{"id":22331,"date":"2023-04-06T07:59:55","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T07:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/?p=22331"},"modified":"2024-09-12T10:12:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-12T09:12:31","slug":"mercedes-benz-sl280-project-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/mercedes-benz-sl280-project-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes-Benz SL280 – Project Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer is coming, so we’re told. We can’t be too sure, as it feels like it’s been raining for nine years, but the cheery chap with the bright tie on the MET Office website tells us the warm summer sun is waiting in the wings. This means it’s the perfect time to invest in an easy, quick to enjoy project for the sunny season. Something without a roof, naturally. Something like this wonderfully bright 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL280<\/a><\/em> would fit the bill. And at at just three grand, this could be a cheap way into the world of modern classic open-top motoring.<\/p>\n

\"SL280,<\/a><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

What we have here is an ever so slightly down at heel 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL280<\/a><\/em>. This is the R129 generation of the SL, meaning a lot of the mechanicals and suspension are shared in some way with the formidable W124 E Class. Obviously the suspension is a bit lower and a bit stiffer, FOR SPORTS, but other than that it’s all common, easy to find stuff. That’s handy when looking for a project. We can’t be sure what the colour is, possibly a slightly faded Almandine Red Metallic? It’s very nice whatever it is, and the body looks solid. The engine is the reliable 2.8 straight-six, which might not be the biggest to ever reside between the front wheels of an R129, but it’s reliable and frugal. The beige cloth interior looks excellent, too. It only wears 60,000 miles and was in use until 2022, so hasn’t been off the road for too long.<\/p>\n

\"SL280,<\/a><\/p>\n

Why is it a project?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Well, it needs some love but is by no means a lost cause. The first thing to note is that this SL280 is a Cat C<\/a>, which was recorded in 2007. We’ve had a look, and it just says ‘cat C extensive damage’. However, the car was subject to a VIC which it passed in September of the same year, so was obviously repaired to spec. Plus, it’s been on the road ever since. The body and interior look good, which is great as the R129 can suffer from lots of obvious rust, but there are no such issues here. It has scuffs and scrapes that need fixing, but nothing is hanging off.<\/p>\n

Looking at the MOT history, there is nothing\u00a0too<\/em> alarming. Previous owners have been keen to exploit every bit of life out of suspension components, brakes and tyres, but they have had these thing replaced as and when needed. The last MOT had advisories for corrosion on the exhaust, springs and some brake lines, and there’s an oil leak. That’s all though. It sounds like this SL280 just needs someone to give it a good mechanical going over.<\/p>\n

\"SL280,<\/a><\/p>\n

Five things to look for:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

1) Roof<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Good new – this SL280 still has the removable hard top it left the factory with. However, this means you need to check the condition it’s in, as the aluminium can corrode, latches can break and the linings can come away. You’ll also need to remove it so you can check the mechanism and condition of the folding roof that hides beneath it.<\/p>\n

2) Interior<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It looks pretty good, and being a Mercedes-Benz, is pretty hard wearing. However, dash components can fail, the heater fan needs to be turned on and checked for noises, check the function of the seats, look at the door cards, kick plates and under dash areas too, as they can age unfavourably.<\/p>\n

\"SL280,<\/a><\/p>\n

3) Electrics<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s a ’90s Mercedes-Benz, so the electrics need checking. Make sure everything works, and don’t be afraid to pop the bonnet and check within the fuse boxes, check the relays and make sure nothing is corroded or showing signs of failure. It’s not uncommon for an R129 to need a new loom. Consider yourself warned!<\/p>\n

4) Chassis<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The W124 E Class loved nothing more than to rust from the inside out, and the R129 – as it shares a lot of components – duly follows suit. Happily, this SL280 has never had so much as an advisory for body corrosion, thanks in no small part to the low mileage. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it though. In particular, sills, inner arches and floors.<\/p>\n

\"SL280,<\/a><\/p>\n

5) Wheels\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The wheels are either AMG monoblock copies, meaning they’re one piece, or they’re the real deal split rim items. They’re showing age and corrosion, so they’re going to need refurbishment no matter what. If they’re proper split rims, this is going to be expensive. Good news though – they’ll be worth half as much as the car when mint.<\/p>\n

\"SL280,<\/a><\/p>\n

What should you do with it?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Go over it mechanically, sort the rusty components out, underseal it, sort the scuffs out, sort the wheels, give it a service then enjoy it. This has the makings of great car, and one that might even earn you a couple of quid if you do all the work yourself. The R129 is and always will be a hugely popular car, so to find one that looks pretty darn honest for just three grand is not something you should pass up on. Buy it, fix it, enjoy it, sell it, profit. What a winning scenario!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summer is coming, so we’re told. We can’t be too sure, as it feels like it’s been raining for nine years, but the cheery chap with the bright tie on…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":22334,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[322],"tags":[110,963,2133,11,5442,263,224,105,5441,1730,5440,218,108,16,492,1729,1734],"yoast_head":"\nMercedes-Benz SL280 - Project Profile - Car & Classic Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Summer is coming, so how about an easy, topless project? 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