Just came across this video. I’ve owned my 1991 SL for 16 years now. Convinced my wife that we needed one when I turned 50. Put a lot of maintenance money into the car to keep it in as new condition. Definitely worth the money spent. Currently have 71K of enjoyment on the odometer. Still runs like a Mercedes. Anyone looking at purchasing one make sure you have a good mechanic that knows the car. Nothing major but the usual maintenance items can be pricey. They did make great cars back then.
It was one of the most advanced and powerful cars in the world back then, a super car for those who are in charge and don't need to impress anyone other than themselves; not a car for showy playboys. Variable valve timing made it silent at idle and like a race car at high RPMs.see SL500.TV
If I had to own a German automobile, this is probably the one I'd select: an R129 SL500 from the late 1990s-early 2000s. The R129 is simply just right as a roadster. It's modern without being overkill, yet it's a classic that isn't dated. It is one of the best looking cars that anybody has ever made.
The SL500 was extremely advanced for its era too. The German cars could be considered trailblazers for what is almost standard for all automobiles manufactured today
I have a 1999 SL 500. Bought it a bit over 10 years ago (so it was already 10 years old when I bought it). Hasn't given me too many problems except for 1 major repair just recently (about $750 repair costs at dealership). I sometimes think I should sell it now and get some of the money back.... but whenever I drive it, it just makes me happy, so I think I'll keep it until it just doesn't run anymore.
I am so glad someone finally uploaded this. I watched this many times as a young teen. Years later I was lucky to enjoy driving one of the 1st 500SLs in the US. Wow does this bring back memories! Love the music, the scenery etc.
That sounds like the legendary Peter Thomas who narrated the "Forensic Files". He was one of the greats! On another note, the R129 was my favourite Merc when I was a kid. I remember Princess Diana had a beautiful maroon one. The Merc's of today just don't come close; they are all so sterile looking!
The time where everyone sat and read about the product they just purchased. Today, you can't turn your phone on, you run straight to the forums complain how the product sucks. Like " all you had to do was unbox, charge and simply turn it on"
This is the best setup for turning on headlights and fog lights. I drove a new bmw and couldn’t figure out what all the light buttons did for at least the first few days
Hi,I am looking to possibly buy this exact model(White&Grey 189,000mi)What are some Pros and Cons(Maintenance Issues?) or Favorite Things about it?Also I thought I recognized his voice from somewhere lol
This wasn’t the only Mercedes related video Peter Thomas narrated. He also narrated the history of the company for Mercedes Salesmen training videos and also a promo vid for the Lincoln Navigator SUV.
Minha sl favorita... uma verdadeira e tão só Mercedes, bem antes dessa moda de AMG pra cá e para lá, como se a preparadora viesse antes da marca em si..como é tão comum hoje em dia.
Back in the early-mid 90s there was a show on A&E that did a documentary on the Mercedes SL. I remember it very distinctly bc when they got to the R129 it was a very dramatic and beautiful shot. That is what got me hooked on this model forever, I'll never forget it. Does anyone remember this show or episode. I know it is pretty vague but by chance...
Well, you actually HAVE to push the hood down if you want it to close tightly. I have been owning this beautiful car since 14 years now and I truly love every single part of it.
NIGHTMARE_VON Hell of a way to add to the conversation... When I got my '94 SL500 in December of 1993 that was a really cool feature. I still own that car, and although I've only put 30,000 miles on it, I appreciate it for the OVER-ENGINEERING!
NIGHTMARE_VON Tomorrow I shall reply... LMAO Too tired tonight, buddy. Have a good evening and hit me up tomorrow. I've probably got some things you'd like to see. Best...
+Luke DeMartini Thank you for mentioning that. Many Mercedes master technicians and people in the organization have agreed that 1996 was the end of an era for Mercedes Benz. The cars built before 1996 were of exceptional build quality and used only the finest mechanical components. The new SL400 might look nice, have cleaner emissions and better fuel economy but I can assure it you it cost far less to manufacture due to less hand craftsmanship and cheaper components that are now sourced globally from places like Mexico, Canada and Asia. My older W124 and W201 area testament to this.
Tony Chavez this statement is very true. But you forgot to mention the real reason this change took place around 1996. Actually in 1995, Mercedes Benz was doing an internal audit of its production costs of its vehicles. These accounts, or bean counters, as they were known, decided OVER the engineers that they were spending way too much over-engineering the cars. Up until that time, the engineers were using 6 bolts instead of the normal 3 or 4 bolts in applications for increased durability and using fasteners made of higher quality steel rather than cheap pot metal or plastics. Once the accountant convinced the board that they needed to save money by using cheaper materials, Mercedes Benz quality was no longer. If you don't believe me, check an old issue of consumer reports magazine from 1996 and 1997. In the back of their annual April automotive issue, you can see the quality of their cars went from far above average to the lowest level, far below average around the 1996 year. The changes took about 1 year to filler through the entire carline and has never returned. In that brief 2 year period they went from #1 to #15 all because the accountants got their way over the dedicated engineers. It's really a sad story.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have maybe gone for an older SL when I bought my SLK... then I watched the 2 people struggle with the hardtop in the video and realize I made the right choice. BTW- I love how the top switch in this car (and mine too) is shaped like a little roof. :)
Most people don't know those facts either. That's why if you're shopping for one of these cars, you'll often find the center rear view motor function to be inoperable. 2nd and 3rd owners unaware of this feature would just grab the mirror and try to move it manually, breaking the motorized part of the mirror. I can't tell you how many of these mirrors I find broken because of the lack of knowledge about them being motorized.
@@angelg2638 It's so funny how you just replied to my comment now. I was a newly uploaded video of this exact car on Bill's Curious car's RU-vid channel. You talk about perfect timing! Wow
Ok these random RU-vid recs need to stop. Today I’ve learned how to be a 1980s Mercedes salesman, learned a little more about my 2000 S class, and now I’m ready to dive into this convertible here…
As demonstrated in the video, closing the soft top on the front locks may require pulling down on the handle and guiding the locks into place. This is what I’m currently doing. I did not have to do this before. The top bounces somewhat and will not sit and lock unless I pull it down. Has anyone experienced and repaired this problem? Thanks for your help . 1998 SL500 R129 Sport edition.
German cars were spectacular in the 1980s compared to its peers, especially American cars. In 1991 this was still true though Japan was already on a rocket ship to the top, pound-for-pound.