First post to this board - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

FiremistSLK · #1 10-11-2003, 10:15 PM

Hello all.... Just signed up.. Sorry for the SLK user name, but I recently turned in my 2001SLK 320... it was too small and a little choppy on the ride. I now want to purchase a 500SL and was looking for some advise. My fav is the Emerald Green with creame interior. The Firemist Red with cream is next fav. Is there anything I should watch for when I buy used? Is any particular model year more troublesome than the others? Any model year to avoid? I definately want a 129, had a 107 (1986 560) and had ZERO issues with that car! I am currently looking at a 1994 with 35k miles. Where can I find original equipment and option lists for all the model years? Including color choices?

LeaUK · #2 10-12-2003, 04:09 AM

Welcome to the board.

With regards to buying advice for new cars have a search for my name as I've recently bought a '93 500SL and asked many questions here before. There are a great many helpful people here if you can't find any answers, just get typing!

Most people's preference is the 500 as it's a fantastic drive and isn't really that more heavy (compared to the 320) on fuel at all - according to published figures it's around 10%. Mine runs at 18MPG urban (10 minute drive every morning - that's got to be bad for her) and 26.5MPG on a run.

I would stay away from the 280 personally, as in my opinion, it's very underpowered! Go for the 500 - great choice.

The '94 is a good year but all european cars manufactured post '92 come with a cat so bear in mind this will need changing at some time in the future - although I'm not sure when!

In '95 the engine code changes again and I suspect this is when the more advanced diagnostic port was made available. '89 - '94 models came with 31 trouble codes that are accessible through a 9pin connector; which is still pretty handy ;-)

Good luck and keep us all informed.
Lea

FiremistSLK · #3 10-12-2003, 10:49 AM

Thanks Learoy... I did a search on your name as suggested and found a world of usefull information on my question. I am very anxious to purchase my 500SL but now have some additional knowledge to make a good purchase. BTW... what's the difference between a 500SL and a SL500? Are the cars the same????

elau · #4 10-12-2003, 05:21 PM

The 500SL is a pre-'95 model. All designations were changed from the number prededing the letters in '95. Hence, '95 and newer is SL500, etc. There are comestic changes as well. As Leroy mentioned, engine was also upgraded. The car mostly, however remains the same.

FiremistSLK · #5 10-12-2003, 05:46 PM

Thanks again! Is there anyplace I can find the standard equipment list, options that were available and the interior and exterior colors list for the R129 model years?

elau · #6 10-12-2003, 06:17 PM

Check out MBUSA.com. They have a list of equip and options for various years.

deanyel · #7 10-16-2003, 09:45 PM

Small correction - the model nomenclature changed in 1994 rather than 1995.

Gilly · #8 10-16-2003, 10:03 PM

Here's a "general" link for the 16 year model year overview:
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/index.jsp?persist=false

This I guess is 129 up to 1995:
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/overview_engine.jsp&yearModelCode=88_SL300CR&class=88_SL&rnav=012345678&menu=2_4

1996-1997 SL:
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/overview_engine.jsp&yearModelCode=97_SL320&class=97_SL&rnav=012345678&menu=3_3

You should be able to find the info you need with these 3 links.

Gilly

FiremistSLK · #9 10-17-2003, 09:10 PM

I enjoyed perusing the link.... I couldn't find it on my own!? I know now that I want to find a 1997 or later model year. I like the digital readout for the climate control and this is the first year for it. I also noticed that the 1999 model year was the first for the radio control panel that is exactly the same as was in my 2001 SLK. Good information on this board.... I'll keep you informed of my search progress and the purchase of my SL500.
thanks again........JOHN

Gilly · #10 10-17-2003, 09:24 PM

Hi John
It is a little tough to find. I know it's there and I still have to hunt a little to find it.
In regards to the radio style, you may find late 98's with that style radio (with the phone keypad), so keep your eyes open. Not sure if the climate control was changed before 99 or not, I thought it was earlier than that.

A little trivia is that MB actually considers that radio, the one with the phone keypad (Audion or Audio30) " COMAND 1.0"

Gilly