1989→2002 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL
Fitted with a high number of standard feaures, the 500 SL was Mercedes-Benz’s flagship roadster until the 600 SL topped the range in 1993.
The R129 500 SL was produced in four distinct series during its 12-year production run from 1990 to 2002.
Weather equipment for the all r129’s included an two-door roadster with an automated electro-hydraulic soft-top and steel hardtop.
Equipped to a very high standard, the R129 came with electronically controlled damping, an automatically extending roll-over bar, automatic retracting mirrors, electric windows, electric seats and convertible top.
Upgrades over the production period include electric odometer (1994), body color bumpers (1995), 5 speed electronic transmission (1995), optional Xenon HID headlamps (1995), optional sport package (1996), rain-sensing windshield wipers (1996), climate control panel (1996).
A major revision came in 1998 with the M113 V8 engine a with it came a second facelift for the model.
Throughout the model’s history it gained 200 kgs in new systems and additional weight.
In Detail
| tags | r129, sl500 |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1989 – 2002 |
| built at | Germany |
| body stylist | Johann Tomforde, Bruno Sacco |
| price $ | $ 82,000 |
| engine | V8 |
| valvetrain | DOHC 4 Val / Cyl. |
| displacement | 4973 cc / 303.5 in³ |
| bore | 96.5 mm / 3.8 in |
| stroke | 85.0 mm / 3.35 in |
| compression | 10.1:1 |
| power | 240.1 kw / 322.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 64.75 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 171.28 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 450.1 nm / 332.0 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| redline | 6000 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 225/55ZR-16 |
| rear tires | 225/55ZR-16 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ Vacuum Assist & ABS |
| front wheels | F 40.6 x 20.3 cm / 16.0 x 8.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 40.6 x 20.3 cm / 16.0 x 8.0 in |
| steering | Recirculating Ball w/ Power Assist |
| curb weight | 1880 kg / 4145 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2515 mm / 99.0 in |
| front track | 1532 mm / 60.3 in |
| rear track | 1521 mm / 59.9 in |
| length | 4470 mm / 176.0 in |
| width | 1811 mm / 71.3 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 3.87:1, 2.25:1, 1.44:1, 1.00:1 |
| final drive | 2.65:1 |
| top speed | ~249.4 kph / 155.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~6.4 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~15.6 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~14.9 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 – sold for $27,500 Excellent original condition, over $100K list price in 1997 with 39,150 original miles, power and heated seats, power side mirrors, automatic roll bar with wind screen, owner’s manuals, leather interior, factory floor mats, power windows, cruise, climate control, flashers, excellent condition automatic convertible soft top, stereo radio with 6-place CD player, recent battery, recent tires and headlight wipers.
Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 – sold for $33,000 46,135 original miles, finished in beautiful Polo White with Dove Gray leather interior. Has two top and books. Has been maintained by a Mercedes mechanic and was always garage kept. Has Bose AM/FM/CD changer and subwoofer. AMG wheels and Sport package. The Sports package was a $4,900 option. Was over $80,000 new. A vert desirable SL roadster.
Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL500 – sold for $27,500 49,000 original miles. Stunning Brilliant Silver color with elegant black leather interior. Califorina rust free vehicle that is fully loaded with AMG chrome wheels, CD changer, Xenon lights and heated seats. This vehicle is offered with two tops. Vehicle sold new for $91,135
Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
