I am a DIY er and I wanted a 600, but instead I got an SL320. I got black on black too, a very nice color! I am in the MBCA and those resources help a lot, you get discounts and advice on repairs and information. A Fellow member has a 94 SL600 with 150k on it. He has had a lot of problems, a lot more than myself. The cars are a joy to drive and they will always make you smile knowing that you have one of the best cars in the world. In 94 there were some wiring harness issues that I am pretty sure they ironed out by 97, but who knows, MB made the harness bio-degradable, so what happens in the engine compartment due to extreme heat and temp swings, the harnes loses it's insulation, you get arcing, overloads etc.. This will blow computers, the 600 has 2 engine control computers, it is basically set up like two six cylinders. My friend doesn't do much of the work himself because under the hood it is so tight. He get's 13 miles to a gallon on the freeway, I get 25, 20 in the city. I can also do all the work myself on my car. The engine is smooth and has a lot of pep. It is 225 hp, that is not what the 600 gives, but I figured that If I were going to be working on it, then I needed the room under the hood.
The chassis and design of the 129 is awesome. It handles well and rides very good for being a sports car. I have never had a wreck in my car, it pretty much does what you want it to, no questions asked. When you want to stop, it stops! the top speed of the 600 is limited to 155, the top speed of the 320 is limited to 150. If you have vibration in your steering have the tie rods and links checked, mine was doing the same and it needed the shock absorber and new center and tie rod ends. Don't ever wash your wheels with anything but soap, they have a clear coat on them and wheel cleaners can ruin it. Be sure to drive it often, of all the MB's I have had this one has been the best, but they don't like to sit around, and when you are out and about, they like to go fast! Or is it me that wants to go fast? Enjoy it! My 129 makes me so happy! Be sure to join the club and go to one of the driving events, you will then find out just how capable a 129 car can be, and it will amaze you. The more I learn about my car, the more I love it. There is such thought and so much engineering in that car, it is nice to know that you have all those systems doing things around you to give you more power, less emissions and all at the same time being the safest convertible ever built.
Check out our website at
www.mbca.org/northtexas I have a lot of info on the 129 in the technical pages! My advice is go and buy the car! you are going to bust your knuckles with that huge engine, but it is going to make you really happy.
Best Regards,
Brian