In March 1989, Mercedes introduces the fourth SL generation. It bears the name R 129 and replaces the 18-year-built R 107, for its coupe offshoot SLC in 1981, the S-Class derivative C 126 (SEC) jumped into the breach. The R 129 is a complete new development and is the first SL no longer in Sindelfingen off the line, but in Bremen. When it comes to construction, safety plays a central role. This gives the R 129 a particularly sturdy body structure, integral seats that are specially protected against side impact and a roll bar that automatically pops out in the event of a crash. The engine range starts at 190 hp. A new five-liter V8 with 326 hp allows previously unknown performance (250 km / h top). 1992 is the first time a twelve-cylinder used (394 hp). From June 1993, following the new Mercedes nomenclature, model series abbreviation and type number the places - from now on it is no longer 500 SL, but SL 500. 1998 Mercedes sends the in-line engines retired and introduces the V-type construction in the six-cylinder. From the R 129 arise a total of 204,940 copies.
Dream cars can also be affordable. Even if Mercedes SL is writen on it. As with this SL of the series R 129 from the nineties. That was once an extremely expensive luxury sled. In 1997 an SL cost a whopping 150,000 marks that is about 75,000€ today. In 2019 just 22 years later, it is in state 3 for a modest 8,000 euros to get one. The soft top disappears at the touch of a button in 28 seconds. SL stands for "Super Light" but hardly can be mentioned in view of 1850 kilograms curb weight. Good that the R 129 does not look to be as heavy. The rollover protection of the R129 is usually not visible. But as soon as its sensors report more than 21 degrees of inclination, register a lifting wheel or four times the acceleration of gravity, the bow jumps up in 0.3 seconds and saves the heads of the driver and co driver for that time was this future and still is a great safety surplus.
The R 129 comes from an era when the power of interpretation over the word "premium" was still in the hands of engineers and not in the hands of marketing strategists. It is a real quality automobile. Even used copies you can tell that they have cost well over 100,000 marks. The engines are considered robust, only the 300 SL-24 is occasionally noticed by valve rattling. Rust is not an issue - even with neglected cars. Even technical trouble spots are rare. The only exception is the seldom ordered Adaptive Shock Absorber System ADS (available until 1995), which breaks down spring accumulators and diaphragms over the years. A scrutinizing look should apply to the top. If the SL was driven primarily with hardtop, the hood hidden in the roof box is often in deplorable bad condition. For cars before 1993, it was to be clarified whether the body rubbers were renewed - early SL were often not very tight. Replacement for the soft top beats with just under 2000 euros.
There is everything - according to the principle "Ordered today, delivered tomorrow" at the Mercedes dealer. The price level is up to the make and model. Nevertheless, even normal earners can keep a used SL going. First, because not much is going to break anyway, and second, because synonymous in Ebay can someone find almost everything good and affordable.
Do not be afraid of big animals. Although the 300 and 320 are considered best in terms of performance and maintenance costs, the 500 is not much more expensive. Only go around the twelve-cylinder a big bow, even if the prices are so enticing: Eats the hair during maintenance and repairs eating the head, and the high weight on the front axle takes him away the agility.