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Anyone Getting Rid of R129s?

6K views 51 replies 29 participants last post by  Sean97SL500 
#1 ·
Hello everyone! My grandparents like my R129 so much despite all the things wrong with it they are strongly considering their own. They are looking at a later model SL500 ideally but SL320 or SL600 they would consider. Looking for well maintained great condition, no issues and ideally garage kept most of all. An AMG Sport would be nice but Grey Silver or Tan interior would be ideal. No modifications except for an aftermarket radio would be best. Budget is up to $20,000 but maybe higher for a special edition model. Higher miles aren’t a problem. Have y’all seen any listings that meet these criteria somewhat or are selling your own R129s?

Edit: Mods, If this is the wrong place to ask this please move it or delete.
 
#2 · (Edited)
I think your best bit is to look on bringatrailer.com which is a online auction. Sign up for free listings to see Mercedes r129 cars and you will automatically receive emails of new listings. A r129 comes up with a new listing almost once a day. Sometimes there are bargains, however prices are beginning to go higher. You will see the conditions of the cars and usually their honest sellers but they must lists the good and bad items pertaining to the car there selling.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Use AutoTempest.com: All the cars. One search. and look for a 3rd gen ('99 - '02) 5.0 with something around130K miles. IMO the current market for these cars is $7K-$8.5K. You'll likely spend another $2K-$3K to sort it out - assuming you can turn wrenches. If the 3.2 is enough, I'd look at '96 - '02 (you'll enjoy having an ODB2 port). Those cars will be a better value. And the last piece of advise, don't let them get into a SL600.

Happy Hunting!
 
#6 ·
Use AutoTempest.com: All the cars. One search. and look for a 3rd gen ('99 - '02) with something around130K miles. IMO the current market for these cars is $7K-$8.5K. You'll likely spend another $2K-$3K to sort it out - assuming you can turn wrenches. And the last piece of advise, don't let them get into a SL600.

Happy Hunting!
Why not an SL600?
 
#8 ·
The SL600 has been fine for me. I'd advise on replacing the radiator preemptively with an aluminum one because the oe design is crap and its plastic. Been waiting a month now to get the job done on my car due to a leak and overseas "covid delays" with CSF.

Overall, a 1999 and later with sport either 500 or 600 would be a perfect car given it's in good condition.

Btw Socal is r129 heaven. If need be I could "broker" a purchase...
 
#12 ·
Would they appreciate having a V12 over a lesser model? If they just want the looks of the R129 then any 'lesser' model would be a fine choice. A V12 just adds extra complexity to an already complex car in which mechanical expertise for the most part is few and far between. Having a later model with the M113 helps as those engines are more common so knowledge and experience with regards to them is greater among mechanics I would think. I'll assume your grandparents won't be turning the spanners themselves so will rely mainly on Mercedes Specialists, or even just local garages for servicing and maintenance.
Yeah I think y’all are right, I have the M113 in my SL500 and it’s great. That would definitely be the preference but if a V12 came up that was perfect in every other way it would be a consideration. They really don’t need the extra power, he drove a 1999 S320 and thought it was plenty fast so a V8 in a lighter car (that still weighs as much as a base F150….Lol) it will be more than enough. I really appreciate all the responses!
 
#14 ·
Yeah I think y’all are right, I have the M113 in my SL500 and it’s great. That would definitely be the preference but if a V12 came up that was perfect in every other way it would be a consideration. They really don’t need the extra power, he drove a 1999 S320 and thought it was plenty fast so a V8 in a lighter car (that still weighs as much as a base F150….Lol) it will be more than enough. I really appreciate all the responses!
Buy the V12 and keep it, give them your M113... LOL
As much as I am happy with the M113s, I've always wanted a V12 129, the grass is always greener right??..
Like my father used to always say, "Be careful what you ask for, you may get it".........lol

Yes the M104s can be head gasket eaters.. been there done that, the M119s needed bio junk wires replaced and the distributors tend to collect moisture more than I like.

Meanwhile the M113's just keep humming along, never a blip
 
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#11 ·
Would they appreciate having a V12 over a lesser model? If they just want the looks of the R129 then any 'lesser' model would be a fine choice. A V12 just adds extra complexity to an already complex car in which mechanical expertise for the most part is few and far between. Having a later model with the M113 helps as those engines are more common so knowledge and experience with regards to them is greater among mechanics I would think. I'll assume your grandparents won't be turning the spanners themselves so will rely mainly on Mercedes Specialists, or even just local garages for servicing and maintenance.
 
#18 ·
I would look in the classifieds of the Mercedes-Benz club of America too.

You cannot be guaranteed it would have a better than average care but the odds are With you.
I learned something interesting today while picking up a part at my dealer

parts are starting to dry up for pre-face lift 129’s. I guess they use the mono valve for the heater and from 96 on they changed it.

well I love my M119 in the 96 I think the advice to find one with an M113 is sound with the following caveat: make sure it has both sets of keys.

I would go so far as to say that if it only had one said it would be a dealbreaker.

and maintenance records.
 
#22 · (Edited)
I've had two cars with the M119, my 97E420 and the 97 SL500. The E420 had 190K on, the SL has 98K. In general the M119 is a reliable trouble free engine. Now the vacuum hoses, another story, they need replacing every 6-8 years. Normal maintenance is easy peasy. Some have had problems with the plastic cam oiler system, and/or valve cover gaskets leaking.

As the years have gone by, I see R129's splitting into two classes, with the classes moving further and further apart.
1) the Majority have gone through mulitple owners, getting rough, little maintenance and way up there in "dog years".
2) A few with one/two maybe 3 owners, well maintained, full or near full service records from dealer or good indy and kept in very good shape.

or (3) a complete deal killer, 97 or later without at least TWO working keys!!!

8 years ago we spent over a year looking for a (2), and we wanted red, and a 96 or later. Those 3 complicated the search but we did finally find one, zero door dings, paint in excellent condition, interior looked new, one owner, full service records, well maintained, seldom driven in the rain, soft top still in decent condition. Even with that it did have some things I needed to fix, drivers side mirror had leaked it's stuff out, a few switches needed replacing, hood pad breaking down, and the vacuum hoses deteriorated. along with getting new shocks and tossing the OEM brake pads for a set of Akebono's and new rotors.
 
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#52 ·
I've had two cars with the M119, my 97E420 and the 97 SL500. The E420 had 190K on, the SL has 98K. In general the M119 is a reliable trouble free engine. Now the vacuum hoses, another story, they need replacing every 6-8 years. Normal maintenance is easy peasy. Some have had problems with the plastic cam oiler system, and/or valve cover gaskets leaking.

As the years have gone by, I see R129's splitting into two classes, with the classes moving further and further apart.
1) the Majority have gone through mulitple owners, getting rough, little maintenance and way up there in "dog years".
2) A few with one/two maybe 3 owners, well maintained, full or near full service records from dealer or good indy and kept in very good shape.

or (3) a complete deal killer, 97 or later without at least TWO working keys!!!

8 years ago we spent over a year looking for a (2), and we wanted red, and a 96 or later. Those 3 complicated the search but we did finally find one, zero door dings, paint in excellent condition, interior looked new, one owner, full service records, well maintained, seldom driven in the rain, soft top still in decent condition. Even with that it did have some things I needed to fix, drivers side mirror had leaked it's stuff out, a few switches needed replacing, hood pad breaking down, and the vacuum hoses deteriorated. along with getting new shocks and tossing the OEM brake pads for a set of Akebono's and new rotors.
I got tired of dealing with the remotes… I just took the chips out and put them in standard key heads. Works like a charm.
 
#23 ·
My recommendations: Keep an eye on Craigslist both in SoCal and the Bay Area. There's a lot of clean R129s up here in the Bay Area, many are still original owner cars and garaged w/ low miles. Lots of older folks bought them new as secondary cars and now we're starting to see more of them hit the market for sale. (I got mine from an owner who had to stop driving)
I've also done inspections for forum members of the yrs.
 
#24 ·
One owner 2002 SL 500 here.
70K miles. Black w/grey interior.
3 keys. Records. Seats look new as always used seat covers. Soft top...16 months ago replaced. Cylinders? Tops replaced 8 months ago.
For sale??
Twist my arm...
 
#27 ·
Let me second some ideas posted above. BringaTrailer has some really excellent cars, and the commenters to the auctions provide a lot of insight. Prices are not cheap, but you should be able to get a good one for under $20K. The second option is to join the Mercedes Benz Club of America. Their monthly Star magazine has an excellent classified ad section, and you could find a good R129 there. People who post there tend to be collectors who have taken good care of their cars. Again, not rock bottom Craigslist prices but a much better chance of ending up with a good car. I doubt your grandparents want to be chasing repair issues on a 20-30 year old Mercedes. Life is too short. The best advice I have heard is to buy the best maintained one that you can afford. It is cheapest in the long run and certainly most enjoyable.
 
#30 ·
Hi, are you still looking for an R129. I did put the following post up 2 day ago on BenzWorld forum:

Hey guys,
After owning my R129 for almost 21 years I have, sadly, decided I should sell her. I bought her as a 'Starmarked' used car from Mercedes Benz Manhattan in Jan 2001 with 9,000 miles. She now has 58,700 and in beautiful condition. She only gets driven a few times from Spring - Fall and it's time she went to an enthusiast that will drive her more.
She's not 'mint' but all the items are small cosmetic ones. Engine, paint and upholstery are excellent. Anyone that is interested please reply to me and I'll send you pictures and much more detail. I've come to this forum first to try and find an enthusiast rather than the usual car sites.
I want $15,000 which I think is a fair price for a car like this. The car is located near near Morristown NJ.

Yes, I would love her to go to someone that loves this car. Hoping it's not too cheap that someone just 'flips' it but cheap enough to be a great deal. I paid $81,000 in 2001 ( it was $100k new! ). Apart from usual maintenance she hasn't given me one problem at all in almost 21 years. Thought I'd be buried in this car......LOLOLOL......
If she doesn't sell maybe it's a sign I should keep her!

Tire Automotive parking light Wheel Automotive side marker light Land vehicle


Let me know if there is any interest, thank you.
 
#35 ·
Both my R129s came from ebay. The owners were honest, each offering cars that were in good shape. I flew to Virginia and Texas in turn, then drove back home to Pensacola. (I nearly totaled the SL500 on a huge tortoise east of Houston.) I was well treated by both sellers.
On the other hand, we bought a '99 SL500 locally on Craigslist that was not in the best shape. It's remarkable how little work it took to bring it back up. I replaced a badly defective tire, the MAP sensor, the two hydraulic cylinders in the windshield header, and suddenly it was an SL again. There's a deep vein of quality in these cars.
 
#39 ·
A great places to find used SLs is the classified ads on the Mercedes Benz Club of America website.

It is open for non-members to view.
www.mbca.org

Good, enthusiast -owned cars....beats Craigslist and the like.
Really is an informative magazine.
Worth the membership.
And so is this site...nominal membership fee....and yet....
 
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#37 ·
I found mine using cargurus.com I searched specifically for a 2002 and found a relatively nice one in Texas at a reasonable price (so I thought until I started fixing the poor work done by the previous owner(s) ). I'm now into mine for about $21K and will be doing a hood repaint in the spring, and a seat recovering ($1000) before the end of the year. It should be fully sorted at that point with only ongoing regular maintenance to worry about.

Taking a quick look at the listings in CarGurus, there are several final facelift cars with the SL1 and SL2 packages for well under $20K that look pretty good. Most will be a fly and drive sort of deal, but the prices for some of those cars would be hard to beat in CA.

Oh yeah, don't forget to get one with 2 keys (at least).

Good luck,

jdg
 
#42 ·
Whatever you do be sure to have the car inspected. I bought a 2001 SL500 a few years ago off of EBay from a high end dealer and boy, what a nightmare. The car looked beautiful in the pictures and I paid a premium for it but it had well over $3500 worth of repairs needed just to get it in proper shape. The reason I say get the car inspected is that the salesman and his mechanic told me the car had no issues. WRONG! Lesson learned. Don't trust a used car salesman. They're about a truthful as a prostitute who tells you she's a virgin. BTW, I dumped the car and found a good one.
 
#45 ·
I have a 2003 sl500 with only 32k miles always serviced at dealer or MB speciality shop Everything works as it should. Car looks
I think your best bit is to look on bringatrailer.com which is a online auction. Sign up for free listings to see Mercedes r129 cars and you will automatically receive emails of new listings. A r129 comes up with a new listing almost once a day. Sometimes there are bargains, however prices are beginning to go higher. You will see the conditions of the cars and usually their honest sellers but they must lists the good and bad items pertaining to the car there selling.
I have a 2003 sl500 I am looking to sell. It is in showroom condition and has only 32k miles. Everything works as it should and all work on the car has been done at the dealer or MB specialty shop. It is a Arizona car and always garaged. If interested my email is cls121147@yahoo.com
 
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