I Bought an R129 Mercedes.....

[Marine Blue]

Bummer on the results, hopefully you aren’t upside down on it. I’m surprised as it’s a nice color combo and very well presented.

These are on my short list of potential future cars to buy. Anything specific that you would watch out for on these based upon your ownership? I know the SLS rear shocks are a common issue and while I would love a V12 I know the maintenance is atrocious so my focus is on the M119. Are the tops problematic and expensive or reasonably easy to repair?

[GG Allin]

I lost a little on it, nothing big. Just disappointed because it seemed like expecting $18-19k was not too far fetched considering past sales.

My biggest fear with the car was having it develop problems with the top cylinders. The lock cylinders up front started leaking last summer, those are easy. The other ones in the back not so much. Had it been my car to keep, I wouldn't really care about that because I'd probably just leave the hard top on it.

I'm on the hunt now for an early 2000's CLK55. They don't really ever seem to come up for sale.

[slow&rusty]

The buyer got a great deal, $16k is cheap for a car like in the condition and low miles.

BaT is flooded with R129s that could be part of the result plus the economy is in a yo-yo and the R129 is definitely a toy.

Good luck on finding a CLK55

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by Marine Blue

Bummer on the results, hopefully you aren’t upside down on it. I’m surprised as it’s a nice color combo and very well presented.

These are on my short list of potential future cars to buy. Anything specific that you would watch out for on these based upon your ownership? I know the SLS rear shocks are a common issue and while I would love a V12 I know the maintenance is atrocious so my focus is on the M119. Are the tops problematic and expensive or reasonably easy to repair?

The v12's are no less reliable than the M119-arguably more reliable given the known issues with m119 timing chain guides. I have one. The ADS can be a hassle, but I ended up deleting mine and going to Bilsteins and Eibach. There are 2 of everything- but still, the car has been issue free for 30k. The only repair that is a greater hassle is the valve cover gasket, as the intake manifold has to come off.
Tops will need cylinders at some point. Its around 15 hrs or so of diy labor, and the parts are 1k exchange from Top Hydraulics. They have an excellent video series on repair.

[GG Allin]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

The buyer got a great deal, $16k is cheap for a car like in the condition and low miles.

BaT is flooded with R129s that could be part of the result plus the economy is in a yo-yo and the R129 is definitely a toy.

Good luck on finding a CLK55

Yeah, I set the low end of the market. An SL500 like this will give you the same driving experience as an E500 for a fraction of the price. There are just too many of them out there though. Now I just need to find a CLK in similar condition with similar miles.

[Marine Blue]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Regarding the 12 vs 8, I know reliability is similar however my understanding is that being a 12 basically adds a significant amount of cost in labor and parts anytime it needs maintenance or repairs. I would also think more tech’s have familiarity with the M119 since it was used for many years on many of their cars. It sounds like the primary issues are around the top cylinders and the rear suspension. 15 yours of labor to replace the rears sounds rough, I’ll have to take a look at the video to see what is involved. If it’s a DIY no big deal as it would be an extra car and some downtime wouldn’t matter.

Having formerly owned a 500E the comment about the SL being the same caught my attention. I’d love another 500E but the prices are well beyond what I’m willing to pay for them and most are pretty tired with high mileage. GG Allin have you owned a 500E in the past and or driven one extensively enough to make this comment?

[GG Allin]

Originally Posted by Marine Blue

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Regarding the 12 vs 8, I know reliability is similar however my understanding is that being a 12 basically adds a significant amount of cost in labor and parts anytime it needs maintenance or repairs. I would also think more tech’s have familiarity with the M119 since it was used for many years on many of their cars. It sounds like the primary issues are around the top cylinders and the rear suspension. 15 yours of labor to replace the rears sounds rough, I’ll have to take a look at the video to see what is involved. If it’s a DIY no big deal as it would be an extra car and some downtime wouldn’t matter.

Having formerly owned a 500E the comment about the SL being the same caught my attention. I’d love another 500E but the prices are well beyond what I’m willing to pay for them and most are pretty tired with high mileage. GG Allin have you owned a 500E in the past and or driven one extensively enough to make this comment?

No, but from what I understand the R129 chassis is based on the W124. Similar motor, similar chassis. My guess is the R129 is the better of the two but no Porsche wow factor and rarity. But maybe I'm just completely wrong.

[GG Allin]

Another interesting R129 combo is the straight six with 5 speed manual combo. They're dirt cheap.

[Marine Blue]

Originally Posted by GG Allin

Another interesting R129 combo is the straight six with 5 speed manual combo. They're dirt cheap.

If you can fine a nice one! I’m also very curious if the power is acceptable vs the V8.

I haven’t driven the R129, only sat passenger in an SL600 years ago. It’s as well built as the 500E but I’m just not sure it’s an equal. I won’t know for certain until I spend some driving time in one. The 500E was shockingly capable considering its size, it’s very much the predecessor to the modern day AMG sedans.

I’m going to wait a bit before my next purchase, it looks like the market is definitely cooling for classic cars and I’m thinking there could be some good buys in the next year or two.

[greglepore]

Its not a 500e. Porsche tuned that. The 129 is a great gt-think Fritz going up the bahn to his mistress. The 500e is a more refined and less capable M5.

[Googam]

For fun & fast, you could always consider one of these https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18199726/2007-mercedes-benz-clk63-amg-cabriolet-short-take-road-test/
Mine is an 07, owned it for 11 years, done normal everyday maintenance & love driving it. It's a fabulous road car. $98k new, can be had for high teens.

Brad

[GG Allin]

I didn't even know that style CLK came as a 63. Thought they were 32's and 55's.

[Googam]

Cabs were only produced during 07 & 08. They imported 151 for 07. Of those, only 30 were red; the color of mine. I'll never sell it.