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Coupes & Convertibles Mercedes-Benz SL/SLK-Class Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK (all models)
766 messages, Last post on Oct 26, 2009 at 3:12 AM
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Replying to: dispencer1 (Jun 24, 2006 5:12 pm) Had no problems with the transmission . I hope this helps.
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Replying to: cosito1 (Jun 25, 2006 3:43 am)
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I have been looking, test driving, looking, etc. for close to a year now for my perfect SL500. I would only go with the 500 as those engines are pretty much bulletproof. The price differential between the 300/320 and the 500 is minimal. Keep in mind the 5 speed electronic transmission didn't start until 1996. From 1990-95 they were 4 speed hydraulic, which worked fine but a little slow on the downshift. The V8 engine used until 1999 was a 4 valve, DOHC V8 that was replaced in 1999 with a 3 valve per cylinder, SOHC. The earlier engines pack 322hp with 353 +/- ft lb. torque vs. 302 hp / 339 lbs. torque. Not much difference, but still. (Please excuse me if I am off a little on hp/torque #'s). Suffice it to say these cars move. You can view the production run of the R129 in three phrases: 1990-95; 1996-98; 1999-2002. IMHO, while not taking anything away from any year of the SL R129 run, I have focused on the years of 1996-1998 in my search.
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Replying to: jmancini (Jun 28, 2006 8:13 pm) |
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| I have been looking for a 450SL for a couple years and just found one online, in CT (the car is originally from CA--emissions sticker claims). The car is in really good shape (almost no cosmetic problems) with 170K miles and the seller claims it runs well. Would someone with knowledge of these cars let me know if you think $5900 asking price is okay for the year and mileage. The prices are ALL over the place. Also, can anyone make a suggestion on if I should look for something specific in the engine, etc.... I'm not a mechanic. Is 170K too many miles? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. | |
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to the posters above...I am contemplating a SL500, 1996-1998...quick check of KBB brought prices of about 20-25K, unless I made some major (minor?) mistake... Anything specific to these models to be on the lookout for???...I have admired Benzes for years, dreamed about owning one, now dreaming further... Since the cars are 8-10 years old, should I expect to find about 100K miles on the odo, and is that the point of just breaking in the engine, or am I preparing for major problems in the near future... Do the convertible soft tops seal well against the frame for rain/wind leakage???...are these the cars Mercedes made when their reputation was bulletproof, or was this the beginning of the "quality downslide?"... What routine maintenance items should I anticipate after 100K miles, such as alternator, water pump, starter, fuel pump, etc., or are these items good for 150K or more??? Are my quoted prices correct, or am I way off in what I should expect??? Were Xenon headlamps a stand alone option, or part of a sport package, and would you recommend the sport package for better handling or is it simply too rough??? Your thoughts and feedback are welcome...maybe my dream can come true in the near to medium future...
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a long time ago, that there was a website, maybe Mercedes own site, maybe an independent sit, that would list each year and model, and, like a brochure of that year, would list the various options, exterior and interior colors that were available in that year... I am trying to determine the colors that the 1996-1998 SL500 came in...if I had my druthers, I would like exterior of Navy blue or silver, and interior leather of charcoal gray or navy blue (light color interiors, to me, show dirt and grime easily, colors like white or tan, whereas navy blue/gray/black does not look bad after 50-100K miles of wear... Your thoughts and recos are appreciated...
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Replying to: mbdcasey (Feb 24, 2002 8:15 am) Thanks!
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Hi, I'm thinking of buying the above, but have read in the past that there are problems with this model. Specifically, I've heard that there are problems with odors coming from the glue Mercedes used for the side panels. Any truth to this? what are your thoughts about the 2003 sl500? i love the car, and i love the trim, but i'm not about to drop $70K on a car that smells bad! Also, any thoughts on reliability? thanks! |
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Replying to: marsha7 (Jul 15, 2006 12:13 pm) |
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