in some of the 97's and put in all after 98. That is what I observed when shopping for another SL. The one with the tiny screen is the one I have in my 1996 SL600. The same one was also used in the S, the E, and the C classes.

I would still buy the car if its in good shape. I would not change my mind if this was the only problem I found.

[TheV12pwr]

I think You should focus on what's under the hood,not on the dash

[Adso]

Originally Posted by Mike Miller

I am a little confused. I have the version you call "The New One" in my 1992 R129. Do you have them labeled backwards or am I just thick?

sorry Mike, I confused the photos. I've edited my post so now it should be ok for your '92 R129.

I've been googling last night and, as Justin already said, it seems that although the facelift took place in 1996 the climate control didn't change till 1997.

If everything is alright "under the hood" I'll bit the wallet...

Thanks!