The R129 Mercedes SL

[HobieMarty]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by greglepore

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]

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]

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.

[sc_rufctr]

The best Mercedes from the best Mercedes era.

A modern MB is a joke in comparison.

[onewhippedpuppy]

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]

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:

[onewhippedpuppy]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

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:

Very cool!!!

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[speeder]

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]

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

[speeder]

Didn't sell, RNM @ $15k.

[greglepore]

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

[edgemar]

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

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by speeder

Didn't sell, RNM @ $15k.

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