I was around when it launched and it was amazing as you've stated. As classic as the previoud car was, this one was on a whole other level. It was an amazing work of art and engineering. It's my favorite SL to date as well.
seriously, out of so many SL models that Mercedes ever built… this R129 are still the best of all… especially the Pre Facelift model, 600SL V12… they are Just awesome… a legendary built to last
@@bobshoker3599 Hey Bob, I can tell you that you will not regret it! So the drive is super smooth, the engine has some power but it's not a sport car... do not expect great performances. Comfort is great (I'm 6ft) and the driving comfort for me is great. Reliability as long as you do services in timely manner is great, The car never let me down despite being an old fart (155kmi). Now the dark sides :) Fuel economy is HORRIBLE!!!! but I don't care about that... the very troubling thing, that I wasn't aware of is the cost of the plastic trims... they ALL break, and they are EXPENSIVE as hell! to replace the dome light shell, vanity mirrors hinges cover and mirrors I spent about $500 for the plastics alone! :( Get your self a second key? that is a $300 bill... Soft top to replace and hydraulics to fix? $1800 (if you do all the work yourself) Luckily for me, my commute to work is 10mi round trip so I don't care about the mpg, I do all the work on the car myself, so I'm not too concerned about repairs, but if you don't I would recommend that you find the best car possible, because repairs will get expensive fast!
@@katanensis I’m looking at the 2001 not as daily driver but maybe pan Sundays. Trying to keep mileage low and hopefully have the value go up in time. I just love the r129. It’s within my budget
Great video, I've had one of these on my "bucket list" since they were new and finally bought one a few months ago. I absolutely love it and agree with everything you said about how good they are and how prices will keep going up. But I beg to differ on 2 points - IMHO the design language started with the W201 back in the early '80's (truly a game changing car, I had a 190E 2.3-16 as a daily driver for 16 years) and continued with the W124 (of which I've owned 5). In fact I believe the R129 chassis was based on a modified W124 platform. Secondly, there are 12 hydraulic cylinders for the hydraulic roof, not 13. Later cars had only 11, I think from 1995 onwards.
Hey Dave great vid. I’ve got the same exact car same year same color and somehow around the same miles I’ve got 59k. This is actually my first car and I love it man the phone in the car is a fan favorite.
My R231 SL500 is the best SL. Lighter, more powerful, more fuel efficient, more torque, stiff as a coupe as 85% aluminium, last of the line with metal folding roof.
The last era of Mercedes when engineers ruled the build budgets and not the accountants…everything feels like it’s hewn from granite and for a big car it’s enough grunt for the real world in day to day driving requirements. I’ve had an R107 for 8 years (300SL) which has been great to own but a drive across France last year showed up some it’s shortcomings. I was lucky enough in 2021 to find a 1996 R129 SL500 that was a Japanese import into the U.K. with just 4,000m from new complete with full service records which had spent most of its life in storage in Osaka. This has now become my go to Merc and I’m selling the 107 as I find the 129 can do everything sublimely and effortlessly. There aren’t too many years left I fear before we can no longer enjoy these types of car so as the man says in the video…if you want one go get one soon!
how is the 1995 SL500 i found one with 93k miles and it’s really clean so much work done to it to keep it maintained. does it cost much to maintain it?
Nice review but shouldn’t you do your home work. It launched in 1989 - you having called it an icon -should know this if you remember it being launched. Where have sound systems been located, except for the centre console?
I owned a 'used' 2001 SL 500 with the Designo package, under 4k miles many years ago. Original owner was Paul Allen's wife. They paid $130,000 plus taxes. I stole it for $37,000. Unbelievable quality. One of many vehicular gems I've had the pleasure of owning and driving over the years and definitely one I should never have sold. Thanks for the video and walk down memory lane.
I’ve an ‘02 sl500 and an ‘85 190e 2.3-16 Two totally different animals. I drive the SL daily, like I stole it. And the 190 only on Sunday mornings. But if you had to bury me with one, it’s the 190 all day.
Nope, their not, owned one for 10 years. The stupid hardtop is the most annoying part of owning one, they are great cars though, I also hate the headlights, the parking lights always broke and they fly off the car.
Love everything about this car except the bland, boxy look. I like old school and few silly gadgets though... One mans beauty is another mans hag...some think Picasso is art, some think its junk.
