Highlights

Meticulously maintained, featuring a vast array of new, and refurbished components
Offered in fantastic condition inside and out, reflecting plenty of care
Benefits from just 64K on the clock, and a mere 5 former keepers
Runs and drives beautifully, serving as a brilliant display of Mercedes-Benz engineering

The Appeal

As the successor to the R107, the R129 series of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles had rather large shoes to fill and did so valiantly. This generation of SL took inspiration from the classy roadsters before it, yet brought the model into modern times, introducing new drivetrain configurations, sharp new styling, an array of comforts, and a host of impressive technology.

As one of the more popular models within the R129 lineup, the SL320 presents a fantastic opportunity to experience what is arguably, the sweet spot between retro, and modern Mercedes-Benz SL cars. With this example, you’re treated to a sublime 3.2L V6, buttery smooth automatic transmission, and the ever-welcome combination of a panoramic hard top, and folding mohair hood.

This particular example arguably stands tall amongst the other SL320s on the market, thanks to its impressive service history, low mileage, and a vast array of mechanical refurbishment. The current keeper has spent considerable expense ensuring everything on the vehicle is in superb working order, with key attention paid to the likes of the gearbox, exhaust system, suspension and braking system.

If you’re in the market for a well-cared-for example of the iconic R129, this 1998 Brilliant Silver SL320 leaves very little to be further desired, and will no doubt fill the lucky new keeper with tremendous pride.

The History and Paperwork

Originally supplied new in Belfast, and first registered on the 1st of October 1998
Just 5 former keepers, with fully traceable ownership history
Cherished and meticulously maintained by the current keeper since February 2017
Benefits from excellent service history, and a vast array of refurbishment
Includes a fantastic selection of paperwork, featuring:
- Past Irish vehicle test and UK MOT certificates
- An impressive array of invoices detailing servicing, repairs, preventative maintenance and new components
- The original Mercedes-Benz booklet pack
- The current V5C document
Comes ready to enjoy with two keys, and MOT until the 22nd of June 2024

The Interior

Proudly displays comfortable grey leather upholstery, with tidy grey carpeting, and beautiful Walnut details throughout
Benefits from quite a high factory specification, featuring the likes of heated seats, electric seat adjustment, a panoramic hardtop sunroof
Offers fault-free hardtop function, with the added benefit of a new genuine heated rear windscreen
Showcases a new, and fully functioning mohair soft top roof, with new roof straps
Features new door seals, mouldings, rails and a new driver’s side window regulator
Presented in fantastic overall condition, offering a well-specced interior, with very few signs of wear or use to note

The Exterior

Features a rather rare, factory-equipped AMG styling kit, with a subtle yet sporty front spoiler, and sleek side skirts
Fitted with a pair of Silver Arrow edition side vents
Finished with Brilliant Silver metallic paintwork (Code 7440)
Equipped with an incredibly tidy set of 17” five-spoke alloy wheels, with Pirelli tyres all around
Overall, the finish reflects plenty of care over the years, now offering a very impressive condition for the vehicle’s age. Whilst a small number of minor defects such as light bubbling and the occasional tiny dent are noticeable upon incredibly close inspection, the Brilliant Silver finish is very impressive

The Mechanics

Powered by a 3.2L V6, paired with an automatic transmission
Runs and drives beautifully, with no known faults to report
Boasts extensive service history, including a recent service on the 15th of May 2023
Features upgraded xenon headlights and parking sensors
Benefits from a huge array of scheduled and preventative maintenance courtesy of the current keeper. The vast list of mechanical refreshments throughout their ownership alone includes:
- A full new rear suspension overhaul, with new Delphi rear arms
- New rear shock absorbers and a new front left shock absorber
- New front control arms, new front springs and new bushes
- Rebuilt rear calipers, a rebuilt front caliper, new brake lines, new pads and discs
- A new timing tensioner, new MAF sensor, and new auxiliary belts
- New stainless steel replacement exhaust, and catalytic converters
- A gearbox overhaul and major service
- New spark plugs, and a new fuel filter
Comes ready to enjoy, with advisory-free MOT until the 22nd of June 2024

Summary

The SL320 presents a fantastic combination of signature Mercedes-Benz engineering, brilliant build quality, bold styling and excellent comfort levels. The model is yet further enhanced in this case by an impressive maintenance record, savoured mileage, and truly excellent care over the years.

With a huge array of new and refurbished components under its belt, and with the desirable AMG styling package as the cherry on top, this superb 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL320 Auto is more than ready to impress.