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-   -   The R129 Mercedes SL (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=1184408)

HobieMarty 10-02-2025 07:36 AM

The R129 Mercedes SL
 
I really like how these videos are produced and think these are the best on the Hagerty channel. This SL model is definitely a benchmark of luxury and style with a bit of performance sprinkled in.

https://youtu.be/-0wr0pdXjy0?si=FExh5r2uJk0ZPVg5

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greglepore 10-02-2025 08:36 AM

Love mine.
Niggles-roof is overcomplicated and a 2 day job to refurb the hydraulics. Plastics suffer from uv decay and that's bad in an open car. Deleted active suspension (a v12 thing) as wiring degraded (post 95 car but pre 95 wiring in the active suspension).
It is a great tourer though. Perfect for the Blue Ridge Parkway in October.

HobieMarty 10-02-2025 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greglepore (Post 12541240)
Love mine.
Niggles-roof is overcomplicated and a 2 day job to refurb the hydraulics. Plastics suffer from uv decay and that's bad in an open car. Deleted active suspension (a v12 thing) as wiring degraded (post 95 car but pre 95 wiring in the active suspension).
It is a great tourer though. Perfect for the Blue Ridge Parkway in October.

That would be a nice drive in any of the three from the video that's for sure.

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onewhippedpuppy 10-02-2025 06:07 PM

I have an infatuation with the R129. I think it’s one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and from the era where Mercedes built to a standard. I hope to own one before prices go crazy.

speeder 10-02-2025 11:29 PM

They are very well made cars and were cutting edge in 1990 but they can be very expensive to maintain. They drive well but are not remotely sporty, more of a boulevard cruiser that handles well for a heavy car. They are still cheap, as far as I know. :cool:

sc_rufctr 10-02-2025 11:34 PM

The best Mercedes from the best Mercedes era.

A modern MB is a joke in comparison.

onewhippedpuppy 10-03-2025 04:25 AM

You can easily get a superb condition 500SL with low miles for under $20k. With a little looking you can find a V12 600SL in the same range. What other iconic classic car is this cheap?

I really need to at least drive one, maybe I’ll hate it and get this out of my system.:)

slow&rusty 10-03-2025 04:57 AM

I enjoy those Jason Camisa \ Hagerty Videos as well, glad they produced one on the R129, very deserving and I will have to definitely check it out.

I own a '98 with the M119 4 Cam 32V engine and the AMG SL1\SL2 package which really enhances the already great lines. I used to daily drive it, but it is now relegated to occasional use. I've owned it now for 8-years.

Rock solid ownership.

For fun one year I decided to lower it put some real suspension under it and then installed the V12 brakes and control arms. SO it handles and stops.

Here's my car:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1759492544.JPG

onewhippedpuppy 10-03-2025 05:15 AM

Yours is perfect! I prefer the facelift styling, you still have the M119 quad cam V8 but with the better five speed automatic. Exactly what I would look for.

greglepore 10-03-2025 06:36 AM

If you're willing to refurb a few things, you can routinely pick up the v8 cars for under 10.
Mine is lowered on Eibachs and Bilsteins. Gotta watch the front lip as its really low. The one nice thing about the ADS was that you could do the Citroen thing and lift the car about 4 inches.

They do have the carved from a billet feel.

HobieMarty 10-03-2025 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow&rusty (Post 12541597)
I enjoy those Jason Camisa \ Hagerty Videos as well, glad they produced one on the R129, very deserving and I will have to definitely check it out.



I own a '98 with the M119 4 Cam 32V engine and the AMG SL1\SL2 package which really enhances the already great lines. I used to daily drive it, but it is now relegated to occasional use. I've owned it now for 8-years.



Rock solid ownership.



For fun one year I decided to lower it put some real suspension under it and then installed the V12 brakes and control arms. SO it handles and stops.



Here's my car:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1759492544.JPG

Very cool!!!

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speeder 10-03-2025 09:59 AM

Here is the deal of the day if you like red, half hour to act! No reserve in NJ:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-mercedes-benz-sl500-206/

greglepore 10-03-2025 10:33 AM

Given that the pano tops sell for 3k, yeah, that's a deal.

speeder 10-03-2025 10:47 AM

Didn't sell, RNM @ $15k.

greglepore 10-03-2025 01:52 PM

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1759524700.jpg

Lost my favorite passenger today. She was an awesome friend to the last.

edgemar 10-03-2025 03:14 PM

Drove one...... got the hydraulic shower from the top...

onewhippedpuppy 10-03-2025 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder (Post 12541748)
Didn't sell, RNM @ $15k.

Probably my least favorite color combo, boring wheels, and some maintenance related questions. I think $15k was pretty fair.


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