・Good service history

・Verified low mileage

・Panoramic roof

The R129 generation Mercedes SL was built for 12 years, between 1989 and 2001, and was a strong seller, being a stylish, prestigious and solidly built car from Mercedes that also had the benefit of being both coupe and roadster in one.

Powered by a 3.2 litre straight six engine with 230bhp and a five-speed automatic transmission, there is plenty of performance available if required but these cars are at their best when enjoying comfort of the Mercedes and its excellent ride, with or without a roof.

First registered in 1997 the current owner has done around 33,000 since buying the car with 40,000 on the clock in 2006. It currently shows 73,000.

The car comes with a good service history with stamps in the original service book, and receipts from the current owner for servicing work done in 2012 at 67,859 miles, 2015 at 71,865 miles and, just last year at 72,007 miles.

The low mileage is verified through MOT and servicing records and, having been hardly used or driven in the last 5 years it has just sailed through an MOT, with a small advisory relating to the rear offside brake pipe being a bit corroded.

The car comes with a good Mercedes Main Dealer service history in the service book and other service receipts and past MOTs. The current MOT expires October 2022.

The original Owner’s Manual is present and the car comes with 4 original keys.

As a testament to Mercedes quality the black leather interior is in very nice overall condition and hides its age well. 

The wood inserts and carpets are all in fine and clean condition with the only noticeable issue being the trim on the inside of the driver’s door by the mirror needing re-fixing back into place.

There is some wear on the driver’s seat bolster but other than that the seats are in good shape.

All the controls and switchgear still have that quality Teutonic feel to them and being a Mercedes the cabin is very well equipped and functional with electric windows and heated seats, cruise control, air conditioning and all usual Mercedes SL refinements, including the expensive optional panoramic roof.

There is a mobile phone cradle still fitted to the dashboard and there is currently an issue with the electric roof not working, which has been diagnosed as a faulty roof control unit.

The boot is nice and dry and clean and has the useful wind deflector present for roof down, extra comfort and less wind buffeting.

The Brilliant Silver paintwork is in great condition and, other than a few stone-chips here and there, the overall look of the car does not disappoint. There is a small dent in the driver’s door, probably caused by the inevitable trolley in the supermarket car park, and there is a small area of peeling paint on the rear of the roof and the driver’s wing mirror has picked up some scratches.

Shut lines and the body all look good with wheels and tyres all being in fine condition and no other bumps or scrapes around the car to be found.

The electric aerial is currently stuck at half-mast which could be a relay, or a fuse or perhaps the motor.

The car has a good service history and has been obviously well looked after by its three owners. In recent services it has had a new battery, alternator and new brake discs and pads.

The car is reported to start and drive very well with everything working and no known issues to report, other than the previously mentioned roof and aerial issue.

The R129 is a modern evergreen classic that continues to gain in popularity. The classic 90's styling coupled with strong Mercedes-Benz mechanicals means it's not just something to be enjoyed for the weekend, but everyday if desired. With its great service history and low mileage, it serves as the perfect candidate for an interesting daily car or a rock solid foundation for a concours car.
Whichever route you take with it, it represents an excellent gateway car into the world of classic cars.