Against the advice of many postings I've seen on this forum, as well as my trusted mechanic, I'm probably going ahead with the purchase of a Black/Black '97 SL600 Sport. It has 57,000 miles, all the dealer service stamps, and is in excellent condition. It was originally a MBNA executive car, and was kept by them in that capacity until this past spring.

My inspection revealed nothing except a bit of vibration in the steering wheel at speed. The tires were about midway through their lifespan, and the 18" AMG wheels were spotless. Everything seems to work, nothing seems to leak. In other words, it appears to have been a well kept car that did not suffer from deferred maintainance.

All the accessories, including the top and the suspension function well.

My mechanic looks at the car this week, and his approval is the only contingency I've placed on the purchase. Is there anything else I should be on the lookout for?

I'm a fairly decent DIYer, and I've noticed that although some parts for this car cost the world (brake calipers, master cylinder), most parts aren't too far off of the SL 500. In your opinions, between decent DIY skills, the newly released DVD service manuals, a good independent shop, and forums like these, can these cars be maintained affordably (say $2,000/yr for 5,000 miles)? I know your mileage may vary, and I might snap a crankshaft or something, I'm talking typical odds.

Lastly, does anyone use a speciality insurer to cover their 600 (Hagerty)?

Thanks,

Robert

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

__________________
Brian W. Heitman

www.MBCA.org/northtexas

Join MBCA!!!

Robert,

Someday I will take the plunge to a SL600. I have been reading the posts on the SL's over the last year or so and it appears that the main concerns with the SL600 are the excessive heat generated under the hood and the labor to work on this car is more than the SL320 or SL500. Both of these are attributed to the fact that a 6 liter engine is crammed into a small engine compartment.

The only way I could justify the purchase of an SL600 is being able to due the majority of the work myself due to the fact that the labor charges alone can add up to big $.

Because the car you are looking at has the 18" AMG wheels, my understanding is that the rubber doesn't last long compared to non performance tires and the cost of the 18" rubber is a bit more $ to replace. The sport tires can be more harsh of a ride as well. I wouldn't recommend this tire/wheel package if you intend to drive in foul winter weather.

Another issue to consider that Brian brought up is the poor gas milage.

On the positive side, these cars are a bargin used compared to the price paid when new and the sound and feel of the V12 6.0 liter engine will put a grin on your face until it comes time to fill up with gas.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

Wow - thanks for all the comments.

This car will be a fair weather, weekend use car, so concerns about fuel mileage are minimal. I think the '97s have some of the issues worked out, notably those of the wiring harnesses cooking due to heat. I am an antique car enthusiast, so I would hope to own this 600 long enough for it to qualify as one. Speaking of which, what is the consensus on if these cars will ever have the collectibility of, say, a Gullwing?

18" Pirellis in the correct size are under $200 each from Tire Rack, and I expect mine will need replacement due to dry rot before wear, so no big worries there. I will ask my mechanic to pay close attention to the front end, and the only issue I detected was the slight vibration in the steering wheel.

I am a longtime BMW owner and enthusiast (no flames, please ) and I know full well the great value in joining the national club. I intend to join after purchase.

Lastly, I was able to get Hagerty to insure the car. Under my existing classic car policy, and used no more than ~3,000 miles per year, I am looking at ~ $600 a year with a $500 deductible. That should be enough use to prevent problems due to lack of use.

Inspection and finalization of purchase will occur on Tuesday. I will post then.

Robert,

Good luck with your future purchase.

One word of caution: Mercedes vehicles have been known to be addictive. By trying to set a limit of 3000 miles/year you may be setting unrealistic goals for yourself. Once you get behind the wheel of the V12 6.0 liter beast you will look for excuses to take the car out and find yourself taking the longest route possible.

But then again that is why we buy Mercedes.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

SL 600 is the best...no matter what they say...
Enjoy top of the exelence!

__________________
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

NO, I don't think there is a "snowballs chance" that any R129 will ever have a fraction of the "collectablity" of a Gullwing.

Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

If you look at used car prices and trends, you will see the w124 Cabriolets from 93-95 still going for $25-$35k depending on mileage and condition. They are holding their value significantly due to scarcity and collectibilty. I'm hoping to be able to snag one within a couple years just to park in the garage. R129s do not hold nearly the percentage of value as these cars, I would presume due to the fact they are plentiful and yet more enpensive to maintain than the w124.

I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!!!!!

As of this AM, there are 72 cabriolets listed in AutoTrader priced from $5K to $32K I live in the Palm Springs (CA) area and I see many. If I were going to consider a convertible, I would be looking in similar, sunny, warm areas of the country.
Anziani