SL320 or SL500 - that's the question!

[CDNC36AMG]

Do it JJ....ya only live once!

[elau]

JJ

Don't slow down, don't walk......run , and don't stop till you are at your dealer. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Get the key, get the car, and drive it to Timbuktu and badk. Then post us some pictures.

[LeaUK]

Thanks for the scanner offer JJ and funny you mentioned ''Mercedes Enthusiast' as this is how I originally found this forum I've just received January's back order (probably said one you mentioned) that covers buying a second hand R129 reasonably well and have read the article over and over again, but still I end up flicking to the Brabus SL6.9 conversion page :-) - now 'I must be dreaming'!!!

I'm quite relieved about the fuel as I think the consumption of the 320 compared with my current 190E 2.6 won't be too harsh a hike and to add just 10-15% on top isn't such a major issue either, so thanks for reassuring me. It's always better speaking with real owners rather than relying on manufactures quoted figures as these are hardly 'normal' usage eh?

Re the engine parts, think I'll head over to Euro Car Parts just to compare (don't panic I won't buy any from them!! ) as this may give me a greater flavour for the real cost of running one of these beautiful and seductive beasts.

After reading Mercedes Enthusiast, admittedly I have only two copies, I'm wondering if I stand a higher chance of finding a loved car sold reluctantly or perhaps due to an 'upgrade'. I'm basically hoping that the quality of car is of a higher standard if advertised in there, rather that ploughing through Autotrader as I am - what do you guys think?

Don't get me wrong, I would love to go with an authorised dealer (and have been checking their web site regularly too) but my budget is fixed and now it's looking more and more like a 500 ;-) so dealers could definitely be out :-(

Thanks to all and especially JJ for his in-depth replies. I guess you're so close now that you're about to burst...'go JJ go'.... as they say over the pond - we all hope to see a picture of your new baby soon ....

Lea

They are both great! My wife drives a ml320 which I had up to 130mph. The 500 Is faster than a 320 but the 320sl i awsome take the 320sl of the rear & you wont & noone else could tel the difference.I just sol my wifes 97 320sl & bought her a 99 500sl which is the same car not as fast bt how fat ca you go its not a race car. The 50sl is louder when ou step on the gas oher than tht I cant telthe difference.Start lookingforboth buy what you get a deal on. Buy a 96 or 97 500sl or 320 it has diferent wheels & taillites to name a few. Any questions email me

[suginami]

If given the choice, I would also choose the SL500, but since nobody has mentioned it yet, I'll play devil's advocate.

In the U.S., when Mercedes shoehorned the 4.2 liter V8 in the W124 chassis (and called it a 400E. Go figure, 4.2 liters = 400E?), the magazines raved about the power, but unanimously proclaimed that the handling suffered. The extra weight of the engine over the front wheels made the car less nimble, and it had pronounced understeer.

The same thing can probably be said of the SL 500. I'm sure the SL 320 would handle better and have a better balanced chassis...

[jjrodger]

Suginami

Interestingly in Car nagazine's 1998 comparison of the Jaguar XKR, Porsche 996, Honda NSX, Aston Martin DB7 and Mercedes SL60 AMG they did comment that the V8 weighs heavily in the nose.

Learoy

I've made an offer on the car I've been looking at. Hopefully the salesman and I can reach the right deal. Having got myself excited about a car in the past and as a result having made a hasty and bad decision, my advice will always be: keep waiting for the right car. It is out there somewhere, and if you compromise on something not quite right, you can guarantee that the right car will be on sale at the end of your street within a week!

At the end of the day, at your place in the market, I'd buy on condition more than whether it is a 500 or 320. A great example of a 320 will be infinitely more satisfactory than a dud 500. The Uk is also one of the few markets where the 320 outsold the 500. Look for service history, average to low (but not too low--nothing spoils a car like not being used) miles, accident-free body work, and a clean interior. And avoid anything that has had modifications carried out!

I've often thought that Mercedes Enthusiast will be a better source than autotrader, but the cars are spread across the country and there are never that many R129s. I know a guy near me (Newcastle) with a signal red 320SL for sale for 15k, but it looks a bit rough. I'll look out, though, when surfing for cars!

[LeaUK]

Cheers JJ

Well I hope your purchase goes through and you'll receive the car of your dreams eventually - we can't wait to see a picture so don't forget about your buddies here

Shame about the 320, but red is really the only colour I wouldn't be happy with but thanks anyway.

With the help of everyone here I now think that the 500 is also a possible which at least opens up the market a little more and gives me more choice - guess I best check insurance costs for the 500 now ;-(


Thanks to all.
Lea

[LeaUK]

Last update promise!

First insurance quote for the SL500 (standard) from Quoteline Direct - Fantastic price, just a couple of hundred a year more than my 190...

[elau]

Incidentally, when I purchased my SL, my insurance compared to my '93 Honda Prelude actually dropped $100 a year.The insurer told me becasue the SL is a much safer car based on their crash data.

[jjrodger]

Learoy,

Couple of SLs in your price range in the back of Autocar (5/3/03 issue). Keep looking!

Originally posted by Learoy
Cheers JJ

Well I hope your purchase goes through and you'll receive the car of your dreams eventually - we can't wait to see a picture so don't forget about your buddies here

Shame about the 320, but red is really the only colour I wouldn't be happy with but thanks anyway.

With the help of everyone here I now think that the 500 is also a possible which at least opens up the market a little more and gives me more choice - guess I best check insurance costs for the 500 now ;-(


Thanks to all.
Lea

Learoy

I spent weeks looking for the right SL - did loads of miles and decided to buy the "right car" rather than a 500 or 300

I looked at over 20 cars before finding nine - and I'm very happy with a 300 12valve - I didnt want a 24v due to the headgasket problems so I limited myself to either a 300 or 500

Performance is definately down when compared to the 500's I've driven - but my wife uses the car as a daily driver and it has been impeccably well behaved as well as returning well over 30mpg on one run! - its averaged low 20's with London driving too.

The 300 gives cheaper servicing costs and running costs and also delivers a decent bit of power when used on Optimax with the advance resistor "turned up" - yet still looks like £50k car!

SO if power is important get the 500 - if the SL itself is the driving force - then dont forget the 300!

Mine is at http://www.216turbo.com/SL.htm

As a final note - Aircon, leather seats and rear seats were all options - so do yourself a checklist if they are important to you!

Cheers

Mark

[LeaUK]

Hi Mark

Wow - I love the blue grey interior. Is that original? Most cars I've seen have been tan/brownie colour which I think is far to 80's and I want to avoid!

She certainly looks like a loved example, but the more people I see here with their babies the more a hate you all - LOL...Guess it wont be too long.

I've decided on the SL500 as it's around the same price (or sometimes cheaper) and to be honest, although I'm not a mad speed freak at all (if I were I wouldn't be buying an MB would I), I have just got to have a V8!

I started a 500 up a few days ago and the sound was awesome - she purred like a baby and sounded so sweat that I cannot resist! Also the insurance is within budget and we've also just purchased a small 5 door runaround (which the Mrs is delighted with) and so if the 500SL has to sit on the drive a little longer throughout the week and I pinch hers, then so be it!

I'm also accustomed to my quite poky 190E and perhaps I might be disappointed with a slower and heavier feel, and, more importantly - you only live once - so think I've persuaded myself now....

I've decided to hang on for a couple of months though just to give me a 'little extra' and possibly lift me up into the J/K/L (91/92/93 for those of you across the Atlantic ) 'immaculate' and FSMB region and hope this will help - but we'll see.

Just one last thing - your web site says the hardtop was an option - is that correct? I have been informed (here) that all 129s came with both as standard?


Cheers
Lea

[jjrodger]

Learoy:

As far as I am aware (from old copies of Car &c) the hardtop was always standard in the UK. The panoramic top was an extra. Keep hunting for that car!

Originally posted by Learoy
Hi Mark

Wow - I love the blue grey interior. Is that original? Most cars I've seen have been tan/brownie colour which I think is far to 80's and I want to avoid!

Sorry mate - thats a Rolls Royce retrim

Originally posted by Learoy
I've decided to hang on for a couple of months though just to give me a 'little extra' and possibly lift me up into the J/K/L (91/92/93 for those of you across the Atlantic ) 'immaculate' and FSMB region and hope this will help - but we'll see.

Just one last thing - your web site says the hardtop was an option - is that correct? I have been informed (here) that all 129s came with both as standard?

I looked at/spoke to several that did not have the Hardtop ???

Mine is a FSH Dec '92 K plate and cost £16k last June - after a lot of haggling!

The wheels (with brand new Pirelli P Zeros!) were from Ebay and once refurbed cost about £600 - not bad for genuine Mille Miglia rims!, a couple of little bits meant that the car ended up costing me £17k all in - Bargain

Like I said I was looking for the right car - as opposed to a 300 or 500 - this was the right car for me

One thing - check the services that is due next ! - mine hasnt done 72k miles yet but the service is due - and MB have just quoted me £750+vat for "The Biggie" !!

Worth knowing as this is due on time - and you are looking for a similar age car - so it may well be due the same service.

HTH

Mark