Thoughts on this R129 SL600
Discussion
Hi all.
I used to have a R107 but the R129 is now calling and I like the look of this car. What are your thoughts on the condition and price? I know nothing about this iteration but a V12 makes me go weak at the knees!
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Any tips/suggestions/comments welcome.
Thank you.
I used to have a R107 but the R129 is now calling and I like the look of this car. What are your thoughts on the condition and price? I know nothing about this iteration but a V12 makes me go weak at the knees!
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Any tips/suggestions/comments welcome.
Thank you.
The pre-facelift V12 R129s can hide a LOT of expensive problems.
Biodegradable wiring insulation, affects upper & lower engine harnesses, throttle bodies, mass air flow sensors. Worst case could blow up the v expensive engine management computer ( E-GAS module).
Small bolt throttle bodies have motors that fail and are tough to repair.
ADS suspension (Citroen style fluid filled dampers) can be fault-prone and few garages have sufficient knowledge to fix.
Early iterations of the M120 V12 are prone to leaking oil, especially around timing chain covers.
Prefacelift car will only have 4 speed 722.3 transmission (although I find it fine in my V8).
Extra weight in the nose of an already heavy car limits handling still further.
There's a considerable price premium on the V12 models, particularly as they are rare in the UK, but unless you are frequently driving at over 90mph on the motorway/autobahn I'm not sure what they offer over the cheaper and simpler V8s.
Biodegradable wiring insulation, affects upper & lower engine harnesses, throttle bodies, mass air flow sensors. Worst case could blow up the v expensive engine management computer ( E-GAS module).
Small bolt throttle bodies have motors that fail and are tough to repair.
ADS suspension (Citroen style fluid filled dampers) can be fault-prone and few garages have sufficient knowledge to fix.
Early iterations of the M120 V12 are prone to leaking oil, especially around timing chain covers.
Prefacelift car will only have 4 speed 722.3 transmission (although I find it fine in my V8).
Extra weight in the nose of an already heavy car limits handling still further.
There's a considerable price premium on the V12 models, particularly as they are rare in the UK, but unless you are frequently driving at over 90mph on the motorway/autobahn I'm not sure what they offer over the cheaper and simpler V8s.
If you can look past the mileage then this car might be a better bet.
http://www.barons-auctions.com/auction_details.php...
Needs cosmetics such as new seat covers ($750 from the US for a set) but coming out of long-term ownership and apparently well maintained. Could still be a moneypit but doesn't have so many pre-existing faults as the silver pre-facelift car.
http://www.barons-auctions.com/auction_details.php...
Needs cosmetics such as new seat covers ($750 from the US for a set) but coming out of long-term ownership and apparently well maintained. Could still be a moneypit but doesn't have so many pre-existing faults as the silver pre-facelift car.
My thoughts exactly. Were money no issue I'd be going for a test drive at least :-)Thanks for all the replies, especially Zonergem. Lots of great detail, much appreciated.
I am pleased to say the car has been bought !! It’s getting serviced next week hopefully or maybe the week after and then I will put up some photos etc when I collect.
Really looking forward to driving it and cherishing it and hopefully not getting raped silly by it as well.
I am pleased to say the car has been bought !! It’s getting serviced next week hopefully or maybe the week after and then I will put up some photos etc when I collect.
Really looking forward to driving it and cherishing it and hopefully not getting raped silly by it as well.
Congratulations!
If you're looking for a good indie then Terry at Wayne Gates in Harrow or SS Motors in Weybridge (v strong with ADS, apparently) are good. My London based mate with an R129 takes it all the way down to Olly Stoner at PCS (Prestige Car Services) near Portsmouth and speaks highly of him.
I hope the car is in fine fettle and none of the probems I mentioned come to pass. Everything's fixable though, it's just at what price.
If you're looking for a good indie then Terry at Wayne Gates in Harrow or SS Motors in Weybridge (v strong with ADS, apparently) are good. My London based mate with an R129 takes it all the way down to Olly Stoner at PCS (Prestige Car Services) near Portsmouth and speaks highly of him.
I hope the car is in fine fettle and none of the probems I mentioned come to pass. Everything's fixable though, it's just at what price.
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