[71_340]

I sold my R107 some time ago because my wife hated the manual top.

I am considering a R129 SL320 since it has a power top. My question is do they have more interior room, especially leg room? I know about the model specific problem so that is not at issue.

I am posting this here because I know some of you have/had both models and I like to know from somebody who can make the comparison.

Thank!

 

[tdoriot]

I'm and expert in both ! The 129 is quite a different car. The appointments are much more refined. The interior is more spacious and the magic of the electromechanical top is amazing. The tilt/telescope wheel and power seats add to the ergonomic friendliness of the car. They have a windscreen that came as standard equipment that makes topdown driving a pleasure for the gals. As much as I love the 107, and I'll never sell mine (probably cause I'll be restoring it till I die) they are night and day as far as driving and overall road ability. Mine is a 600SL which much of the magic is the legendary V12. With that comes a whole raft of maintenance issues that can easily equal the cost of the car if something goes wrong. That being said, my 129 is the best car I've ever owned !
The hardtop thing is similar to the 107. Why the hell have one? but I digress. Anything else you want to know, ask. :thumbsup:

 

[dugald]

If convenience/complexity is your thing, consider skipping over the R129 to the R230. The folding hardtop will suit your wife and prices are reasonable for early years.

 

[71_340]

Thanks for the advise! I know I will stay away from a V12, the I6 is plenty for me as it had enough power to move the W140 I had.

I will buy a R129, I like the way it looks. I will try to find one that has functional hydraulics for the soft top. Sometimes when you look at the listings people don't post picture with the top down.....I find that questionable. Is there a manual procedure to lower/raise the soft top (i.e. crank)?

 

[abiby]

I recommend reading the stickies on the 129 forum for some good information before purchase.

A few bits of info though:

There seems to be a bit more driver room in the 129, but less room behind the seat and in the trunk.
Avoid 1993-1995 models....Wiring harness issues.
Don't be too concerned about the hydraulic top as it WILL leak/fail eventually, but isn't really a big deal. Though there's a manual method, it is intended for emergency use and isn't probably suitable for daily operations.
SL500 has LOTS more HP and still gets about the same gas mileage as a 6. I'd consider the 6 cylinder stick however.

For the most part, you can buy a 129 much cheaper than a 230 and, also IMO, the 129 is more attractive until the 2009 model year of the 230... which I'd love to own if I could bring myself to buy one.

 

[redghost]

Why not consider the w124 Cabriolet?

A little more room, far more reliable. May give a more conservative aspect that appeals to the spouse.

 

[71_340]

I already looked at the R129 stickies and I am pretty familiar with all the problems any old MB has, trust me, I had enough of them. Usually they all need motor mounts, flex discs, well all rubber parts. Add to the R129 engine wiring is bio degradable and head gasket issues on the early M104.

As far as the 124 convertible....not my cup of tea.

I have plenty time because I have to sell my W210 first, should be pretty easy as it has low miles and is in really nice shape. I am only allowed to have one toy at a time (well, other then my bike).

 

[dugald]

We are here to help you spend your money.

 

[Fotografa]

Avoid 1993-1995 models....Wiring harness issues.

I'd not say avoid them, just ensure that harness has been replaced. if it hasn't, factor that into the price you pay. Once replaced you're good to go.

For the smart buyer it actually presents some opportunities to pick up a car cheap.

 

[71_340]

Trust me, I don't need any help spending money

Wiring harness is no big issue and an easy fix, they even sell aftermarket ones very reasonable. Another reason why I want to get a SL320, much easier and cheaper to work on. Same with the head gasket, not very expensive if you DIY.

 

[nobby]

There seems to be a bit more driver room in the 129, but less room behind the seat and in the trunk.

I know you have both Al....but Stef and I travel a lot together and I really believe he has more storage in his 129 than my 107.

The trunk seemingly holds more than mine and those compartments behind the seats seem bottomless.

He actually carried TopNob's overnight bag because I was outta room.

 

[roncallo]

I sold my R107 some time ago because my wife hated the manual top.

I am considering a R129 SL320 since it has a power top. My question is do they have more interior room, especially leg room? I know about the model specific problem so that is not at issue.

I am posting this here because I know some of you have/had both models and I like to know from somebody who can make the comparison.

Thank!

Definitely go with a 98 or later.

All issues were resolved by then. 96+ has the 5 speed overdrive trans with a lock up converter that will definitely save you some fuel and runs quieter down the highway.

The down side resale value of the 129 sucks compared to the 107.

 

[SinSL]

I drive both, so I can hope to answer your questions. Keep in mind R129 is much harder ride, especially if you get one with sports package with bigger rims. Also get 500 if you can, extra power is definitely a welcome change from sleepy R107.

I sold my R107 some time ago because my wife hated the manual top.

Manual top is a POSITIVE feature of R107. You have no idea how problematic hydraulic tops are. First thing you do once you get yours - change hydraulic fluid. Don't ever THINK about buying one with non-op soft top, unless they pay you to take it away.

My question is do they have more interior room, especially leg room?

About the same. I would say it is slightly more roomier. If you fit into R107 you will be OK with R129. Most noticeably, steering wheel is not riding in your crotch.

I know about the model specific problem so that is not at issue.

Wiring harness! Wiring harness! Wiring harness! Wiring harness!

 

[abiby]

I know you have both Al....but Stef and I travel a lot together and I really believe he has more storage in his 129 than my 107.

The trunk seemingly holds more than mine and those compartments behind the seats seem bottomless.

He actually carried TopNob's overnight bag because I was outta room.

I searched and found that the 107 is listed as having an additional cubic foot of trunk space, roughly 12% more than the 129.

Behind the seat the 107 wins, hands down. Imagine yours without the speaker enclosure. Our dog loves riding there, but there just isn't enough room in the 129.

OTOH, I've looked at 230 and 231 SL models and the behind the seat area goes from smaller to non existant, and in either the trunk space is quite small compared to either the 107 or the 129.

 

[SinSL]

R107 you can put big suitcase into the trunk, with R129 you can't.

 

[cwmoser]

I'm reluctantly looking at the R129's - especially a 1997 or 1998
or an earlier example like a 1991 or 1992.
The hydraulics for the soft top can cost more to repair than
the car is worth especially if you are not a DIYer. The Struts
are not cheap ... well nothing is cheap on that car. There is one
computer module that I read is a $5K outlay. Front end alignments
are tricky. Best not to jump start one either - I've read stories
where certain electronics can get fried.

The 1991-1992 or a 1997-1998 model years are risky enough.
The other years 1993-1995, I worry about the insulation flaking off the wiring.

Carl

 

[mrelbe]

I surmise that the problems with 129 hydraulics is due to lack of use drying out the seals, especially in hotter climates. My soft top is up and down nearly every day all summer and hydraulics with no problems.

 

[71_340]

Thanks for all the replies! Looks like they have a little more legroom and they don't have the "tractor" steering wheel (by the way, that was one of the first changes I made to my 560SL...install an E-class wheel).

I don't need the V8 power, the I6 has plenty zip for me. Another reason, the I6 wiring harness is cheap and the engine and engine compartment is easy and relatively cheap to work on.

The top has, depending on the year 11 or 12 actuators, seal kits are available at about $45.00 each. I know there are electronics involved but the actuators cause most of the problems, it is an inherent design flaw. It is the same with the transmission, a bad connector design puts the car in limp mode and people who don't know panic.

I realize that car (or any older MB) is not for the mechanic novice; they are complex machines which require either mechanical know how or a lot of money. That is why you can get them cheap; people buy them, try to fix them and then realize how much they have to pay for it and unload them at a loss. Do I take a chance buying a car like that? Of course I do but it is a calculated risk because I can work on them and have always found specific information on benzworld.org.

 

[alabbasi]

I've thought about replacing my daily driver E420 with a 98 SL500 when it dies (not any time soon I hope). That was the last year of the M119 motor which I love. Also by 98, they had more modern climate control, OBDII and the 722.6 (like my E420).

Should be a really nice car.

 

[robber]

I Could strongly recomend the C107.

The C107 dont have any folding roof issue because the roof isnt foldable!
I dont have any problem with the legroom either, specially not on the passengerside.