Best 500 SL to buy (1990 on)?

I am looking to buy a 500 SL in Germany and can afford something as new as 1998 but also looking at anything 1990 onwards. Is there a site anywhere which lists changes to the car through the years, i.e. facelift, 5-speed auto, xenon lights etc. ? What are opinions re which one to get? I am leaning towards a 1996 on car with the body coloured mouldings since the earlier cars don't look so pretty. I am also tempted to go for a 1998 with the Xenon lights and 3-valve head. Any thoughts re whether this is worth having? more economical? is the 5-speed auto better than the 4-speed?

Thanks very much for any help.

James

[elau]

Try this site: http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/index.jsp
It has 13 years of comparison. I would recommend the ones with 5-speed tranny. Any year of SL is beautiful to my eyes, and they are fun to drive. It utimately depends on how much you want to spend; earlier models will be cheaper and you can do like a few members have already done - update the body molding to a later year. The interior can also be updated. Good luck to your decision.

95 R129
98 W163

[waynesworld]

I think all of the R129's are great cars. To elau's point, these urls point to pics of my 1990 300SL and I think you would be hard pressed to tell it from a new model. I did not do the work so I don't have the details. I bought the car this way about a year ago.

I'm sure you will be happy with whichever model you select.

If your interested the links to see the car follow:
http://www.concentric.net/~Whitcomw/images/MB300SL/General/PIC00001.JPG
http://www.concentric.net/~Whitcomw/images/MB300SL/General/PIC00002.JPG
http://www.concentric.net/~Whitcomw/images/MB300SL/General/PIC00003.JPG

-Wayne

[elau]

Waynesworld,
I still cannot believe yours is a '90. It looks like it is '96 or newer. Is the interior upgraded as well? It really is a sharp looking car and I love your wheels.

95 R129
98 W163

[waynesworld]

The interior is pretty much stock. The only upgrade is a Brabus steering wheel. Still in good shape... leather wood, etc.

The handling is great! RENNtech sway bars, Bilstein Sport shock, Eibach springs, BBS RSII 18" wheels with MXX3 tires.

I NEED more engine performance however. I wish it was a 500. I'm beginning to research mods... dropping in a 119 engine, turbo it myself, or just RENNtech cams w/Jet ECU and K&N filter. I will also research 1st gear start conversions.

I would appreciate opinions on what would be the best performance approach/s. The car is 228HP stock and I would like something ~300HP with the 1st gear start.

Gentlemen, thank you very much for the rapid and informative replies.

The 300SL is really beautiful. Silver is a great colour, it's my top choice. Looks like you're running a lot of negative camber on the back? is that just from lowering the car?

James
1998 hiking boots
1998 mountain bike

[MBenzNL]

The R129 SL is face lifted in 1997 (different bumpers, skirts (hardly noticeable), front fender panels, taillights, indicators, interior and the color of the lower body (chassis color instead of contrast color.
In 2000 (I think) the side mirrors, the taillights (again), the steering wheel, the dash cluster and some other parts were updated.
The SL of Wayne has the newer side mirrors and taillights.

If you are really looking for something special, you should go for the updated 1997 look and maybe you want to have one with glass hardtop or designo interior...

greetingz,