The knowledge
TIMELINE
1989 R129 launched as the 300SL (188bhp), 300SL-24 (228bhp) and 500SL (326bhp)
1990 Catalysed 500 down to 308bhp
1991 AMG 500SL 6.0 launched
1992 600SL V12 added, 0-60mph in 6 secs
1993 Model names reversed; 300s replaced by twin-cam, straight-six SL280 (193bhp) & SL320 (228bhp); 381bhp SL60 AMG, 0-60 in 5.6 secs
1994 Electronic odometer introduced
1995 Facelift: 2-slot wing vents replace 3-slot, body-colour bumpers, side airbags, V8/12 get 5-speed electronic auto; 518bhp SL72 AMG
1996 Optional Sport package (18in wheels and trim changes), and Panoramic hardtop; Mille Miglia special edition and 489bhp SL70 AMG
1997 40th Anniversary Roadster & SL73 AMG
1998 Facelift: Nappa replaces perforated seat leather, oil temp replaces pressure, computer, one-touch starting, body-colour doorhandles, new rear lights, V8s now sohc M113, 280/320 now sohc V6 (201/215bhp); 349bhp SL55 AMG
1999 Silver Arrow special edition
2000 Alanite Designo special edition
2001 Production ends, 213,089 built
FACTFILE
Construction steel monocoque
Engine iron/alloy sohc 2960cc or dohc 2799/2960/3199cc ‘six’; all-alloy dohc 4973cc V8 or 5987cc V12, or sohc 2799/3199cc V6 or 4966cc V8; Bosch electronic fuel injection; 188bhp @ 5500rpm-389bhp @ 5200rpm; 191lb ft @ 4400rpm-420lb ft @ 3800rpm
Transmission 4/5-speed auto or 5-speed manual, RWD Suspension: front Macpherson struts rear multi-link; optional Active Damping System; coils, telescopics, anti-roll bar f/r
Steering power-assisted recirculating ball
Brakes ventilated discs, with servo and ABS (early 6-cyl & 280 non-vented rear)
Length 14ft 8in-14ft 10in (4470-4521mm) Width 5ft 11in (1811mm) Height 4ft 3in (1295mm) Wheelbase 8ft 3in (2515mm)
Weight 3630-4356lb (1650-1980kg) 0-60mph 5.9-9.5 secs Top speed 140-159mph Mpg 15-25 Price new £49,960 (300SL, 1991)
CLUBS
Mercedes-benz Club 01780 482111 Mercedes-benz Owners 01892 710570
SPECIALISTS
The SL Shop 01789 337070 John Haynes 01903 500000 In Autos 01342 837836 Dronsfields 0333 240 1020 Derrick Wells 01449 774222 Edward Hall 01844 339666 Heaney Motor Co 028 7940 1660 Turnbull & Oliver 07834 988917 Silchester Garage 0118 970 1648
WHAT TO PAY
300+280/320+500SL/SL500/V12 Show £15,000/20,000/27,000/30,000 Average £5000/7000/11,000/12,000 Restoration £2000/2500/4000/5000