What upgrades add value to your R129?

[LeaUK]

As most of you know I've recently upgraded my lenses (and IMHO is definitely worth while no matter if you vehicle is pre'98) but I have no intention of 'eBaying' the old lenses for exactly the reasons mentioned here previously.

Potential buyers can return the car to stock if so required - or I will for them before purchase. I believe this is the most cost effective and sensible approach especially when considering the old parts second hand value!

Lea

[Bruce Hat]

Ken, I think if you upgrade your SL with AMG wheels it will show and ride great. Your SL is great looking now, you don't need to do anything more other than the AMG wheels . It's a sweet looking SL as it is.

[Momo]

Having traded-in my SL this morning, I can say that no option adds anything like its cost when it comes to trading in; my car had about $12,000 of options when new, including wheels, all of which added up to an extra $400 on the computer system used to calculate trade-in values.

Momo

[KenSilver]

Originally posted by Momo
...my car had about $12,000 of options when new, including wheels, all of which added up to an extra $400 on the computer system used to calculate trade-in values...

Jeepers! That's even worse than standard depreciation on the SL. And I bet your options weren't prone to wear either. Lenses and wheels rarely wear out at the same rate as an engine and suspension.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

[KenSilver]

Originally posted by Bruce Hat
Ken, I think if you upgrade your SL with AMG wheels it will show and ride great. Your SL is great looking now, you don't need to do anything more other than the AMG wheels . It's a sweet looking SL as it is.

Thanks, I think you're right Bruce. Anything else won't return its value to anyone but me.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

Hi,

I'm about to buy the 18" 5 spoke AMG rims from a 2003 SL (rear 18x9.5 ET30, front 18x8.5 ET33) for my 1998 SL500 (has stock 16s on it).

I was told that they will fit, but I will need to buy different lug bolts for it (I forget...shorter or longer or thinner or something....).

Before I buy them, is this correct, and if so, do you know what size lug bolts I need and what size I currently would have if I have the stock 16s?

Thanks a million,

Doug

[KenSilver]

Between putting my thoughts down in this thread, and now, I've done a 180 on my original decision not to change my 1993 SL500.

I've just ordered 18" AMG 5-spoke polished rims, clear AMG-style corners, '99 rear lenses, and am trying to find a burl/chrome shift knob. And I'm looking for round side mirrors and the AMG body styling pack.

These are all upgrades that probably won't add a thing to the value of the SL, but that doesn't matter - it pleases me.

To get to this stage I did the sums, and figured that making my 1993 superficially into a 2000 model was far cheaper than buying a later model. As mine is low average miles (61,000 miles), and in excellent all round condition, there's no great advantage in spending another $30,000 in getting a later model if I can achieve that with $10,000 worth of add-ons. I realise there were technical advances in the later models, but none that affect me right now.

The main reason - and my rationale for this - is the improved look with the AMG Sport body updates. The lines appears softer and less boxy, and the waisted look aft of the doors is very attractive.

But also I've come to terms with it being a 'hobby' and not wanting it as an investment. So I can add on what I like - and so I will!

So that's my plan over the next few months. And life has again become quite interesting... after all, that's what a hobby's for.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

[jjrodger]

Make sure you get the late model AMG styling pack and that it fits: it was heavily revised in or around 1995.

I decided against getting the R230 18" AMG 5-Spokes because the way people were saying to mount them sounded suspect.

I ended up finding some R129 18" Chrome AMG 5-Spokes and it certainly made a difference. Looks like a whole new car, although the chrome is a bit flashy for my taste (but I'm getting used to it). I love the staggered setup with those 275/35s in the rear!

I'll have to get a pic one of these days...

Doug

[spinedoc]

It seems that any upgrade to the R129 would be heavily offset by having the newer model out there. It seems our R129's are depreciating quite a bit, as I have thought of selling mine this year but am put off by the prices I see them going for.

Anyone care to venture a guess as to what a 1996 R129 SL500 with 75k in good to excellent condition goes for these day?

[KenSilver]

Originally Posted by spinedoc

...It seems our R129's are depreciating quite a bit, as I have thought of selling mine this year but am put off by the prices I see them going for.

Were you thinking of selling your '96 model? I see you've had your 1991 for sale for a while (or an old sig). What will you replace them with?

In my country the R129 depreciation seems to be most affected by mileage, not condition. When I bought my SL500 over a year ago it was in average to good condition with plenty of potential for improvement. With the addition of a surprisingly small amount of money and much elbow grease, it is now immaculate and nearly flawless.

But the price I could get for it still reflects its mileage. The shine and top condition merely makes it easier to sell.

With our SLK however, it's a different story. Those models are still very popular and seem to only drop 5% a year. Whether that stays constant with the new shape just out remains to be seen.

But both our Mercedes were bought at the best part of the depreciation cycle for each, and should keep their value for much longer than most other brands. The reasons are the ususal ones... scarcity, exclusitivity and styling. Plus the fact that with the R129 model stopping in 2002 the shape is still only a couple of years out of date, and it should stay fresh - in Joe Public's eyes at least - for the next decade or so.

Too, I think it's very easy to be accustomed to our brand, and not see it as non-owners do. The R129 is still a stunning car, and its high cost and uniqueness has a rub-off effect on how others see it, whether it's depreciating like a lead balloon or not. When I come round a street corner to see mine parked with the masses, I still get a thrill at its sleek shape and exotic looks.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons: http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1999 SLK 230 Kompressor, silver/black leather, CD, immaculate (my wife's)
~1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. black & silver
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey/grey leather, best in country!
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E, MX5 and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice.

Almost all of the mods that you do to the car with the exception of three things will not add any value to your car. Putting AMG rims will give the car a small bump over the same car with factory 16"/17" rims. If you put Xenon lights you will get an increased value because it was an expensive factory option(when they first came out) and the cars value will be rated with this option factored in. The third would be extensive motor mods(brabus). Like it was stated previously in other responses, the three mods listed above, will help and the others will not help. If you try to sell to a private buyer they may help sell the care. If you take a car to a dealer, no matter how many mods you do to the car they will only give you what the blue book says it is worth.

What I would do is this, keep all the old parts that you replaced with new ones(98+ tail lights, Clear Corners) and when you go to sell to dealer, put back on the old parts and sell the new ones on ebay.

[spinedoc]

I am thinking of selling mine, only because I do not want to get stuck with it and a ton of depreciation. I am considering going to a 540i for the winter and a 2005 vette for the summer, I'm quite the SUV hater.

I would consider a CL, but they dont have an AWD model.

For the price, I would just get an 2005 M5 (510hp) for both winter and summer with two different tire sets. As for the 4matic line, you only have that option on the C, E, and S Classes.

[KenSilver]

I've finished a few things in my upgrade plan:
- fitted new ''99-02 tail light lenses
- fitted and painted 2-slot plank and lower door panels

* bought '00 wood wheel
* bought 5 spoke AMG 18" wheels.
* bought '99 round mirrors

All the bought items will be fitted in the next 3-4 days, so I will post photos as they go on.

Ken Silver
--------------
1999 Mercedes SLK, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 1993 Mercedes SL500, 1991 Daimler (Vanden Plas).