***Vendor supplied images***

Highlights

Handsome original condition
Very low mileage example
Desirable M112 V6 engine
Excellent history file

The Appeal

Replacing the R107 in 1989, and debuting at the Geneva Motor Show, the R129 SL is a roadster produced from 1989 up until 2001. Offered at the time as a two door with a retractable electro-hydraulic fabric roof, automated tonneau cover, and a sleek manually detachable hardtop that could be installed over the top of the stored fabric roof and tonneau. The sales were extremely successful and came runner-up behind the Citroen XM for the European Car of The Year award - a great feat for any car manufacturer!

This particular example is a proper poster car, brilliant silver metallic paintwork with black leather upholstery, it doesn’t get much more classic Mercedes than this. Opulence meets performance in an admirable package, preserved in excellent condition throughout with only some minor hints of age. Low mileage examples of these roadsters don’t often rear their heads, more often than not people can’t get enough of driving them and soak the miles up in no time.

The History and Paperwork

Factory production date of the 14th of April 2000
Registered new in the UK on the 27th of April 2000
Supplied brand new from Mercedes-Benz of Sailsbury
Only two owners from brand new
Mercedes build sheet
V5C is present and correct, ready for the transfer of ownership
MOT is valid until the 4th of July 2024, with a clean pass showing no advisories this year
Previous MOT’s show a good sting of clean passes throughout the years with just the occasional failure which appears to have always been quickly rectified
30 instances of servicing and maintenance, with 14 invoices present from these events
One key present with the vehicle
The vehicle was registered with another registration between 2014 to 2019
Recently serviced at the time of MOT
Service intervals are as follows:
- 2003 - 12513 miles
- 2004 - 16962 miles
- 2009 - 30510 miles
- 2014 - 52000 miles
- 2015 - 54321 miles
- 2016 - 55000 miles

The Interior

Black leather upholstery, well maintained with some gentle signs of wear on the drivers side squab and bolsters as is normally expected of any aged leather
Floor carpets appear well kept with very little signs of wear throughout
Steering wheel shows little signs of use, the stitching remains intact and the gauges mounted just behind are entirely operational with no unwelcome warning lights present
Burred walnut root wood trim throughout the dashboard, all very well presented with no signs of damage or delamination
Dashboard remains free from damage and all of the switchgear mounted on the centre console is functional and easy to read, with just the volume knob on the radio controls showing some degradation
Mercedes-Benz chrome sill kick plates are nicely maintained
Boot compartment contains the original carpets and appears in very good condition, with the original first aid kit and warning triangle

The Exterior

Brilliant Silver Metallic paintwork reported to be original along with all of the body panels, which have factory fitting panel gaps and no apparent damage present
Front bumper appears well kept with good paintwork and very few signs of stone chips. The number plate could do with being replaced.
All four wheel arches appear to be free from any rust or corrosion
Original wheels presented nicely with some small spots of corrosion on the diamond cut faces, and all are shod in tyres which date back to 2013 and would require replacement
Rear end of the vehicle appears nicely kept with good paintwork condition, the rear lights are free from damage and the panel gaps here are as expected
Convertible soft top is reportedly in good health with no rips or tears, and remains watertight with no leaks
Fire retardant cover under the bonnet has recently been replaced and appears excellent

The Mechanics

3.2-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine (M112)
221bhp and 232lb-ft of torque
Rear-wheel drive configuration
5-speed automotive transmission which we’re told is in good mechanical condition, with no welcome whining or crunching through the smooth gear changes
Excellent road holding ability with good handling ability, reported to have no unwelcome noises coming from the suspension during turning or under load
Brakes are reportedly in good health with strong and confident biting force
The keeper states there are no known mechanical problems
Tyres could be doing with a change for a fresh set, as the date codes on all four corners are from 2013 and well past their safe use timeline
Fuel pump has recently been replaced
These older Mercedes use hydraulic pumps to control the roof, the keeper tells us that the hydraulic pumps have had replacement seals fitted due to issues with them leaking, and now operate excellently
Excellent service history with some services carried out by Mercedes-Benz main dealerships

Summary

Handsomely preserved, low mileage examples such as these with all original bodywork are somewhat impossible to find these days. A modern classic with a large following, this German roadster would make for an excellent addition to anyone's collection, with fantastic provenance to accompany it.

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