Mercedes-Benz R129

This article is about the 1989-1993 300SL. For the original 300SL, see Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
Mercedes-Benz R129
Overview
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Production 1989–2001
213,089 built[1][2][3]
Designer Johann Tomforde; Bruno Sacco (1984)[4]
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Grand tourer
Body style Roadster
Powertrain
Engine 2.8 L 193 hp (144 kW) I6
2.8 L 204 hp (152 kW) V6
3.0 L 190 hp (142 kW) I6
3.0 L 231 hp (172 kW) I6
3.2L 231 hp (172 kW) I6
3.2L 224 hp (167 kW) V6
5.0 L 326 hp (243 kW) V8
5.0 L 306 hp (228 kW) V8
5.5L 354 hp (264 kW) AMG V8
6.0 L 381 hp (284 kW) AMG V8
6.0 L 394 hp (294 kW) V12
7.0 L 496 hp (370 kW) AMG V12
7.3L 525 hp (391 kW) AMG V12
Transmission 4-speed 4G-TRONIC
5-speed 5G-TRONIC
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 99.0 in (2,515 mm)
Length 1997–2001: 177.1 in (4,498 mm)
1989–1996: 176.0 in (4,470 mm)
1992-96 V12: 178.0 in (4,521 mm)
Width 71.3 in (1,811 mm)
Height 1992–2001: 51.3 in (1,303 mm)
1989–1991: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz R107
Successor Mercedes-Benz R230

The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL-Class grand tourers were produced from 1989 through 2002. The R129 replaced the R107 SL-Class in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 in 2003 (US).

The R129 was produced as a two-door roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic) textile tonneau cover. All R129s came standard with an detachable hardtop that could fitted by folding the canvas roof down and manually attaching it.

Models

Model Chassis Engine Year From Year To
SL280129.058104.94319931997
SL280129.059112.92519982000
300SL129.060103.98419891993
300SL-24129.061104.98119901993
SL320129.063104.99119941998
SL320129.064112.94319982002
500SL129.066119.96019901992
500SL129.067119.97219931993
SL500129.067119.97219941995
SL500129.067119.98219961998
SL500129.068113.96119992002
600SL129.076120.98119931993
SL600129.076120.98119941995
SL600129.076120.98319962002

Model history

Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124[2] and featured many innovative details for the time, for instance electronically controlled damping (optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar. The R107's rather dated rear diagonal swing axle gave way to a modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high, with electric action for the windows, mirrors, seats and convertible top.

Odometer switched from mechanical to electronic between the 1994 and 1995 models.
Note the slots behind the wheel are different
Note the tail lights are different

Starting in 1993 for the 1994 model year, R129 were re-designated. For example, 500 SL became SL 500. Starting in model year 1994, Mercedes-Benz offered special SL models from time to time, such as the Mille Miglia edition cars of model year 1994 or the SL edition of model year 2000.

1994 cars (for 1995 model year) had minor updates for the car

1995 onwards R129s for the 1996 model year featured a minor facelift for the car:

During 1996 for model year 1997, cars were the first year to have an option of the panoramic roof. Also newly available:

A second facelift occurred in 1998 for model year 1999 which featured:

Engine history

1999 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL500
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL600

Initially, there were three different engines available,

and joined in July, 1992 by the

There was a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic for the six-cylinder cars; the V8 and V12 could only be ordered with an automatic gearbox.

In Autumn 1993 Mercedes-Benz rearranged names and models. Also, the 300 SL was replaced by:

Only the 280 was available with a manual gearbox. SL 500 and 600 continued with their respective engines.

A second facelift, introduced in late 1998, comprised new external mirrors, 17" wheels and new bumpers. Also new were the engines,

and

The V12 engine remained unchanged.

The North American Market

Not all engines were offered in North America. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL base model was the 228 hp 300SL version equipped with a 5 speed automatic transmission, but it was the 322 hp 500SL (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines. For model year 1993, the 600 SL was additionally introduced stateside.

The SL320 replaced the 300SL in the United States in 1994, but the SL280 was not offered. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12.

Chassis

1990–1995

Front suspension Independent damper struts with separate coil springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers, triangular lower control arms with antidive geometry and stabilizer bar.

Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with separate single-tube gas-pressurized shock absorbers and coil springs, geometry for antilift, antisquat and alignment control, stabilizer bar.

Wheels 8.0Jx16H2 aluminum alloy and regular.

Tires 225/55 ZR 16 steel-belted radial

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel discs. Antilock Braking System (ABS).

1996–1997

Body construction Monocoque with front and rear crumple zones and removable hardtop.

Front suspension Independent damper strut with antidive geometry and stabilizer bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs. Negative-offset steering.

Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with geometry for antilift, antisquat and alignment control and stabilizer bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs.

Steering Recirculating ball with speed-sensitive power assist and hydraulic damper. Steering wheel turns (lock-to-lock) 3.0.

Tires Steel-belted radials. Performance 225/55ZR16.

Wheels Aluminum-alloy 8.0Jx16 H2.

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel disc. Ventilated front, solid rear brake discs.

Antilock Braking System (ABS) ABS senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together (to help maintain stability), as needed, up to 30 times per second to prevent lockup and maintain steering ability.

Dimensions

1990–1995

300SL

Wheelbase 99.0 in

Curb weight
1989: 1800 kg - 3,970 lb
1991: 1819 kg - 4,010 lb
1993: 1830 kg - 4,035 lb
1994: 1855 kg - 4,090 lb

Trunk capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.9 l - 21.1 gal (US) 17.5 gal (Imp)

500SL

Wheelbase 99.0 in

Curb weight
1989: 1880 kg - 4,145 lb
1993: 1889 kg - 4,165 lb
1999: 2188 kg - 4,670 lb

Trunk capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.8 l - 21.1 gal

600SL

Wheelbase 99.0 in

Curb weight 2020 kg - 4,455 lb

Trunk capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.8l 21.1 gal

Interior Features

1990–1995

Automatic climate control.

Automatic day/night rearview mirror (1993).

Seating and trim

Leather upholstery.

10-way power seats with 3-position memory.

Audio, navigation and communication

Bose Acoustimass sound system (1994).

Restraint system

SRS with driver air bag.

Front passenger air bag (1991).

Automatic pop-up roll bar.

Exterior Features

1990–1995

Headlamp washers with wipers.

Removable hardtop with electrically heated rear window.

ADS (Adaptive Damping System). (Standard on 600SL, optional on 500SL)

Removable wind deflector.

8-hole alloy wheels (1994–95).

ASR (Automatic Slip Control).

Special Editions

AMG offerings

1995–1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 60 AMG
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG

AMG had already offered an SL version while still independent, the AMG 500 SL 6.0 of 1991. After being taken over by Daimler-Benz, there were several AMG SL-models available through D-B dealers.

The SL 60 AMG was the most numerous of these rare cars. Sold from 1993 to 1998, it used a 6.0 litre V8 engine producing 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) at 5500 rpm.[5] AMG claimed a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) speed of 5.6 seconds. Its top speed was limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but with the limiter removed, it was capable of approximately 185 mph (298 km/h). AMG later unofficially conceded that 0-60 mph was more like 5.0 seconds and the engine produced between 405-410 bhp.

Extremely rare was the SL 73 AMG, sold through Mercedes-AMG in 1995, and offering the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time with 525 hp (391 kW; 532 PS). After a brief hiatus, the SL73 was offered again from 1998 to 2001. The same 7.3 L V12 was later used by Pagani in the Zonda. Only 85 cars were made.[6]

Also very rare is the SL 70 AMG which was powered by a 7.0 L (7055 cc) V12 engine developing 496 PS (365 kW; 489 hp) at 5500rpm and a maximum torque of 720 Nm at 3.900 rpm. It was a bored out version of M120 6.0 V12, also with shorter stroke. Produced between 1996 and 1997 in 150 units.

The SL 55 AMG was sold in the R129 bodystyle from 1998 to 2001 in limited numbers (5.4L V8, 354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp) at 5500 rpm). It was the predecessor of the production R230 SL55 AMG sold later, albeit was normally aspirated in the R129 and not supercharged as in its R230 successor. 65 cars were made.[7]

Only about 300 cars in the SL-class were customized by AMG prior to the 2003 model year.

Mille Miglia Edition

In 1995 Mercedes released the Mille Miglia edition, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Stirling Moss's win of the 1955 Mille Miglia road race. The limited edition was available in either SL320 or SL500 guise, came in Brilliant Silver metallic, and had Evo II six-spoke polished alloys, red and black leather interior, carbon-fibre trim and extra equipment. Stirling Moss was given the first SL500 built.

Silver Arrow Edition

Silver Arrow Edition

A special edition of 2002 SL 500/SL 600 was made to celebrate the 1930s Silver Arrow race car. It had two-tone interior, leather on steering wheel and seats, and special wheels. For the US market, only 1550 Silver Arrow units were produced; 100 units of the SL600 and 1450 units of the SL500.

Other Editions

Several other editions were released of the 129 body SL. These include:

Sport model sl320 included AMG staggered tire setup (1997)

Media attention

Princess Diana's Mercedes 500SL

The R129 received heightened media attention in Great Britain in 1991 when Diana, Princess of Wales sold her Jaguar XJS to lease a metallic-red 500SL and became the first member of the royal family to use a foreign car. This was not without controversy as it sparked a media storm as it questioned whether a member of a British royalty should drive foreign cars.[8] Media pressure eventually forced her to return the car to Mercedes-Benz in 1992, with whom it now resides in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.[9]

See also

References

  1. Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.5. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 165.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Eberhard Kittler: Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol. 6. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02128-1, p. 215.
  3. Auto Katalog, 2003 edition, p. 312. Note: Figures for 2001 are for calendar year and include early R230 production. Actual Grand Total for R129 probably around 203.000 units.
  4. Brian Long: Mercedes-Benz: SL R129 Series 1989 to 2001. Retrieved 2015-02-14.
  5. Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 1995, p. 380.
  6. "Mercedes-Benz AMG SL73: 525hp and only 85 constructed.". Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  7. "Allgemeine Daten vom SL 55 AMG". Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  8. "Diana Vrooms, Unbritishly, In a Mercedes". The New York Times. 1992-02-05. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  9. stephenhanafin Stephen Hanafin (2007-03-25). "Princess Diana's Mercedes 500SL on Flickr - Photo Sharing!". Flickr.com. Retrieved 2010-10-01.

External links

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