Description
Mercedes SL500 R129 automatic. Brilliant silver metallic with grey leather.
8 owners with Full Service History showing 20 services, all documented in a stamped service book and a file of invoices accompanied by the owner's manuals in the original leather wallet and with 2 remote keys.
Purchased privately last year, driven regularly, garaged and maintained since.
MOT until 11. 08. 25 with 2 advisories that have since been addressed.
Fully functioning convertible soft top roof with a good condition original factory hardtop with heated rear screen. All electrics are working, engine and gearbox perform well with no known issues, interior is in good condition commensurate with age and mileage.
Bodywork is bright with good panel fit and no apparent rust, 1 small panel dent (see photo) and several touched-up bonnet stone chips (see photos).
Equipment includes heated electric memory seats, cruise control, 4-way adjustable steering column, electric rear view mirror, electric side mirrors, air-conditioning, illuminated vanity mirrors, reading lights, central locking remotely operated (and with key), electric windows, radio/ CD, a windbreaker and its carpeted cover, a hardtop stand on wheels, full-size spare wheel, jack and original factory tool set.
I'm only selling because I have two and I need a saloon so one has to go. May consider a part exchange plus cash my way.
----All the R129 models, whether they're the first version like mine or later facelift versions, share the same exceptional build quality and great looks. They are so well-made, over-engineered, robust and reliable as witnessed by the condition of the majority of them on sale today, up to 35 years old some of them.
They're sporting cars rather than out and out sports cars, they're built more for comfort as relaxing, capable cruisers. With a good selection of engines and capacities in 3 different configurations, straight 6, V6 and V8, each engine has a different performance and characteristic and owners will naturally have their preferences depending on their driving style but for me it's the SL500 that really shines for its capabilities of shifting this heavy cruiser with the ease and performance of a sports car but in an understated, smooth, effortless and dignified manner.
What makes mine special is that for the most part it appears to be an unmolested original SL500 with correct wheels, equipment and features, a full service history and no issues. The radio/ CD is an exception but I think blends into the 90s style very well and doesn't look at all out of place.
The soft top and windows open and close automatically at the touch of a button, the hardtop lining is intact and not sagging, the interior is in good condition with no leather tears or damaged woodwork, the seat switch panels are held firmly in place and not broken and all the electrics work although the air-conditioning is not blowing ice-cold.
With the recent oil service, reconditioned steering box along with several other new steering and suspension parts, the car is ready to enjoy straight away and with regular maintenance it will continue to delight and reward its new owner.
Main works in my care include
+ Reconditioned steering box with new fluid & filter
+ Oil & filter with a new lower sump and gasket
+ Front strut top mounts
+ New drag link and dampener
+ Brake fluid renewed
+ All fuses changed for ceramic
Previous notable maintenance:
+ Serviced at 2616, 11039, 20846, 27764, 36827, 46780, 51663, 57254, 58988, 60270, 64889, 71937, 77128, 78535, 79647, 80858, 81284, 87501, 94402, 101, 250 miles
+ New distributor caps, rotor arms and seals at 100266 miles
To sum up:
The recent maintenance, together with past invoices that accompany the stamped service booklet, reveal a history of care and attention that makes this particular car a sensible buy and one easily capable of being driven daily on short and long journeys. Best of all, it's eminently affordable.
Thanks for looking. Do contact me with any queries or to arrange a viewing in Horsham or Eastbourne but anywhere south of the M25 is also a possibility. PEX + cash my way also a possibility
