There is a lot of prestige, sentiment and history associated with the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Since its inception over six decades ago, the SL has always represented nothing but the best that Mercedes-Benz has to offer as a flagship sports car.
The W198 has been unattainable to most buyers for decades now, and the W113 has become a six-figure car in its own right. For the last few decades, the most affordable entry point into classic SL ownership was the R107. Predictably, the market is taking notice now, with low-mileage R107 examples appreciating swiftly. Now there is a new rising star that is worthy of your attention: the R129, produced from the 1990 to 2002 model years.
This Generation Matters
The R129 is fast becoming a modern classic. One of Bruno Sacco’s final designs, he believes this car was among his best creations. The design nods back to previous generations with a long sweeping hood, side vents, two seats, and a prominent three-pointed star on the grille.
Sacco's au courant design for the 1990s still looks fresh today. Within the R129 range, older models tend to be more traditional with elegant alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and muted lower cladding, while the later models can be found with AMG wheels, upgraded engines, an aesthetically pleasing sport package, xenon headlamps and more.
Regardless of the year or model of R129 you choose, you will find yourself with a comfortable grand tourer for a reasonable price. Unlike older SL lines, the R129 is a car you can still drive every day without a care in the world.
Plenty of special models
The R129 offers immediate collectability, in advance of a general collector awakening. Apart from the variety of available engines, transmissions, and several mid-cycle updates, there are a number of special editions that are not hard to find.
The most prominent of the specials is the 2002 Silver Arrow SL500/SL600, made to commemorate the eponymous racecar of the 1930s. Other notable special editions include the 1995 Mille Miglia, 1997 40th Anniversary Roadster, 1997 La Costa, 1998 Special Edition, 2000-2001 Designo Slate Blue and Black Diamond editions, and a few more.
A technology leader
The R129 debuted with several innovations. The R129 was the first SL to feature a power top, which eliminated some complaints leveled at previous SLs. The system is far from perfect; the hydraulic cylinders tend to fail and need to be replaced about every 10 years. While some would rather not deal with overhauling the roof mechanism, the luxury of one-touch operation cannot be overlooked. An auto-deploying roll bar is standard, adding crucial safety to top-down driving. Owners may prefer the standard removable hardtop for winter driving.
Any R129 interior is a pleasant place to be, featuring modern amenities such as heated power seats, height-adjustable seatbelts, adjustable steering wheel, one-touch power windows, a competent sound system, and an integrated cell phone. The R129 was designed to adapt to the driver, which prior generations could never do. Naturally, leather seats and beautiful veneer grace the cabin. Convenience features do not end there, as all R129s were fitted with an infrared remote-control key as well.
Master of the road
The R129’s road composure is spectacular. The R129 offers a controlled and collected ride, with a comfortable weight to the steering. This generation SL is never abrupt or unsteady. Power delivery is invigorating, especially on the V-8 and V-12 models. The R129 brakes with confidence, thanks to large disc brakes and additional power braking assistance on later model years.
A hydropneumatic suspension dubbed the “Adaptive Dampening System” was standard on all V-12 models, and optional with the V-8. This active suspension tech offers adjustable stiffness control and ride height at the touch of a button. The system constantly varies the dampening of each shock absorber to optimize handling. ADS also minimizes body roll, nose dive, and squatting. At speeds above 60 MPH, the suspension further lowers the vehicle to reduce the center of gravity and wind resistance.
Modern safety equipment
The R129 was state-of-the-art in its day. The model debuted with side-impact safety reinforcements, well in advance of DOT side-impact crash tests introduced in 1994. Two new safety tests were introduced with the R129, including a roof-drop test as well as a rollover test. The roof-drop test dropped the vehicle upside-down from a height of 50 centimeters to prove that the structure would be safe. As well, the R129 was tested in a rollover up to two overturns, proving that the self-deploying roll bar indeed provided crucial survival space. Dual driver and passenger airbags were standard issue, with dual side airbags installed for 1996.
Performance and safety go hand in hand, with antilock braking standard on all years. Brake Assist was introduced in 1996, which automatically builds up full brake pressure after identifying an emergency braking situation. Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control was also standard on all years, while a new Electronic Stability program (ESP) was optional from 1997 and became standard in 1999.
Engines and drivelines
The R129 was initially available as a 300SL or 500SL, powered by a DOHC 24-valve M103 inline six-cylinder or M119 V-8 respectively. The six-cylinder models can be found with a five-speed dog-leg manual transmission, which is quite a gem. The V-12 600SL joined the lineup in 1993.
Mercedes reversed their model designations for 1994. The SL line became the SL320, SL500, and SL600 from that point forward.
Beginning in 1995, the V-8 and V-12 were upgraded to a five-speed electronic automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing four-speed hydraulic unit. In 1998, a second update occurred. The M119 V-8 was replaced by the M113 V-8, which provided less horsepower but more low-end torque.
Buying the R129
Among the most attractive value propositions of the R129 generation is that there are so many to choose from, and most are still changing hands as nicer-than-usual used cars. The newest of the series have just turned 18 years old, so they're at their lowest average price for a "used car" and have not yet begun to climb as a collectible.
Open your local Craigslist and you're sure to find several for sale, generally asking less than $10,000. Obviously, any such example should be taken to a reputable Mercedes-Benz shop or dealership for a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection.
At collector car auctions, the R129 is beginning to find its feet. Sales in the last year have ranged from under $5,000 up to a high water mark of a $50,025 hammer price in April of this year. The vast majority of auction sales have been under $10,000 for cars of widely varying quality. In the $10,000-$15,000 range, auction reporters have rated the cars as solid "club concours" quality with only small flaws.
Notably, on June 19, 2019, the excellent condition right-hand-drive 1990 500SL belonging to Sir Stirling Moss was sold for a hammer price of $38,240, which is about twice what it should have been worth absent its special provenance.
The R129’s value proposition today is almost too good to be true, and enthusiasts who missed out on the affordable era for earlier generations of the SL will be pleased to hear that a quality R129 can still be found at an affordable price. The moment for the R129 is happening now, and the market has already begun to appreciate. It won’t be long before this incredible grand tourer receives the attention it deserves.
Sales data courtesy of Sports Car Market Magazine's Platinum Auction Database: www.sportscarmarket.com/TryPlatinum