Mercedes SL R129 or R230?

[Estoril-5]

Im pretty sure there was a thread discussing the MB SL R129 vs R230 but cant find it for the life of me (Searched a few different keywords).

So, as the title suggests - which one would you have/do you have? (no specific engine in mind)

[Captain Morgan]

As an ex R107 owner I find the R129 to have aged better, especially the interior also despite the hood complexity and engine wiring looms that deteriorate and fail I suspect they are the less complex of the two to maintain assuming you get a rust free example.
I believe that they are the opposite of the R107’s in that the v8 is considered the pick (unless you have v12 money) rather than the 6 cyclinder offering.


With the R230 I have heard tell of the obvious vario roof that needs fetteling to keep operational, water ingress in the boot from failed or miss adjusted seals causing electrical gremlins, abc suspension issues, rusting fuel tanks, rust in general and engine wiring looms too, add to the fact in my opinion it looks old rather than classic I’d plump for the R129

[bambam]

I have the 500 v8 - had it for over 4 years now. There have been some issues with it - mainly the rear seal needing to be replaced and a gearbox issue. There are also cost effective fixes for some of the issues that were MB parts only previously and therefore much more expensive.
Other than that, I really like it. Has plenty of power yet can idle along at 50/60 mph with reasonable mpg.
Having said that, I do think the R129 is a good looking car and has aged well.
Whichever way you go, find a good MB specialist to help look after it. Lots of good advice about the various options on the MB forums too.

[W124]

Although not the two models you mention, I'm currently running a 1995 A124 E-Class Cabriolet and a 2003 SLK 32 AMG.

The A124 shares many of the components and construction of the R129, and is old-school in terms of electronics and running gear.
Apart from the usual rust on the front wing to bumper joint, it's rust free and simple to maintain - I have owned it for 16 years, and will keep it long-term.
Interior is robust, steering and suspension are basic but effective - and common with the R129.

The R170 SLK was a development mule for the R230 series, and the vario-roof construction shares the same components across the R170 and R230 platform.

Before buying the SLK32, I looked at several SL500s, all of which had significant corrosion and ABC suspension issues (which can cost multiple £1,000 to remediate).

The ABC tandem pump will leak, and the pump is toast if it runs dry. The rats-nest of ABC pipes and hoses can corrode, particularly across the transmission tunnel.

My original SLK 320 was heavily corroded at both front and rear wings, and had a hooky MOT prior to purchase - it was sold for scrap.
R170/R230 prior to 2006 are notorious for structural corrosion and multiple electronic module failure.

The M112 and M113 series V6/V8 engines are pretty much bomb-proof, both factory and AMG supercharged.

The R230 series SL350 is a practical purchase - reasonably fast, reasonably economical and no ABC system to fail.

Brian Long has written an excellent set of coffee table books around the R129/R170/R230, well worth a read at £20 each on Amazon.

[Kitz]

I’ve had both .. the R129 is reliable , the R 230 which I collected new from the factory was a pain .. the roof leaked and would freeze half way up or down … embarrassing … also the R129 is available in attractive colours rather than the ubiquitous silver black or silver ..


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[hogthrob]

The looks of the R129 have aged really well. Future classic imo, if classic ICE cars are still going to be a thing.

[Estoril-5]

Am i right in thinking if its an R129 it has to be a 500 (or better) or are the 280/300/320 a good shout?

[Captain Morgan]

Am i right in thinking if its an R129 it has to be a 500 (or better) or are the 280/300/320 a good shout?

As I understand there are minimal real world difference in fuel economy and servicing, so running costs especially in a second car wouldn’t differ significantly. The v8 is more ‘effortless’ in its performance, as ever buy on condition, but I would lean towards the 500.

[W124]

The R129 SL320 shares the same problem with the W124 E class in that the engine wiring loom insulation will fail, due to MB efforts to use an environmentally friendly polymer in the construction of the engine harness.

The polymers fail with heat and age, leaving the vehicle stranded, and a bill close to £1,000 for a new loom/install from a dealer.
You can't use parts from a breaker, as they also have/will fail.

The inline-6 24v 3.2 engine is smooth, but very thirsty when compared to modern standards.

There are potential issues around the auto box :
The 5 speed auto-box, is smoother and more economical than the standard 4 speed auto, but does require fluid and filter changes to have been done.
The older 4 speeder is pretty much bullet proof, but less refined.

[bambam]

With the 350 version of the R230, there were balance shaft issues with some early engines. There was a repair and if that’s been done then all good. But if it hasn’t been done then there is the potential for a costly failure. There is an engine number range database online somewhere that details the engines that may have the issue.

[Pete D]

The R230 SL350 is a reliable beast, and usually rust-free post 2004 build year (start of galvanised bodywork, other than the alloys used in bonnet, doors and boot lid). You can avoid many of the electrical gremlins by sorting the boot seals out, particularly that on the bottom of the rear screen. Remove, remove any surface rust, treat, then paint, then use decent sealant that remains flexible to bed the rubber seal. Another good idea is to lift the foam box of electrical goodies off the floor (left side of spare wheel well), and rest the box on something like some offcuts of silicon piping. If water does get in for any reason, the central electrical components within won’t get wet.

The SBC only has a limited numbers of operations, so save for a new SBC pump, if one hasn’t been fitted.

Good indicator for body condition is the lips on the rear wheelarches. Standard mod is to fill the shelf behind with Waxoyl, and fit lengths of roof rubber strip from a mini to the arch where the 2 panels join, after removing any surface rust. If the car is silver, Smoothrite Silver is a good enough paint match on the lip.

Steel suspension removed the ABC headache…

Interior on an R230 is excellent, but watch out for the latches on storage boxes behind the seats sticking…

I would have another in a heartbeat. Had a R107, then a 230. Not keen on the wedge looks of the 129.


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[Yorkshiremadmick]

I’ve had my R129 since 2010, love the old girl.
My mechanic has disappeared off the face of the earth.
Can’t find a decent indie close to me.
Needs a Star Machine reset and New battery.




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[bambam]

I’ve had my R129 since 2010, love the old girl.
My mechanic has disappeared off the face of the earth.
Can’t find a decent indie close to me.
Needs a Star Machine reset and New battery.




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Have you tried the MB forums?

[Yorkshiremadmick]

Have you tried the MB forums?

No actually, never thought of that, not sure where to look mind.?


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[bambam]

No actually, never thought of that, not sure where to look mind.?


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Couple to try:

https://forums.mbclub.co.uk/

https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php

I use the second one mainly. You should be able to find someone by looking or just join and ask the question and you’ll get some good recommendations.

Cheers

[Yorkshiremadmick]

Wow cheers would never have found those.


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[Yorkshiremadmick]

Joined both as Yorkshiremadmick!
Cheers


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[Raffe]

Given the choice between a R129 or a R230, I would always choose the R107.

[Yorkshiremadmick]

Given the choice between a R129 or a R230, I would always choose the R107.

Now that is warped So between R129 or R230
You would not choose either?? But a R107.
I chose the R129 over the R107 couldn’t afford a decent newer SL at the time, but also chose the straight 6 over the V6 engine. No V12’s for sale when I got mine.


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[JoeyTudor]

Classic Cars just did an anniversary special on the R107. It’s not on newsstand any more but you can buy it online with free P&P

https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/cla...rs-august-2021


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[bambam]

Wow cheers would never have found those.


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No problem. You should be able to get loads of help and insight on there.

[Captain Morgan]

Given the choice between a R129 or a R230, I would always choose the R107.

To be fair W113 is where it’s at.

[Raffe]

To be fair W113 is where it’s at.

Wouldn't completely dismiss it.

Nor one of its elder siblings. Basically: the older, the better.

[Estoril-5]

Thread revival - still haven't bought one, although R230 prices seem to have hit the floor, i dont know if its because of the times were in or they just didnt hold value as well as the R129's.

Annoyingly pretty much every advert for an R129 says its an investment and will only go up in value, even the ones with rusty arches and leaky roofs lol

[bambam]

Some of it is down to age and availability. I remember looking for a R129 back in 2012 and they were plentiful and reasonably priced - they hadn’t been out of production that long.
Now, the R129 has risen massively in price and good ones are less easily available.

Obviously no one knows what will happen to R230 prices. But if one appeals then now may be a good time to get one. If you’re thinking investment then that’s a different consideration.

[Estoril-5]

Obviously no one knows what will happen to R230 prices. But if one appeals then now may be a good time to get one. If you’re thinking investment then that’s a different consideration.

I definitely don't view cars as investments, I was making comment at how many sellers label the R129 as an investment even though some may be only good as scrap.

The appeal of the R230 is the folding roof and not needing to have to store it anywhere unlike its predecessors.

[bambam]

I definitely don't view cars as investments, I was making comment at how many sellers label the R129 as an investment even though some may be only good as scrap.

The appeal of the R230 is the folding roof and not needing to have to store it anywhere unlike its predecessors.

Agree. Lots of people selling rotten or bad condition 129’s as ‘investments’.
The 230 is very practical on a day to day basis and the folding roof is very nice. With it up you have a great GT coupe and with it down a smooth convertible with lovely lines. You should be able to find a very good one.
These types of cars are often cheaper at this time of year, same as 4x4’s tend to be more expensive.

If you’re anywhere near me, you’re welcome to pop over and have a good poke around one, obviously not for sale!

[Raffe]

Anyone?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...benz-230sl-46/

[klunk]

I’ve been going through the same dilemma recently R230 vs R129 and I’m pretty sure that I’m going for a SL320 129. I’m going to view one at the weekend, so wish me luck 🤞

[pete-r]

I went through a period of looking at 129 SL320 and EVERY one was suffering from rust under the arch liners and the inside of the wings

[Estoril-5]

I’ve been going through the same dilemma recently R230 vs R129 and I’m pretty sure that I’m going for a SL320 129. I’m going to view one at the weekend, so wish me luck 爛

I test drove an SL350 R230 and it left me very underwhelmed. The R129 was very nostalgic but find a good one!

[klunk]

I test drove an SL350 R230 and it left me very underwhelmed. The R129 was very nostalgic but find a good one!

Fingers crossed I’ve found a good rust free example, but I’ll know more when I look at it on Saturday

[oliverte]

I owned an r129 sl320.

Nice car, buy the best you can afford as they can be costly to put right.

The ride is lovely and soft, but not too wallowy. The 320 engine has a nice amount of torque and likes to be revved out.

Steering is vague though and keep an ear out for knocks and bangs from the suspension.

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[klunk]

I owned an r129 sl320.

Nice car, buy the best you can afford as they can be costly to put right.

The ride is lovely and soft, but not too wallowy. The 320 engine has a nice amount of torque and likes to be revved out.

Steering is vague though and keep an ear out for knocks and bangs from the suspension.

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Thanks, if I like the car I want to get it checked over by a specialist (providing the seller is in agreement).
As luck would have it, there’s an independent SL specialist only about half an hour from the seller who can carry out a PPI, so that’s the plan🤞

[Estoril-5]

Thanks, if I like the car I want to get it checked over by a specialist (providing the seller is in agreement).
As luck would have it, there’s an independent SL specialist only about half an hour from the seller who can carry out a PPI, so that’s the plan爛

Would that be SL Shop? if so they are recommended :-)

[klunk]

Would that be SL Shop? if so they are recommended :-)

Yes it is. Have you personally used them?

[Estoril-5]

Yes it is. Have you personally used them?

Not used them for inspection services specifically, but would recommend them, they're well known in classic Merc circles.

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[klunk]

Not used them for inspection services specifically, but would recommend them, they're well known in classic Merc circles.

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R129 inspected yesterday, looking good and price agreed.
Subject to SL shop finding no show stoppers 🤞, I should be the proud owner around the middle of July.

[vagabond]

Nice one, look forward to seeing the pics.

[Estoril-5]

R129 inspected yesterday, looking good and price agreed.
Subject to SL shop finding no show stoppers 爛, I should be the proud owner around the middle of July.

Do you have a link to the car (if you want to share)?

[klunk]

Have decided over night not to go ahead with the deal. I've been yo-yoing back and forth for a day or two regarding a couple of issues (probably minor) bugging me, so I think best to walk away and look for another, if I'm not 100% convinced that this is the right car

[Estoril-5]

Have decided over night not to go ahead with the deal. I've been yo-yoing back and forth for a day or two regarding a couple of issues (probably minor) bugging me, so I think best to walk away and look for another, if I'm not 100% convinced that this is the right car

My opinion, with a 30 year old car you are never going to find one in excellent condition - if you do you would be certainly paying a hefty premium. If it ticks most of your boxes and is priced sensibly where you can fund the minor niggles to be fixed then its not a bad position to be in, that being said, your gut will probably rule.

[klunk]

My opinion, with a 30 year old car you are never going to find one in excellent condition - if you do you would be certainly paying a hefty premium. If it ticks most of your boxes and is priced sensibly where you can fund the minor niggles to be fixed then its not a bad position to be in, that being said, your gut will probably rule.

Yes agreed, in this case a couple of things the seller was telling me just raised a couple of alarm bells for me. There appears to be quite a few about and prices are all over the place, so I’ll view a few more until I can get more of an accurate feel for prices and what I’m prepared to take on in the area of maintenance.