[mahicks3]

Hey, everybody.


Check it out. I've got a '98 e320 that's got some challenges, but overall has done really well for me. My dream car is the 560SL from around 87-88, and my second is the SL500 from 93-98. This might be a stupid question, and feel free to set me straight, but I'd love to have an SL as my primary vehicle, and there are 95's in my area consistently for between 8k-11k with 70k-110k miles. Does this make any sense as a daily driver? I've heard that, as MB's go, they're simple to work on, solid, and dependable. I've also heard that they're a money pit, though.


What's the word?

 

[elbeik]

Like any other MB, the 129 is built to last. If properly maintained, it will run trouble-free for years.

Before buying one, check the various topics on this forum to avoid costly repairs, such as roof mechanism.

This car is made for daily cruising, not racing. There's a thin line between the two.

Good luck in finding one,

 

[bearone2]

'93-95 had wiring issues that can get expensive if they haven't been done.

$8-11k is high for a '95, you can probably find something later for same money and no elect issues.

 

[ulflei]

I drive all my 3 different cars on daily turns they are made for driving you just have to keep up with the maintenance and that don't come cheap .
S 420 200K
300SL 107 230K
Sl 320 120K

 

[SDavis]

I use my 91 500SL as my daily driver and it's great. True that I do pay a fair amount in maintenance (maybe $1-2k annually), but then again it's an 18 year old car and I'm a bit crazy about maintaining it since it is my daily driver, but it seems solid and hopefully will be around for years to come. Mine has about 108,00 miles on it btw. I even drive it in the snow, if you plan on doing that just be sure to get snow tires; it was because of all seasons that I got into an accident and had to replace the entire front bumper... not cheap

 

[carltwo]

Hey, everybody.


Check it out. I've got a '98 e320 that's got some challenges, but overall has done really well for me. My dream car is the 560SL from around 87-88, and my second is the SL500 from 93-98. This might be a stupid question, and feel free to set me straight, but I'd love to have an SL as my primary vehicle, and there are 95's in my area consistently for between 8k-11k with 70k-110k miles. Does this make any sense as a daily driver? I've heard that, as MB's go, they're simple to work on, solid, and dependable. I've also heard that they're a money pit, though.


What's the word?

I had both models you've mention. My 92 R129 that I've had for 3 years now is my daily driver, rain or shine and it's great. Much more advanced technology than the 560SL. I hear the 97 are one of the most desirable years. Check out one of our member's site: Info about the R129 SL class | BrianClifton.com

 

[djblu]

I have a 95 and if i had to do it over again i would go for a 99 and up. Maint. is a bitch on these things and yes....expensive. Also mods to make it better in the way of looks and power are pricey as well.

 

[DrJfrmLA]

My '01 is my daily driver since I bought it in July. When I need to haul more than one other person or bulkier stuff than will fit the trunk or behind the seats, I take my W220. I had all the fluids and filters changed when I bought the car, and that has been the extent of my maintenance costs over 7.5k miles. It now has about 73k on the clock, and will be due for brakes and a brake system purge along with an oil change soon. I plan to go to Silver Arrow drilled rotors when it needs them, but they are less expensive than solid rotors.

The M113/722 engine/transmission drivetrain is mostly bulletproof if maintained properly, so I expect years of trouble-free use from them. I have not had top hydraulics problems (yet). The suspension is still solid and is said to go well over 100k before struts and shocks need replacement.

Aside from the space compromises that a roadster requires, the car is tight, comfortable (particularly with the hardtop in place), and a dream in highway driving. I averaged 24+ mph over a 250 mile stretch of interstate driving averaging 80+ mph (with cruise). The car is heavy--only a few hundred pounds lighter than my W220--so it cruises at any speed with ease and never gets "up on its toes" like some cars do at high speed.

With the horsepower and versatile transmission combined with the Sport package (staggered wheels), it will slice-and-dice in surface road driving with the best of them. I don't do the stoplight grans prix, but 0-60 in 6 seconds or so is on tap if I need to get to speed in a hurry or need to be around a slower car on a two-lane road without spending undue time in the left lane.

That's my experience. The condition of the car will dictate whether it provides easy reliability on a daily basis. Mine was well maintained by its previous owner, so I expect it to continue to be my daily ride.

 

[mahicks3]

Awesome, guys! This is great news. I was hoping you'd say that.

 

[bearone2]

the sport pkg in #8 mentions staggered wheels, aka different tire sizes.

i had staggered wheels on a porsche and an older '95 sl320 that i traded for the current ride in sep '09.

staggered wheels look slick but you can't rotate tires, so they'll be on the same wheel until replaced.

mine has the sl2 pkg which is cd changer in the trunk, heated seats and xenon headlights and tracks like it's on rails on windy roads and is my daily driver.

 

[rocky raccoon]

Daily Drivin'

Bought a 1988 560SL two years ago with 86k miles. Now has 107k miles. I drive it every day that I don't need my pickup (or in the snow).

Spend a few extra bucks for a good one say >$10k, and count on spending another to fix little things then enjoy the ride.

 

[mahicks3]

So, if I find a car that I like for a good price, what are the things that will need my attention right off the bat to ensure it's longevity? I heard you mention filters and fluids. Can you be more specific, or will the mechanic know all this? I'd like to eventually attain a level of proficiency so I can begin to do some of these things myself, but in the meantime I can at least pretend I know what I'm talking about. :thumbsup:

 

[davewmi01]

I love my 2000 SL500 and I've put 20,000 miles on her in two years of daily driving in the summer here in the North East USA.....After a full 50,000 mile service at 31,000 miles only because she was 8 years old at the time I aquired her. I expect to be at 100,000 before the next.....I do all my maintainance & service in my garage myself saving lots $$$.
I've also tracked her 3 times totalling about 600 miles of full out hotlaps at Watkins Glen and she did great! Of course I did leave some tire rubber and brake pad at the track.
The earlier 129's has more BHP but the later ones had all the bugs worked out.

 

[DrJfrmLA]

So, if I find a car that I like for a good price, what are the things that will need my attention right off the bat to ensure it's longevity? I heard you mention filters and fluids. Can you be more specific, or will the mechanic know all this? I'd like to eventually attain a level of proficiency so I can begin to do some of these things myself, but in the meantime I can at least pretend I know what I'm talking about. :thumbsup:

If you're very lucky, you will find one that has maintenance records. If not, I suggest you flush and refill the radiator, change the oil and filter, check the transmission (it isn't supposed to need service; mine had a leaky sensor that required fixing at the seller's expense and it got new fluid in the process), rear end (seals leak). Mercedes has very specific fluid and filter requirements--don't go to Wal-Mart for coolant and Jiffy-Lube for your oil change. The air and cabin filters probably need changing (my cabin filter was dreadful; clogged, it keeps the AC system from working properly and can burn out the blower motor). Check the refrigerant in the AC system; mine was down some but had no leaks. Spark plugs are usually good to 100k unless there has been a lot of in-town driving. Check brake pads; even if the dash light isn't on, it may be the pads were replaced without replacing the wear sensors. Mercedes rotors cannot be turned, so if they are worn too much, they will have to be replaced. After that, drive it. These cars do not much like being garage queens; they seem to last better if they are driven and used.

If you are not handy yourself, try to find an independent mechanic who knows Mercedes automobiles and is aware they require special fluids. Do not let some shade tree tell you any old oil or coolant will do. Preferably your indie will have the STAR diagnostic software and all the special tools that makes working on Mercedes easier. I do not recall seeing anyone on here or in the W220 forum who says they use the dealer if they have a choice. Dealerships usually charge a much higher labor rate and use OEM parts exclusively. There are several vendors who support this site who sell OEM parts at substantial discounts from dealer retail or OEM-equivalent parts for a fraction of the OEM price. Shop around.

Good luck in your search.

Cheers.

 

[bsclifton]

I had both models you've mention. My 92 R129 that I've had for 3 years now is my daily driver, rain or shine and it's great. Much more advanced technology than the 560SL. I hear the 97 are one of the most desirable years. Check out one of our member's site: Info about the R129 SL class | BrianClifton.com

I've been shuffling around content on my website; that link has a lot of good information. It used to point to this...
Buyers Guide for the R129 SL class | BrianClifton.com

This is a pretty decent buyers guide I've been working on. It has information I gathered from technical manuals, experience, and also experiences from mechanics, like our local section MBCA president, Bud Cloninger. Pretty soon, I'm going to make all the suggested changes to it and post a revised copy here. Hopefully, with everyone's help, we'll end up with a killer buyer's guide

 

[FtWorth1996SL500]

SL daily driver.

I am rather new to this board so I don't know what others think about this guy, but I found this website very helpful in trying to determine which year SL to get.

Mercedes SL500 R129 1990s History

I was buying mine primarily for a toy so wasn't looking upon it as needing to be reliable for daily trans. I narrowed my search down to 1996-98 because '96 is the first year for the trans to be a 5-speed. Supposedly the 1990-95 4 speed is reluctant to downshift from 4th gear at anything below full throttle. Plus, and this couldn't really be disputed, the EPA mileage ratings go up significantly through the years, and especially with the addition of the 5th gear in 1996. Here are the EPA city/hwy ratings:

1990-93: 14/18
1994-95: 16/20
1996: 16/23
1997: 15/23
1998-2002: 16/23

Not sure why the drop in 1997 city.

It might be worthwhile to calc the difference in annual fuel cost for the various years. It might not amount to much money but then it might.

Consumer Guide has an excellent year-by-year listing of problems with the R129. Curiously, the 1996 had the least issues.

According to Ken Rockwell (for what his opinion is worth) the quality began to suffer in 1999. They also switched the V8 from 4 valves per cylinder to 3. I don't know what they did with the V-12.

I ended up buying a '96 because it was the oldest (and thus least expensive) 5-speed.

My car has the Automatic Stability Control, which I like (straightens the car out if you lose control). It does not have the ADS - Adaptive Damping System. The latter lowers the car and, I believe, stiffens the suspension. ADS is quite complicated and personally, I wouldn't want it.

Jim
Ft. Worth, TX

 

[bearone2]

& the 1st year of the 5 speed, which improved over time.

a lot of controversy here over the 119 & 113 v8 and the tie with chrysler, did quality really go down or were '99-'02 the best of the breed.

 

[drags1998]

My opinion of Rockwell's slant on things is, 1/2 of what he says is NOT TRUE, The other 1/2 is just his opinion,(which is OK, Even if He IS WRONG!!!!!)

 

[per300]

Have done 45,000 miles in one & a half year of daily driving. (Total miles are 160,000).
No problems at all. I reckon that I will get at least another 100,000 out of it.

 

[cec96sl500]

I am rather new to this board so I don't know what others think about this guy, but I found this website very helpful in trying to determine which year SL to get.

My opinion of Rockwell's slant on things is, 1/2 of what he says is NOT TRUE, The other 1/2 is just his opinion,(which is OK, Even if He IS WRONG!!!!!)

Anything you can find to lessen the surprises is good but research more than one source, everyone seems to be doing that.

I have to agree with drags1998 - Rockwell just has too many inconsistencies and therefore makes me uneasy with his opinions and supposed facts. just my opinion.

Mr. Clifton stuff is good to read. Well so far ... haha sorry Brian had to poke a little.

You are headed to a great car, enjoy the search!