Any knowledge ph wise of SL's? (R129 model I think)
Discussion
Hi folks,
I'm after another car, and have a couple of projects in mind. Seeing as both mini silverbacks tend to come out a lot more it would be nice to include them in a 'fun' car..
I've put a thread on the porsche section re project 911's as they are a sort of 2+2 - however it would seem my budget wouldn't get anything other than a bit of a liability, that's what the common consensus of opinion is from the porsche forum, which is fair enough.
I've also had pointed out to me that the R129(I think that's the number..G to V reg I think,the squarer model than predesessor) Sl series is within reach. I've always liked these things, believe them to be a 2+2 of sorts, and quite fancy one. I've googled them, and see they go from 2.8 to 5.0v8. There seems to be a lot of information from american sites, but not uk.
Does anyone have any knowledge of them? My little ones are 9 and 4 so appreciate limited space but bearable for them on the odd occasion they are in it.(better than the boot of the chimaera) <--- I'm joking btw...
Budget of about 7k
I know that isn't a great deal but enough for me as a luxury.
Thanks,
Mike.
I'm after another car, and have a couple of projects in mind. Seeing as both mini silverbacks tend to come out a lot more it would be nice to include them in a 'fun' car..
I've put a thread on the porsche section re project 911's as they are a sort of 2+2 - however it would seem my budget wouldn't get anything other than a bit of a liability, that's what the common consensus of opinion is from the porsche forum, which is fair enough.
I've also had pointed out to me that the R129(I think that's the number..G to V reg I think,the squarer model than predesessor) Sl series is within reach. I've always liked these things, believe them to be a 2+2 of sorts, and quite fancy one. I've googled them, and see they go from 2.8 to 5.0v8. There seems to be a lot of information from american sites, but not uk.
Does anyone have any knowledge of them? My little ones are 9 and 4 so appreciate limited space but bearable for them on the odd occasion they are in it.(better than the boot of the chimaera) <--- I'm joking btw...
Budget of about 7k
I know that isn't a great deal but enough for me as a luxury. Thanks,
Mike.
Edited by silverback mike on Saturday 10th February 13:15
Hi Mike!
That reg range is indeed the R129 model. All the details I've listed, I haven't double checked, so if any other PHers can correct me on any mis-informantion, please
The R129 had 3 specific "facelifts"
1989-93/94:
The engine choices are 3.0 12v straight 6, 3.0 24v straight 6 and 5.0 32v V8.
As with all straight 6 merc engines of this era, head gaskets can fail ~£600-1000
Four speed automatic gear boxes on all models. These are good, but watch for clunking through the gears...could mean a clutch has gone, but any garage/dealer will replace the gearbox ~£2,500-3,500 depending on model.
300SL
3.0 12v : ~190bhp ~190lb ft 0-60 ~9
300SL-24
3.0 24v : ~230bhp ~220lb ft 0-60 ~8
500SL
5.0 32v : 320bhp ~320lb ft 0-60 ~6
93/94 - 98/99
Gained new engines, bumpers, lights, side mouldings, upgraded interior extras, 5-speed gear box made option on 500 model, and standard on 280 and 320 models. "SL" Designation moved in front of the numbers. 2.8 24v straight 6 replaced 300SL, 3.2 24v straight 6 replaced 300SL-24, SL500 remained the same, although power dropped slightly due to emissions. 6.0 48v V12, SL600 added to the range with 4-speed gearbox.
Again watch for leaking head gaskets on the straight sixes.
SL280
2.8 24v : ~180bhp ~180lb ft 0-60 ~9
SL320
3.2 24v : ~220bhp ~219lb ft 0-60 ~8.5
SL500
5.0 32v : ~306bhp ~310lb ft 0-60 ~6
SL600
6.0 48v : ~389bhp ~400lb ft 0-60 ~6
98/99-2001
280 and 320 models gained slightly more economical V6's with 18v. 5-speed gearboxes standard across the range. Revised interiors. Xenons headlights added to extras.
Not too much to go wrong with this era SL.
All power/performance figures are about the same.
On all SL models, make sure all electrics work, including soft tops. All SLs came with hard tops (Steel as standard, panoramic glass as an option 98-2001). Make sure these are present. 2+2 seating is kind of a crock. The rear seats offer extremely little, if no leg room.
A full inspection should be made before purchase, and a FSH is essential. High miles shouldn't matter, so long as its been properly cared for.
Also worth mentioning (but I don't think relevant) are the AMG models. Rare SL60 AMG with 6.0 32v V8 ~380bhp ~380lb ft 0-60 ~5, and even rarer SL73 with 7.3 48v V12, 555bhp ~560lb ft 0-60 4.7.
For £7,000 you should be able to get a 70k+ mile car, but last "facelift" will be over budget. For that money, a good early car, or higher mile first "facelift" car will be within budget.
Here is a list of Autotrader's offerings of SL's under £7k. There are some R129 predecessors in there, too, but you'll clearly see the difference
Autotrader CLICKY
Hope this helps!
Good luck with your search, Mike.
Like I said earlier, other PHers can added/correct any info I've given
Darren
That reg range is indeed the R129 model. All the details I've listed, I haven't double checked, so if any other PHers can correct me on any mis-informantion, please
The R129 had 3 specific "facelifts"
1989-93/94:
The engine choices are 3.0 12v straight 6, 3.0 24v straight 6 and 5.0 32v V8.
As with all straight 6 merc engines of this era, head gaskets can fail ~£600-1000
Four speed automatic gear boxes on all models. These are good, but watch for clunking through the gears...could mean a clutch has gone, but any garage/dealer will replace the gearbox ~£2,500-3,500 depending on model.
300SL
3.0 12v : ~190bhp ~190lb ft 0-60 ~9
300SL-24
3.0 24v : ~230bhp ~220lb ft 0-60 ~8
500SL
5.0 32v : 320bhp ~320lb ft 0-60 ~6
93/94 - 98/99
Gained new engines, bumpers, lights, side mouldings, upgraded interior extras, 5-speed gear box made option on 500 model, and standard on 280 and 320 models. "SL" Designation moved in front of the numbers. 2.8 24v straight 6 replaced 300SL, 3.2 24v straight 6 replaced 300SL-24, SL500 remained the same, although power dropped slightly due to emissions. 6.0 48v V12, SL600 added to the range with 4-speed gearbox.
Again watch for leaking head gaskets on the straight sixes.
SL280
2.8 24v : ~180bhp ~180lb ft 0-60 ~9
SL320
3.2 24v : ~220bhp ~219lb ft 0-60 ~8.5
SL500
5.0 32v : ~306bhp ~310lb ft 0-60 ~6
SL600
6.0 48v : ~389bhp ~400lb ft 0-60 ~6
98/99-2001
280 and 320 models gained slightly more economical V6's with 18v. 5-speed gearboxes standard across the range. Revised interiors. Xenons headlights added to extras.
Not too much to go wrong with this era SL.
All power/performance figures are about the same.
On all SL models, make sure all electrics work, including soft tops. All SLs came with hard tops (Steel as standard, panoramic glass as an option 98-2001). Make sure these are present. 2+2 seating is kind of a crock. The rear seats offer extremely little, if no leg room.
A full inspection should be made before purchase, and a FSH is essential. High miles shouldn't matter, so long as its been properly cared for.
Also worth mentioning (but I don't think relevant) are the AMG models. Rare SL60 AMG with 6.0 32v V8 ~380bhp ~380lb ft 0-60 ~5, and even rarer SL73 with 7.3 48v V12, 555bhp ~560lb ft 0-60 4.7.
For £7,000 you should be able to get a 70k+ mile car, but last "facelift" will be over budget. For that money, a good early car, or higher mile first "facelift" car will be within budget.
Here is a list of Autotrader's offerings of SL's under £7k. There are some R129 predecessors in there, too, but you'll clearly see the difference
Autotrader CLICKY
Hope this helps!
Good luck with your search, Mike.
Like I said earlier, other PHers can added/correct any info I've given
Darren
Really wanted an SL500 for a while (while blocking out my opinions on the looks - I always thought they look pretty awful and it hasn't grown on me as they've approached classic status), but two subsequent drives of a lowish mileage 1990 left me feeling cold 
.
I guess 320+bhp and 2 seats do not a fun car make :/
Definitely go for a Porsche if you want some excitement! A 996 tiptronic is vastly better to drive, though harsher riding and has that funny bobbly front end thing going on.
. I guess 320+bhp and 2 seats do not a fun car make :/
Definitely go for a Porsche if you want some excitement! A 996 tiptronic is vastly better to drive, though harsher riding and has that funny bobbly front end thing going on.
Good point, when I was looking a good early SL500 was still £11,000 plus - they same to have come down now. If they follow the prior generation SL then they shouldn't move too much lower in value in good condition.
I would still be interested to give them another chance and try a SL320 (which FYI is reportedly vastly better than the 300-24v, despite having similar bhp). I wouldn't be expecting so much shove as the 500 so would probably be less likely to be disappointed. And they still go pretty well, so say. Then the plus side is that there's more room for the engine in the bay, and the engine is shared with the E-class rather than the S-class, so it would be cheaper to run. Finally it should be lighter so handling may improve!
.
I would still be interested to give them another chance and try a SL320 (which FYI is reportedly vastly better than the 300-24v, despite having similar bhp). I wouldn't be expecting so much shove as the 500 so would probably be less likely to be disappointed. And they still go pretty well, so say. Then the plus side is that there's more room for the engine in the bay, and the engine is shared with the E-class rather than the S-class, so it would be cheaper to run. Finally it should be lighter so handling may improve!
.pentoman said:
SL320 (which FYI is reportedly vastly better than the 300-24v, despite having similar bhp)
When I was looking for a new car my Merc Specialist told me to steer clear of vehicle with the 300-24 engine, as they rev to over 7000rpm as opposed to 6400 in the 320. They're more likely to have been trashed a s result, and the cams and engine are generally weaker than the latter 320, and the 300 block was designed for the 12 valve set up, and the 24v was somewhat of an after thought to keep up with BMW's engines, so I have heard.
I think you have a point about the handling, pentoman. With alot less weight the 6 cylinders should "out handle" the V8s, but in a straight they'd be certainly thrashed
SL320 vs. SL500 Video
Darren
Which one has the 24v, the 320sl???? 
Yes, confusing model naming is not just a new thing for Mercedes eh!
Simply choose if you want a six, eight or twelve cylinder model based on your budget (for running costs) and how much performance you would like.
Then if you choose a six cylinder, know that the sixes started with the 300 12v which is a good engine but not that powerful, then that was hastily upgraded to a 24v version (the 300-24v) but that was not great and a bit of a rush job. So it was then replaced with the 320. The 320 is also a 24v but they just didnt badge it as one.
So the SL320 (or 320SL) is the ideal six cylinder model, if you can find one that's in your price range. Its only weakness is, I believe, that head gaskets can go. Or is it for the cam cover gasket can leak? One or the other anyway!
Simply choose if you want a six, eight or twelve cylinder model based on your budget (for running costs) and how much performance you would like.
Then if you choose a six cylinder, know that the sixes started with the 300 12v which is a good engine but not that powerful, then that was hastily upgraded to a 24v version (the 300-24v) but that was not great and a bit of a rush job. So it was then replaced with the 320. The 320 is also a 24v but they just didnt badge it as one.
So the SL320 (or 320SL) is the ideal six cylinder model, if you can find one that's in your price range. Its only weakness is, I believe, that head gaskets can go. Or is it for the cam cover gasket can leak? One or the other anyway!
Well, it will be a third car so running costs not so much of a problem, I have my trusty fiat heap to convey me everywhere mundane, and wifey has a half tidy car we can throw the kids in.
I'm not too bothered about age really, but must admit, I really like the shape and like mercs..and always hankered after one of these.
Has to be a 500 I think.
I'm not too bothered about age really, but must admit, I really like the shape and like mercs..and always hankered after one of these.
Has to be a 500 I think.
My dad bought a 1997 (r129)SL600 under a year ago and absolutly loves. Its no quicker than a 500 of the line but over 60mph it would pull ahead. So far there have been no faults or anything wrong with the car. It has survived a trip to Denmark and around the UK. Just pick the right colour. Ours is blue with creme leather and i still think that is the best colour combo.
Good luck
Good luck
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff