I've got the chance to cheaply upgrade the 3 slot plank on the side of my R129 to a 2 slot, thus making my '93 look like a '96 and onwards.
But I think doing this is faking it, and make the car a bit of a mongrel, and I'm reluctant to do that.
Only a small number of diehards (SL enthusiasts, other owners, MB salesmen) will know. And they probably won't be impressed once they find out. It certainly won't add value to the car on resale.
But I ask because my only hesitation in this decision is seeing a magnificent example on the Benzworld forum of a maroon 93 SL500 changed up to a 2002 Silver Arrow. The guy spent US$25,000 on the upgrade alone, which changed everything from Silver Arrow AMG body kit and full repaint to seats, wheel, instrument panel, lights... you name it.
It looks stunning. Somehow just changing out my plank holes doesn't seem to be the same by comparison.
Yet I've seen one owner change just the rear light lenses to all red to get an upgrade look.
My SL came with clear corners on the front light assembly, and I like it. I'm going to upgrade the wheels soon, but I consider this is quite different to style changes that purport to make the SL look younger than it is.
How far would you go to change the look of your R129, and what would you change?
Ken Silver
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~1993 SL500, glistening triple black, xenons:
http://www.kensilver.com/SL
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey / grey leather, best in country!
~1992 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG / tan leather, wife's (soon to be replaced with a silver SLK)
~ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)