[R129 SL] R129LIST Digest, Vol 49, Issue 7
mid-co at ix.netcom.com
mid-co at ix.netcom.com
Wed Jan 14 10:54:59 EST 2009
Yup ......the dash comes out , and so does about 2.5 K from
your wallet.
Bruce in Nashville.
----- Original Message -----
From: GLENN PERLAKOWSKI
To: SL Mailing List
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 9:39 AM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] R129LIST Digest, Vol 49, Issue 7
agree with Robert (below).
I have a 92 500sl with 88k, use it mostly in summer in NJ and try to use the softtop frequently during the summer
because the first time you take the hardtop off in Spring is a bear..( vaseline on the mating surfaces helps).
I lost AC this past summer and have been told that repairing leaks generally requires removal of the dashboard- a very
labor intensive/costly excercise-- anyone have a similiar experience ?
----- Original Message -----
From: RTorchia at aol.com
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 10:30 AM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] R129LIST Digest, Vol 49, Issue 7
Andy:
I was in a similar situation having had a 1978 450sl and moving on to a 1997 sl500. For me the sl500 is a huge improvement and certainly handles better and is more subtle than the rather primitive 450. If you look around you will see that the 1997 and 1998 R129s are considered superior because of the transmission and certain engine differences. Be extremely careful because there are a lot of lemons out there and cars that have been in accidents or just plain ill maintained. I bought by 1997 with 37,800 miles on it and it has performed perfectly so I have no complaints about a low mileage car. I drive it 3,000 to 3,500 miles a year and keep it in during the winter up here in Philadelphia, using it only on days with above freezing temperatures. I have had no trouble with raising and lowering the soft top, which I do from late April through early November, keeping the hard top on all winter. If you are careful and take your time you are certain to get a wonderful R129 that will be a joy to drive. There are plenty of cheap ones out there but if you pay a little more from a reputable dealer who specializes in the breed it is well worth it.
RT
Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
710 Edge Hill Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Mobile: 215-528-7519
In a message dated 1/13/2009 8:27:46 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, r129list-request at mbcoupes.com writes:
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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Today's Topics:
1. Planning on buying an SL500 (Andrew Somers)
2. Re: Planning on buying an SL500 (Paul Samarin)
3. Re: Planning on buying an SL500 (William Ricketts)
4. Re: Planning on buying an SL500 (Leonard Rich III)
5. Re: Planning on buying an SL500 (Peter S)
6. Re: Planning on buying an SL500 (gregorio at weststargroup.net)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:11:12 -0800
From: Andrew Somers <buyer at myndex.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Message-ID: <51BD30FD-C2C1-49BA-A2C9-8580DAAFE694 at myndex.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
Hello,
I am a current R107 owner (Her name is Freya http://www.my450sl.com
) which I've had for about 10 years - she runs fine, but I am
thinking that I want to upgrade now to an R129, and trying to get an
idea of best years, and what kind of problems I should look for etc.
For instance, I hear:
1) The transmission in the 90 thru 95 aren't great, and the 96-98 are
better.
2) The engine in the 99-02 is not desirable.
3) The hydraulics for the roof fail often and are expensive to fix (Is
this true for all years?)
QUESTIONS:
My 450SL has about 165K on it, and runs great save for an oil leak
in the main seal. The 450SL is know to go for 750,000 miles - how
robust are the engines in the SL500? How many miles before they are
performing badly? Since it's an aluminum block engine, I'd think it
was likely to be somewhat less than a big iron block like a 450. For
instance, there's a 1995 SL500 with 109,000 miles on it. The car seems
pretty clean, but what kind of work can I expect to have to put into
one with such mileage? Any endemic/systemic problems that these cars
are known for?
Any website I should look at that discusses the R129 series and
potential issues?
Thanks!
Andy
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:31:15 -0800
From: Paul Samarin <pauls at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
To: SL Mailing List <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <F5B0AD43-36F0-4BB8-8526-3566AEACD0E6 at sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed";
DelSp="yes"
There is a site, but I can't remember a darn thing about it! Sorry.
It claimed that 97 and 98 are the best years, with 98 being the
best. Before finding that site, I bought a 90 about two years ago
with about 90K on her, but looking pristine. Paid $12,700, but the
soft top wouldn't deploy, so I took a little gamble. Turned out to
be no problem other than it hadn't been run for years b/c p/o didn't
use it as a convertible. After buying that car, a very good friend
wanted one so we began shopping. Then I was aware of the above
website, so my friend found and purchased a pristine 98 (also about 2
years ago) with about 68K on her for $23,000.
There is a noticeable difference between the two cars. My 90 is very
reminiscent of the 80's S-class cars; my previous car was an 86 SEC
and the instrument panel is nearly identical. A big improvement
(i.e., much more modern looking interior) over the R107, but the 98
is another step up from that. So, my guess is that these days there
wouldn't be *much* price difference between the early ones and the
later ones, but I'd hold-out for a 97 or 98 if I were shopping today.
One other note: My friend and I use the same indy MB shop in
Whittier, an honest and knowledgeable husband and wife team. He
noted that my friend's 98 will soon need about $3K in some sort of
engine work caused by the *lack* of mileage. IOW, if the car doesn't
get used regularly, stuff sorta clogs up. Others here may know more
about that, but just some food for thought. I'd bet that condition
means much more than mileage.
I've got about 110K now and basically maintenance-free, though the a/
c--heater blower is not working right now. Haven't had time to take
her in.
Paul
On Jan 13, 2009, at 2:11 PM, Andrew Somers wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am a current R107 owner (Her name is Freya http://
> www.my450sl.com ) which I've had for about 10 years - she runs
> fine, but I am thinking that I want to upgrade now to an R129, and
> trying to get an idea of best years, and what kind of problems I
> should look for etc. For instance, I hear:
>
> 1) The transmission in the 90 thru 95 aren't great, and the 96-98
> are better.
>
> 2) The engine in the 99-02 is not desirable.
>
> 3) The hydraulics for the roof fail often and are expensive to fix
> (Is this true for all years?)
>
> Any website I should look at that discusses the R129 series and
> potential issues?
>
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Andy
Paul W. Samarin
Attorney at Law
110 Pine Street, Suite 630
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562)491-3538
pauls at sbcglobal.net
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------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:35:34 -0400
From: "William Ricketts" <bandbricketts at ns.sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <8C2D196DC17B44699F5666A56684CB51 at Ricketts>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
This might be the site talked about that suggests a 97 or 98. I bought a 98 three years ago with 42k miles on it and use it as a daily driver up here in Canada. Love it, and no significant problems with it so far. Good luck with your shopping!
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/index.htm
Bill
Halifax, Nova Scotia
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Samarin
To: SL Mailing List
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 6:31 PM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
There is a site, but I can't remember a darn thing about it! Sorry. It claimed that 97 and 98 are the best years, with 98 being the best. Before finding that site, I bought a 90 about two years ago with about 90K on her, but looking pristine. Paid $12,700, but the soft top wouldn't deploy, so I took a little gamble. Turned out to be no problem other than it hadn't been run for years b/c p/o didn't use it as a convertible. After buying that car, a very good friend wanted one so we began shopping. Then I was aware of the above website, so my friend found and purchased a pristine 98 (also about 2 years ago) with about 68K on her for $23,000.
There is a noticeable difference between the two cars. My 90 is very reminiscent of the 80's S-class cars; my previous car was an 86 SEC and the instrument panel is nearly identical. A big improvement (i.e., much more modern looking interior) over the R107, but the 98 is another step up from that. So, my guess is that these days there wouldn't be *much* price difference between the early ones and the later ones, but I'd hold-out for a 97 or 98 if I were shopping today.
One other note: My friend and I use the same indy MB shop in Whittier, an honest and knowledgeable husband and wife team. He noted that my friend's 98 will soon need about $3K in some sort of engine work caused by the *lack* of mileage. IOW, if the car doesn't get used regularly, stuff sorta clogs up. Others here may know more about that, but just some food for thought. I'd bet that condition means much more than mileage.
I've got about 110K now and basically maintenance-free, though the a/c--heater blower is not working right now. Haven't had time to take her in.
Paul
On Jan 13, 2009, at 2:11 PM, Andrew Somers wrote:
Hello,
I am a current R107 owner (Her name is Freya http://www.my450sl.com ) which I've had for about 10 years - she runs fine, but I am thinking that I want to upgrade now to an R129, and trying to get an idea of best years, and what kind of problems I should look for etc. For instance, I hear:
1) The transmission in the 90 thru 95 aren't great, and the 96-98 are better.
2) The engine in the 99-02 is not desirable.
3) The hydraulics for the roof fail often and are expensive to fix (Is this true for all years?)
Any website I should look at that discusses the R129 series and potential issues?
Thanks!
Andy
Paul W. Samarin
Attorney at Law
110 Pine Street, Suite 630
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562)491-3538
pauls at sbcglobal.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
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------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:39:59 -0800
From: "Leonard Rich III" <leonardrich at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
To: "'SL Mailing List'" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <000b01c975e0$a1ae5250$e50af6f0$@net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Andrew, I have had many of both including the 129 SL600, The finest car I
have ever owned. However for many reasons I would suggest a low mileage
560SL, ABS Air bag Power, simpler car. My 10 cents.
LR3
-----Original Message-----
From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of Andrew Somers
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 2:11 PM
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Subject: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
Hello,
I am a current R107 owner (Her name is Freya http://www.my450sl.com
) which I've had for about 10 years - she runs fine, but I am
thinking that I want to upgrade now to an R129, and trying to get an
idea of best years, and what kind of problems I should look for etc.
For instance, I hear:
1) The transmission in the 90 thru 95 aren't great, and the 96-98 are
better.
2) The engine in the 99-02 is not desirable.
3) The hydraulics for the roof fail often and are expensive to fix (Is
this true for all years?)
QUESTIONS:
My 450SL has about 165K on it, and runs great save for an oil leak
in the main seal. The 450SL is know to go for 750,000 miles - how
robust are the engines in the SL500? How many miles before they are
performing badly? Since it's an aluminum block engine, I'd think it
was likely to be somewhat less than a big iron block like a 450. For
instance, there's a 1995 SL500 with 109,000 miles on it. The car seems
pretty clean, but what kind of work can I expect to have to put into
one with such mileage? Any endemic/systemic problems that these cars
are known for?
Any website I should look at that discusses the R129 series and
potential issues?
Thanks!
Andy
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
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8:17 AM
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:24:39 +1300
From: "Peter S" <joyce.pm at xtra.co.nz>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <003e01c975e6$dee46e10$0501010a at newbeb1e9bcff6>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Paul,
Totally agree about the phrase regarding lack of use! I have a 1992 Fire Red colour R129, with Brabus 17 inch wheels and Brabus suspension. It was ex Japan (we get a lot of cars ex Japan in New Zealand - very good prices as well). I saw my car enter the country in 2002 - here in Palmerston North. It was 10 years old, had 38,000 km on the clock (23,750 miles), cream leather etc and appeared fantastic condition. It sold for about $80,000 in 2002.
The car was local, and the purchaser basically left it at the dealers in storage and had a few long trips from time to time. 4 years later, the purchaser wanted the car sold so I was (of course - very interested). So the dealer/owner had to replace the water pump, all the engine/ main gearbox seals, lock mechanisms, main roof rams, smaller roof lock rams, windscreen wiper controller, spark plugs, and so on. They spent $Mega on the car so I paid a premium of NZ$35,000 (US$18,000 on today's rates) to get the car - it had genuine 46,000 km (28,750 miles) on the clock. I also had the transmission checked as the plates/turbines shed materials when not used. My transmission had shed a very small amount of material but was OK.
Since I have had the car, I have changed all the oils - and that is it. I have driven about 14,000 km in 2 years and am off on the Mercedes Benz Rally this Friday - we have a three day weekend this weekend. The car is immaculate, but any older MB has to be driven. There are so many sensors and seals on the 129, that they are sensitive to being left undriven as sensors etc can 'stick', and seals dry out. I also have an immaculate W123, 280E that I drive daily. It uses a bit of oil, runs fantastically well, accelerates well, and is quite quick for a 1983 car. While the 1997/98/early 99 models are different, I still prefer the earlier models. I had an R107 for 4 years - loved it, but prefer the earlier R129 as it has some characteristics of the R107 with less of the repairs ( I tend to do most of my own repairs).
Andy, my advice is to find a good R129 that you like the colour of, try to ensure it is already in good condition (get someone to appraise the vehicle) make sure you have a few $$ put aside for repairs, and drive it!. For information, and as above, the rams, windscreen wiper controller, electric seat motors, fuses, battery, tyres etc. ragtop, all fail in the 129's -especially if they are not used frequently. Note that my car is 17 years old, so parts will fail from time to time. This also happens to out Toyota Estima Van, and our Nissan Maxima. If you do not use any mechanical/ electrical device frequently, it can fail.
Happy driving!
My hard top is in the shed (held below the roof with a couple of $3 straps) and with the rear part resting onto a shelf. I mostly use our 129 with the top down unless it is raining hard/ snowing/ hailing.
Still 24 degrees C here in NZ, light easterly, a bit of high cloud, and I am off home soon to do some business with the 129 as the transportation. Have a great day/ night.
Kind Regards, Peter S.
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Samarin
To: SL Mailing List
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
There is a site, but I can't remember a darn thing about it! Sorry. It claimed that 97 and 98 are the best years, with 98 being the best. Before finding that site, I bought a 90 about two years ago with about 90K on her, but looking pristine. Paid $12,700, but the soft top wouldn't deploy, so I took a little gamble. Turned out to be no problem other than it hadn't been run for years b/c p/o didn't use it as a convertible. After buying that car, a very good friend wanted one so we began shopping. Then I was aware of the above website, so my friend found and purchased a pristine 98 (also about 2 years ago) with about 68K on her for $23,000.
There is a noticeable difference between the two cars. My 90 is very reminiscent of the 80's S-class cars; my previous car was an 86 SEC and the instrument panel is nearly identical. A big improvement (i.e., much more modern looking interior) over the R107, but the 98 is another step up from that. So, my guess is that these days there wouldn't be *much* price difference between the early ones and the later ones, but I'd hold-out for a 97 or 98 if I were shopping today.
One other note: My friend and I use the same indy MB shop in Whittier, an honest and knowledgeable husband and wife team. He noted that my friend's 98 will soon need about $3K in some sort of engine work caused by the *lack* of mileage. IOW, if the car doesn't get used regularly, stuff sorta clogs up. Others here may know more about that, but just some food for thought. I'd bet that condition means much more than mileage.
I've got about 110K now and basically maintenance-free, though the a/c--heater blower is not working right now. Haven't had time to take her in.
Paul
On Jan 13, 2009, at 2:11 PM, Andrew Somers wrote:
Hello,
I am a current R107 owner (Her name is Freya http://www.my450sl.com ) which I've had for about 10 years - she runs fine, but I am thinking that I want to upgrade now to an R129, and trying to get an idea of best years, and what kind of problems I should look for etc. For instance, I hear:
1) The transmission in the 90 thru 95 aren't great, and the 96-98 are better.
2) The engine in the 99-02 is not desirable.
3) The hydraulics for the roof fail often and are expensive to fix (Is this true for all years?)
Any website I should look at that discusses the R129 series and potential issues?
Thanks!
Andy
Paul W. Samarin
Attorney at Law
110 Pine Street, Suite 630
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562)491-3538
pauls at sbcglobal.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
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Message: 6
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:27:18 -0800
From: <gregorio at weststargroup.net>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <E3DFBE357AE44545AC4001FD396B278B at GROUCHO>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
My 2 cents. I've owned my '91 500SL with very low mileage (56K miles) for about 3 years and, although it has not been flawless, I have had very few problems with it. Not sure what the issue is with the transmissions they all talk about, but my car runs smooth and tight and is always fun to drive.
Greg Conte
West Hills, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: William Ricketts
To: SL Mailing List
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 4:35 PM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
This might be the site talked about that suggests a 97 or 98. I bought a 98 three years ago with 42k miles on it and use it as a daily driver up here in Canada. Love it, and no significant problems with it so far. Good luck with your shopping!
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/index.htm
Bill
Halifax, Nova Scotia
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Samarin
To: SL Mailing List
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 6:31 PM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Planning on buying an SL500
There is a site, but I can't remember a darn thing about it! Sorry. It claimed that 97 and 98 are the best years, with 98 being the best. Before finding that site, I bought a 90 about two years ago with about 90K on her, but looking pristine. Paid $12,700, but the soft top wouldn't deploy, so I took a little gamble. Turned out to be no problem other than it hadn't been run for years b/c p/o didn't use it as a convertible. After buying that car, a very good friend wanted one so we began shopping. Then I was aware of the above website, so my friend found and purchased a pristine 98 (also about 2 years ago) with about 68K on her for $23,000.
There is a noticeable difference between the two cars. My 90 is very reminiscent of the 80's S-class cars; my previous car was an 86 SEC and the instrument panel is nearly identical. A big improvement (i.e., much more modern looking interior) over the R107, but the 98 is another step up from that. So, my guess is that these days there wouldn't be *much* price difference between the early ones and the later ones, but I'd hold-out for a 97 or 98 if I were shopping today.
One other note: My friend and I use the same indy MB shop in Whittier, an honest and knowledgeable husband and wife team. He noted that my friend's 98 will soon need about $3K in some sort of engine work caused by the *lack* of mileage. IOW, if the car doesn't get used regularly, stuff sorta clogs up. Others here may know more about that, but just some food for thought. I'd bet that condition means much more than mileage.
I've got about 110K now and basically maintenance-free, though the a/c--heater blower is not working right now. Haven't had time to take her in.
Paul
On Jan 13, 2009, at 2:11 PM, Andrew Somers wrote:
Hello,
I am a current R107 owner (Her name is Freya http://www.my450sl.com ) which I've had for about 10 years - she runs fine, but I am thinking that I want to upgrade now to an R129, and trying to get an idea of best years, and what kind of problems I should look for etc. For instance, I hear:
1) The transmission in the 90 thru 95 aren't great, and the 96-98 are better.
2) The engine in the 99-02 is not desirable.
3) The hydraulics for the roof fail often and are expensive to fix (Is this true for all years?)
Any website I should look at that discusses the R129 series and potential issues?
Thanks!
Andy
Paul W. Samarin
Attorney at Law
110 Pine Street, Suite 630
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562)491-3538
pauls at sbcglobal.net
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
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End of R129LIST Digest, Vol 49, Issue 7
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