Current R129 values
Discussion
Apologies if I've missed a recent thread that already exists on this but...
Would anyone be able to point me in the direction either online or a recent magazine or something which would give me as realistic as possible an idea of current values of the R129 SL? I've seen it mentioned various times that values are rising, and I'm wandering if they've already become ludicrously priced or if I can still afford a half decent one with a good service history and perhaps not too high a mileage. I know the values of all convertibles have probably shot up recently partly because of the nice weather.
I've only just really started researching a possible purchase but I do know for sure that its the early two tone paint / orange indicator lights / square ribbed rear lights cars which appeal to me as to my eye they have that design link to the 80s Mercs that I used to drool over when I was at school. Also would almost certainly want a 500SL, although I wouldn't rule out the other engines as I'm not expecting a particularly fast car, just a relaxed cruiser that I might be able to improve cosmetically as and when. I'd imagine most modern hot hatches would easily outperform a 30 year 500SL in a straight line? The V12 (SL600?) is also quite appealing for its smoothness, Harry Metcalfe (Harry's Garage) makes a very compelling case for it on his Youtube channel, I can't believe he only paid £5k or something similar for his, although that video is from 2014.
I'm interested in using it reasonably regularly, not storing it away as an investment. And I'm not after a time warp example for huge money or I'd be too scared of damaging it to be able to enjoy it.
I also wander what parts availability is like?
Any help or any opinions on these cars (especially the early ones) would be hugely appreciated, thanks.
Would anyone be able to point me in the direction either online or a recent magazine or something which would give me as realistic as possible an idea of current values of the R129 SL? I've seen it mentioned various times that values are rising, and I'm wandering if they've already become ludicrously priced or if I can still afford a half decent one with a good service history and perhaps not too high a mileage. I know the values of all convertibles have probably shot up recently partly because of the nice weather.
I've only just really started researching a possible purchase but I do know for sure that its the early two tone paint / orange indicator lights / square ribbed rear lights cars which appeal to me as to my eye they have that design link to the 80s Mercs that I used to drool over when I was at school. Also would almost certainly want a 500SL, although I wouldn't rule out the other engines as I'm not expecting a particularly fast car, just a relaxed cruiser that I might be able to improve cosmetically as and when. I'd imagine most modern hot hatches would easily outperform a 30 year 500SL in a straight line? The V12 (SL600?) is also quite appealing for its smoothness, Harry Metcalfe (Harry's Garage) makes a very compelling case for it on his Youtube channel, I can't believe he only paid £5k or something similar for his, although that video is from 2014.
I'm interested in using it reasonably regularly, not storing it away as an investment. And I'm not after a time warp example for huge money or I'd be too scared of damaging it to be able to enjoy it.
I also wander what parts availability is like?
Any help or any opinions on these cars (especially the early ones) would be hugely appreciated, thanks.
I don't think prices will rise exponentially, too many about for any real rarity.
Buy on condition and history not price, plenty of ropy examples but top money being asked.
Parts availability pretty good, plenty of bits under the skin shared with other models. Some rubbishy pattern stuff about, from reputable sources (I'm looking at you SL shop) body panels, wings etc MB only and very expensive.
I purchased mine in 2013 for £5k, I've given up counting the pennies but spent at least that again on general refurb/running. Probably owes me £10-12k and worth £7k Most of the work I manage myself so labour is minimal. It'd be very expensive otherwise, definitely not an investment.
Reliable and taken us down to southern France a few times,. I'm using it less these days so occasionally I contemplate selling. But on the right day and the right road it's a delight, nothing nicer.
Buy on condition and history not price, plenty of ropy examples but top money being asked.
Parts availability pretty good, plenty of bits under the skin shared with other models. Some rubbishy pattern stuff about, from reputable sources (I'm looking at you SL shop) body panels, wings etc MB only and very expensive.
I purchased mine in 2013 for £5k, I've given up counting the pennies but spent at least that again on general refurb/running. Probably owes me £10-12k and worth £7k Most of the work I manage myself so labour is minimal. It'd be very expensive otherwise, definitely not an investment.
Reliable and taken us down to southern France a few times,. I'm using it less these days so occasionally I contemplate selling. But on the right day and the right road it's a delight, nothing nicer.
There’s a poster here who will probably tell you all you need to know! I think his username is r129 or something similar.
This thread might be interesting for you
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
This thread might be interesting for you
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by CoolHands on Saturday 5th June 11:05
alabbasi said:
How u doing said:
That's a good point, I probably would too but must have rear seats.
Those aren't seats, those are torture implements That said, R129`s are lovely cars, very well built, and very reliable. Prices vary so much, it all depends on condition, mileage, and history. SL500`s will always fetch good money, a dealer near me is asking £21K for an average looking 1997 model. Those one off V12`s, if you can find one?, will be silly money.
OP, do your research, be prepared to travel and view many different models. You will soon get to know what is good, or bad, with a R129. The 500 V8 engine is totally bullet proof. Most Merc` men will say the 24v straight six engine is better that the V6.
Front suspension can get tired, new coil springs, ball joints and bushes, etc together with the all important full geometry adjustment, can transform the handling. Paintwork can get poor around the wheel arches. Naturally always check and double check the roof operation, including fitting and locking the hard top. Engine bay wiring, particularly the loom to the coil packs, can be a problem. Other R129 electrical problems are normally caused by just a poor connection or a bad wire. R129`s always need a very good high powered battery, always keep it fully charged and never ever jump start a R129, or you will spike the roof ECU. I learned all this about batteries the hard way, after a number of ECU resets.
The rear seats are fine for children up to about ten, for journeys of up to about 90minutes. Unless, of course, you have disgustingly and neglectfully fattened up your children into obese proto-slobs (I know, it's not the pies and mars bars and Haribos, it's their genes that are at fault, there's nothing you or they can do about it) or otherwise insist on featherbedding the little darlings in nothing less than the rear seat of a BMW X7. I use mine on the (38 mile) school run most days in summer and it is the car the children most want to travel in.
R129s are getting more expensive but then so is everything these days. They still represent extraordinary value for money but a lot of vendors of frankly rubbish cars are taking advantage of the foaming-at-the-mouth marketplace to hawk any old tat at crazy prices. Buyer beware.
Parts availability is excellent apart from obscure coloured trim.
They relish year-round use. For a long time, mine was my only car and I covered 35,000 miles a year in it. I still do about 10,000miles a year in all conditions.They do not reward lack of use, on the whole. And I would not be concerned about mileage at all.
R129s are getting more expensive but then so is everything these days. They still represent extraordinary value for money but a lot of vendors of frankly rubbish cars are taking advantage of the foaming-at-the-mouth marketplace to hawk any old tat at crazy prices. Buyer beware.
Parts availability is excellent apart from obscure coloured trim.
They relish year-round use. For a long time, mine was my only car and I covered 35,000 miles a year in it. I still do about 10,000miles a year in all conditions.They do not reward lack of use, on the whole. And I would not be concerned about mileage at all.
Edited by r129sl on Saturday 26th June 11:32
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1277810
I bet you guys have seen this one? £79,950 for a R129, is that taking the pistonhead.
I bet you guys have seen this one? £79,950 for a R129, is that taking the pistonhead.
Old Merc said:
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1277810
I bet you guys have seen this one? £79,950 for a R129, is that taking the pistonhead.
Doesn't that share much of the engine with a Zonda?I bet you guys have seen this one? £79,950 for a R129, is that taking the pistonhead.
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