129 prepurchase questions

[cbdo]

Still love my 560SL but for a variety of reasons, I'm coming really close to switching to a 1998 SL500; a local dealer's selling the car for a local indie mechanic who owns it. Drove it--everything works perfectly, including the top, except for no air out the outside left dash vent. Only other issue I can find (before the mandatory professional prepurchase inspection) is a small crack in the center window of the soft top at one edge; the top itself, including headliner, is in excellent shape. Mileage is in the 40s and price $18K before any real dickering. As I said, I've always enjoyed my 107, but I couldn't help noticing that after I drove the 500, I somehow kept saying, "Dayumn!" As you all know, it's one hell of an automobile.

Two questions for you 129 cognoscenti: How bad is the usual fix for the single vent not working problem--semi-reasonable, or disassembly of the entire dash? And, I seem to recall reading that it's reasonable to replace just windows, not the whole top, on the 129 (unlike the 107); any experiences, and approximate costs?

Thanks for any insights!

[Pete Geither]

Craig, Can't really comment about the vent or the top,,, all I can say is my 95 has been one fabulous car. Very few problems, and goes like hell,, love it.

[billwrb]

Craig.....my 93 500SL needed a new rear window. Replaced only the rear half of the top - the half containing the window, obviously. Seller supplied part, installation was aroung $450 US. Bill

[cbdo]

Input much appreciated. It's a tough call, but I think I'm leaning toward hanging onto the classic 107 and putting the resources toward owning, rather than leasing, something recent and interesting to replace the '07 Saab that goes off lease in a year; I'm tired of watching the mileage to keep it under the limit.

[deanyel]

The antidote for an oppressive lease mileage restrictions is an old 240D with a broken odometer.

[Mistress]

Ask if the wiring harness has been replaced.

[cbdo]

Actually, the wiring harness issue goes away from about 95 or so on, when they changed materials.

The veteran 240d is one antidote, but my wallet (if I'm not buying the 129 at the same time) could support a recent C-class--which would offer the advantage of fully intact floorboards, thus leading to enhanced comfort in a Michigan winter, though not enabling the Flintstone technology of hybrid power systems....

[donwo]

Craig,

I can appreciate how you feel about your 107. I sold my 1989 107 and purchased a 1999 129 last October. I am just beginning to realize what a great car the 129 is as the weather has allowed me to spend more time behind the wheel. Obviously the 129 is a more refined car with updated technology and more power. I really did enjoy my 107. Even now when I see one I still take a second look. The 107 is a timeless classic. Maybe the 129 will reach that status someday. That being said, both cars are great in their own way. However, each time I get behind the wheel of my 129 the memories of my 107 make me appreciate them both. The 107 is like a pair of classic wingtip shoes....it will never go out of style....the 129 is like a pair the latest athletic shoes.....it does everything better but has yet to acheive the status of the 107!

Just my .2cts

[cbdo]

Donwo-
Exactly correct. As someone once wrote in something or other, "It's like asking a lonely man which of the legs of Venus he prefers. At a minimum, he wants both."

As someone else said once, "SL: Anything else is just a Mercedes."