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19892002 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

tagsr129, sl500
submitted byRichard Owen
typeSeries Production Car
production years1989 – 2002
built atGermany
body stylistJohann Tomforde, Bruno Sacco
price $$ 82,000
engineV8
valvetrainDOHC 4 Val / Cyl.
displacement4973 cc / 303.5 in³
bore96.5 mm / 3.8 in
stroke85.0 mm / 3.35 in
compression10.1:1
power240.1 kw / 322.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output64.75 bhp per litre
bhp/weight171.28 bhp per tonne
torque450.1 nm / 332.0 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
redline6000
body / frameUnit Steel
driven wheelsFront Engine / RWD
front tires225/55ZR-16
rear tires225/55ZR-16
front brakesVented Discs w/ Vacuum Assist & ABS
front wheelsF 40.6 x 20.3 cm / 16.0 x 8.0 in
rear wheelsR 40.6 x 20.3 cm / 16.0 x 8.0 in
steeringRecirculating Ball w/ Power Assist
curb weight1880 kg / 4145 lbs
wheelbase2515 mm / 99.0 in
front track1532 mm / 60.3 in
rear track1521 mm / 59.9 in
length4470 mm / 176.0 in
width1811 mm / 71.3 in
transmission4-Speed Auto
gear ratios3.87:1, 2.25:1, 1.44:1, 1.00:1
final drive2.65:1
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

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Valentine Belue

Update: 2024-08-03