Highlights
- Low mileage, very well maintained R129
- Very well kept condition inside and out
- Versatile convertible with rear seats and factory hard top
- Just two owners from new
- Significant main dealer servicing regime
- Few miles since last main dealer service
- Long MOT to September 2024 with no advisories
The Appeal
The R129 cleverly upped the SL game with improved luxury whilst retaining the classic engineering and relaxing GT features that have made this long-lived model so enduringly popular.
The SL320 was at the sweet spot in the range, offering decent performance combined with fair economy. The early cars featured the 24V, 225bhp straight six engine and are particularly sought after.
This is one of those cars, a very low mileage, fastidiously maintained example whose condition reflects the careful, sparing use. The story continues with the history file which shows a raft of attention from Mercedes-Benz main dealers, including a full service less than 2,000 miles ago. A factory hard top and rear seats plus a long MOT merely dial up the appeal of this enticing sports cars.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK on 9th June 1997
- VIN records verify the specification and show a build date of May 1997
- 2 factory keys and fobs with additional ‘credit card’ factory key
- Mercedes-Benz handbooks and wallet
- Extensive history file showing careful annual servicing regime irrespective of mileage
- History file mainly compromises Mercedes-Benz main dealer work
- Always garaged and attended by a trickle charger to preserve the battery
- Current owner acquired the car on 9th October 1998
- Just one previous owner
- History file also includes old MOTs to verify the low mileage
- Excellent MOT record with few advisories
- Long MOT to 6th September 2024 with no advisories
Notable maintenance work from the history file, all by marque main dealers:
- Seatbelts repaired 27th August 2018 at cost of £2,380
- Radiator replaced 2nd September 2017 at cost of £468.72
- Full service at 63,921 miles on 23rd August 2021
- Full service at 65,545 miles on 31st August 2022 at cost of £932.60
- Mass air flow meter replaced at same time costing £904.60
The Condition
- Bodywork, paintwork and interior reflect the low mileage and careful owners
- Very few signs of age across the car and those visible are exceptionally minor
- There are a small number of hard to see stone chips on the front of the car
- Popular Brilliant Silver metallic (code 744O) with matching factory hard top
- Hard top supplied with useful stand, both in very good unmarked condition
- Smart 16in factory alloy wheels with polished rims
- Very light signs of tarnishing on rims but otherwise well presented
- Two spare full size alloy wheels supplied with car
- Rims shod with quality Pirelli tyres showing plenty of tread
- Beige leather (code 265A) interior in virtually unworn condition
- Fitted with desirable optional rear seats
- Electric front seats with no bolster wear and only light creases to bases
- Wood veneers well kept with no visible deterioration
- Switchgear complete and with clear decals
- Period correct Blaupunkt Casablanca radio cassette
- Complete factory tool kit and unused First Aid kit
- Protective rubber overmats ensure beige carpets are unmarked and unstained
- Optional wind deflector included in sale
- Black fabric roof is factory original and in very good condition
- Roof shows good colour depth and clear windows
- Underside presents very well with no visible issues and no MOT structural advisories
- Specification includes headlamp washers, air conditioning and cruise control
The Mechanics
- 3,199cc M104 6cyl 24v engine developing 225bhp
- This earlier 3.2litre engine offered marginally more power than the later version
- 5spd 5G-TRONIC automatic gearbox
- Full service history with annual servicing irrespective of mileage
- Recent significant investment in mechanicals documented above
- 1,600cc twin carburettor air cooled Volkswagen engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Independent rear suspension
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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