Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)

The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1989 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

This article is about the 1989–2001 300 SL (R129 model range). For the original 1954–1963 300 SL (W198 model range), see Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129)
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1989-1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998-2000)
Production	1989–2001 213,089 built[1][2][3]
Assembly	Germany: Bremen
Designer	Bruno Sacco (1985, 1986)[4] Johann Tomforde (1984)[4]
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car / Grand tourer
Body style	Roadster
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L I6 2.8 L V6 3.0 L I6 3.0 L I6 3.2 L I6 3.2 L V6 5.0 L V8 5.0 L V8 5.4 L AMG V8 6.0 L AMG V8 6.0 L V12 7.0 L AMG V12 7.3 L AMG V12
Transmission	4-speed 4G-TRONIC 5-speed 5G-TRONIC 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	99.0 in (2,515 mm)
Length	1997–2001: 177.1 in (4,498 mm) 1989–1996: 176.0 in (4,470 mm) 1992–96 V12: 178.0 in (4,521 mm)
Width	71.3 in (1,811 mm)
Height	1992–2001: 51.3 in (1,303 mm) 1989–1991: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz R107
Successor	Mercedes-Benz R230

The R129 was offered as a two-door, two-seat roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), fabric convertible roof; colour-matched, automated tonneau cover; and a manually detachable hardtop that could be fitted over the stored fabric convertible roof and tonneau.

Development and launch

Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124.[2] The new SL-class was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, with left-hand drive sales beginning that summer and right-hand drive sales in the autumn. It came runner-up behind the Citroen XM for the European Car of the Year accolade.[5]

Models

Model	Chassis	Engine	Year From	Year To
SL 280	129.058	104.943	1994	1997
SL 280	129.059	112.925	1998	2000
300 SL	129.060	103.984	1989	1993
300 SL-24	129.061	104.981	1989	1993
SL 320	129.063	104.991	1994	1998
SL 320	129.064	112.943	1998	2001
500 SL	129.066	119.960	1989	1992
500 SL	129.067	119.972	1993	1993
SL 500	129.067	119.972	1994	1995
SL 500	129.067	119.982	1996	1998
SL 500	129.068	113.961	1999	2001
600 SL	129.076	120.981	1993	1993
SL 600	129.076	120.981	1994	1995
SL 600	129.076	120.983	1996	2001

Model history

Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124[2] and featured many innovative details for the time, for instance electronically controlled damping (Adaptive Damping System ADS, optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar. The R107's somewhat dated rear suspension with semi-trailing arms gave way to a modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high, with electric action for the windows, mirrors, seats and hydraulic convertible top.

This car has a distinction of being the first passenger vehicle to have seat belts integrated into the seats as opposed to anchoring to the floor, B-pillar, and transmission tunnel.

Odometer switched from mechanical to electronic between the 1994 and 1995 models.

Note the slots behind the wheel are different

Note the tail lights are different

Starting in 1993 for the 1994 model year, R129 were re-designated. For example, 500 SL became SL 500. Starting in model year 1994, Mercedes-Benz offered special SL models from time to time, such as the Mille Miglia edition cars of model year 1994 or the SL edition of model year 2000.

1994 cars (for 1995 model year) had minor updates for the car

• Odometer switched from mechanical to electronic
• Option for portable cell phone with voice activated dialling
• Clear front turn signal indicators for US SPEC models
• Bose stereo now standard, rear speakers and subwoofer

1995 onwards R129s for the 1996 model year featured a minor facelift for the car:

• Front wing vents updated; only 2 rounded slots, rather than 3 squared slots
• Bumpers are now body colour
• V8 and V12 upgraded to 5 speed electronic transmission; previous transmission was hydraulic 4-speed
• Xenon HID headlamps standard on SL 600, optional on SL 500
• Addition of side airbags

During 1996 for model year 1997, cars were the first year to have an option of the panoramic roof. Also newly available:

• A new front-seat occupant-detection sensor could deactivate the right-side airbag when it determined that the passenger seat held less than 26 pounds
• "Sport" package became an option
• Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers standard
• Three-way programmable garage door opener "HomeLink" transmitters built into the rear-view mirror
• Replaced the earlier climate control panel with one with a much larger LCD
• Remote control uses dual infrared (IR) and radio (RF) control

A second facelift occurred in 1998 for model year 1999 which featured:

• V8 engine switch from M119 to M113
• Soft Nappa leather seats replace the perforated leather seats
• New steering wheel design
• Body colour door handles
• Tail lights with curved faces replacing the classic square stepped lights
• 17-inch wheels standard: Wheels are now 8.25 x 17" with 245/45ZR17 tyres. Sport package is 8" (front) and 9" (rear) x 18" with 245/40 and 275/35 tyres respectively.
• Fiber-Optic digital audio links to the CD player instead of analogue copper
• One-touch starting- called "Tip-start". Once the key is turned, the engine cranks on its own until it catches and starts.
• Instrument cluster now has silver rings around each gauge
• Oil pressure gauge replaced by oil temperature
• Different engine vanity cover
• Removed the automatic lock on the left rear storage compartment which houses the Bose subwoofer
• Passenger side storage net on transmission tunnel

Engine history

1989–1995 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL-24

1998–2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

1998–2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 320

Initially, there were three different engines available,

• 300 SL with a M103 3.0 L 12-valve SOHC I6 (140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) at 5,700 rpm),[5]
• 300 SL-24 with a M104 3.0 L 24-valve DOHC I6 (170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) at 6,300 rpm),[5]
• 500 SL with a M119 5.0 L 32-valve DOHC V8 (240 kW (326 PS; 322 hp) at 5,500 rpm),[5]

and joined in July 1992 by the

• 600 SL with a M120 6.0 L 48-valve DOHC V12 (290 kW (394 PS; 389 hp) at 5,200 rpm).[5]

There was a choice of 5-speed manual or 4–5 speed automatic for the six-cylinder cars; the V8 and V12 could only be ordered with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

In autumn 1993 Mercedes-Benz rearranged names and models. Also, the 300 SL and 300 SL-24 were respectively replaced by:

• SL 280 with a M104 2.8 L 24-valve DOHC I6 (142 kW (193 PS; 190 hp) at 5,500 rpm),[5]
• SL 320 with a M104 3.2 L 24-valve DOHC I6 (170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) at 5,500 rpm).[5]

Only the 280 was available with a manual gearbox. SL 500 and 600 continued with their respective engines.

A second facelift, introduced in late 1998, comprised new external mirrors, 17" wheels and new bumpers. Also new were the engines,

• SL 280 with a M112 2.8 L 18-valve SOHC V6 (150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) at 5700 rpm),[5]
• SL 320 with a M112 3.2 L 18-valve SOHC V6 (165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) at 5,600 rpm),[5]
• SL 500 with a M113 5.0 L 24-valve SOHC V8 (225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) at 5,600 rpm).[5]

The V12 engine remained unchanged.

Australian market

The new Mercedes Benz R129 roadster was first introduced into the Australian market with the 300SL and 500SL models with only the eight cylinder variant being available throughout the entire production run of the R129 model 1989-2001.[6][7][8][9]

The six cylinder 300SL 24 was replaced in 1995 by the SL 280 and finally the SL 320 in 1999 and the twelve cylinder 600SL first arrived in 1993 changing to SL 600 in 1995 with the last SL 600 being delivered in 2000.

Only 38 cars of the 600SL/SL 600 were delivered to the Australian market.

North American market

Not all engines were offered in North America. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL base model was the 228 hp 300 SL version[10] (European 300 SL-24) equipped with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, but it was the 322 hp 500 SL (with a 5.0-litre V8 engine) which made the most headlines. For model year 1993, the 600 SL was additionally introduced stateside.[11]

The SL 320 replaced the 300 SL in the United States in 1994, but the SL 280 was not offered.[10] The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US lineup in 1998,[11] leaving just the V8 and V12.

Chassis

1990–1995

Front suspension Independent damper struts with separate coil springs and gas-pressurised shock absorbers, triangular lower control arms with anti-dive geometry and stabiliser bar.

Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with separate single-tube gas-pressurised shock absorbers and coil springs, geometry for anti-lift, anti-squat and alignment control, stabiliser bar.

Wheels 8.0Jx16H2 aluminium alloy and regular.

tyres 225/55 ZR 16 steel-belted radial

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel discs. Antilock Braking System (ABS).

1996–1997

Body construction Monocoque with front and rear crumple zones and removable hardtop.

Front suspension Independent damper strut with anti-dive geometry and stabiliser bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs. Negative-offset steering.

Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with geometry for anti-lift, anti-squat and alignment control and stabiliser bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs.

Steering Recirculating ball with speed-sensitive power assist and hydraulic damper. Steering wheel turns (lock-to-lock) 3.0.

tyres Steel-belted radials. Performance 225/55ZR16.

Wheels aluminium alloy 8.0Jx16 H2.

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel disc. Ventilated front, solid rear brake discs.

Antilock Braking System (ABS) ABS senses impending wheel lock-up under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together (to help maintain stability), as needed, up to 30 times per second to prevent lock-up and maintain steering ability.

Dimensions

1990–1995

300 SL

Wheelbase 99.0 in

Curb weight

1989	1,800 kg (3,970 lb)
1991	1,819 kg (4,010 lb)
1993	1,830 kg (4,035 lb)
1994	1,855 kg (4,090 lb)

Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.9 l – 21.1 gal (US) 17.5 gal (Imp)

500 SL

Wheelbase 99.0 in

Curb weight

1989	1,880 kg (4,145 lb)
1993	1,889 kg (4,165 lb)
1994	1,890 kg (4,167 lb)

Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.8 l – 21.1 gal

600 SL

Wheelbase 99.0 in

Curb weight 2020 kg – 4,455 lb

Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.8l 21.1 gal

Special editions

AMG offerings

1995–1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 60 AMG

1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG

AMG had already offered an SL version while still independent, the AMG 500 SL 6.0 of 1991. After being taken over by Daimler-Benz, there were several AMG SL-models available through D-B dealers.

The SL 60 AMG was the most numerous of these rare cars. Sold from 1993 to 1998, it used a 6.0 litres (5,956 cc) V8 engine producing 280 kW (381 PS; 375 bhp) at 5,500 rpm.[5][12] AMG claimed a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) speed of 5.4 seconds. Its top speed was limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Extremely rare was the SL 72 AMG, with a 7.1 litres (7,055 cc) engine, sold through Mercedes-AMG in 1995, and offering the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time with 510 PS (380 kW; 500 hp).

After a brief hiatus, the SL 73 AMG was offered with the new M297 engine 7.3 litres (7,291 cc) from 1997 to 2001, with a bore x stroke of 91.5 mm × 92.4 mm (3.60 in × 3.64 in) DOHC 4 valves per cylinder, fuel fed by naturally aspirated Bosch HFM fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1, producing 386 kW (525 PS; 518 bhp)[5] at 5,500 rpm and 750 N⋅m (553 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm of torque,[13] which was later used also by Pagani in the Zonda, enabling the SL 73 to set off from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in no longer than 4.5 seconds, while achieving a top speed of above-320 km/h (199 mph). Only 85 cars were made.[14]

Also very rare is the SL 70 AMG which was powered by a 7.1 litres (7,055 cc) V12 engine developing 496 PS (365 kW; 489 bhp) at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 720 N⋅m (531 lbf⋅ft) at 3,,900 rpm. It was a bored out version of M120 6.0 V12 and with a longer stroke. Produced between 1996 and 1997 in 150 units.

The SL 55 AMG was sold in the R129 body style from 1998 to 2001 in limited numbers (5.4L V8, 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp)[5] at 5,500 rpm). It was the predecessor of the production R230 SL 55 AMG sold later, albeit was normally aspirated in the R129 and not supercharged as in its R230 successor. 65 cars were made.[15]

Only about 300 cars in the SL-class were customised by AMG prior to the 2003 model year.

Mille Miglia Edition

In 1995 Mercedes released the Mille Miglia edition, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Stirling Moss's win of the 1955 Mille Miglia road race. The limited edition was available in either SL 280,SL 320 or SL 500 guise, came in Brilliant Silver metallic, and had Evo II six-spoke polished alloys, red and black leather interior, carbon-fibre trim and extra equipment. Stirling Moss was given the first SL 500 built. According to the brochure of this special edition, only 600 pieces were built.

Silver Arrow Edition

Silver Arrow Edition

A special edition of 2002 SL 500/SL 600 was made to celebrate the 1930s Silver Arrow race car. It had two-tone interior, leather on steering wheel and seats, and special wheels. For the US market, only 1550 Silver Arrow units were produced; 100 units of the SL 600 and 1450 units of the SL 500.There was also 100 only made for the UK market SL 500 type only.

Other editions

Several other editions were released of the 129 body SL. These include:

• 40th Anniversary Roadster Edition (1997)
• La Costa Edition (1997)[16]
• Sport model SL 320 included AMG staggered tire setup (1997)
• Special Edition (1998)
• Final Edition (2000)
• SL Edition (2000)

Media attention

Princess Diana's Mercedes 500 SL

The R129 received heightened media attention in Great Britain in 1991 when Diana, Princess of Wales sold her Jaguar XJS to lease a metallic-red 500 SL and became the first member of the royal family to use a foreign car. This was not without controversy as it sparked a media storm as it questioned whether a member of the British royal family should drive a foreign car.[17] Media pressure eventually forced her to return the car to Mercedes-Benz in 1992, with whom it now resides in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.[18]

References

1. Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.5. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 165.
2. Eberhard Kittler: Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol. 6. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 978-3-613-02052-8, p. 215.
3. Auto Katalog, 2003 edition, p. 312. Note: Figures for 2001 are for calendar year and include early R230 production. Actual Grand Total for R129 probably around 203,000 units.
4. Brian Long: Mercedes-Benz: SL R129 Series 1989 to 2001.. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
5. "Technology platform: Mercedes-Benz SL, R 129 series (1989-2001) | marsMediaSite". media.daimler.com. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
6. Long, Brian. Mercedes-Benz SL – R129-series 1989 to 2001. Veloce. ISBN 978-1-845844-48-6.
7. Kenwright, Joe (1 January 2006). "$100,000 Prestige Buys". Motoring. Australia. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
8. Kenwright, Joe (22 September 2006). "Used Car Advice: Mercedes-Benz R129 500SL/SL500". Motoring. Australia. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
9. "Mercedes R129 – buy them now". The Classic Motorist. Australia. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
10. "Mercedes SL500 R129 1990s History". www.kenrockwell.com. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
11. "Buyers Guide - 1990-2002 R129 SL500/SL600 Roadsters". MBCA. 19 August 2010. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
12. Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 1995, p. 380.
13. "1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG R 129 R 129 E 73". Carfolio.com. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
14. "Mercedes-Benz AMG SL73: 525hp and only 85 constructed". Retrieved 1 November 2018.
15. "Allgemeine Daten vom SL 55 AMG". Retrieved 27 November 2012.
16. "Mercedes-Benz Offers Limited-Edition SL500 Models to Commemorate Mercedes Championships". www.theautochannel.com. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
17. "Diana Vrooms, Unbritishly, In a Mercedes". The New York Times. 5 February 1992. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
18. stephenhanafin Stephen Hanafin (25 March 2007). "Princess Diana's Mercedes 500SL on Flickr – Photo Sharing!". Flickr.com. Retrieved 1 October 2010.

External links

• Mercedes R129 SL Digital Brochures