1998 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL500 with Java Leather (234)

For the R129 generation of SL, the SL500 has been a favourite for a variety of reasons. Its V8 engine suits the car’s character without causing a dip in overall reliability, and there’s enough performance to not just run circles around some of the rivals but also ensure that after more than three decades if it’s about good looks, solid handling, and the ability to relish in some topless motoring, the SL500 has you covered. Adding that to the long list of R129’s abilities (not just limited to a soft top which could be operated at the press of a button, an auto-deploying rollover hoop, etc.) you have the makings of a loveable V8 cruiser. As many would confirm, the R129 was exactly that when new — and it still is, now.

 A late-model Mercedes-Benz R129 SL500 from 1998 is now available with us at The SLSHOP. With just two previous keepers, it has done just over 88k miles and is in good condition. That is quite evident from the attached photos, and the car has also performed well in the SLSHOP’s internal assessment. To know more, you might want to click on the link here to access the full report, while the section below will give you a brief overview of the car. The seller mentions that in addition to the standard bits, this SL has been fitted with orthopaedic seats. The spare wheel, tool kit, and removable hard top are all included, too.

On the outside, both the paint and bodywork look decent. The latter is largely without any major damage, and the colour works really well with the (included as part of the facelift) alloy wheel design. On closer inspection, you'd notice only some very minor scratches and stone chips, the exhaust tip also appears to have surface rust, whereas the wheels while nearly free from kerb damage, have some discolouration/oxidation present. The Nappa interior is good, too, although not without wear, it's presented well and suits the car. The soft top has no visible damage. According to the SLSHOP assessment, in which this SL500's overall score is very good, there's a minor oil leak, some belt wear, and the prop-shaft couplings are worn. The body is reported to be good whereas there's no rust underneath. There's no deviation from normal on the move, too.

As a 1998 car, this gets the updates included as part of the facelift: new lights (projector headlights and curved taillights), refreshed styling (bumpers, wheels, etc.), body-coloured door handles, Nappa leather, new instrument cluster and other changes made to the interior (including a new steering wheel), in addition to a new M113 V8 engine. Between 1989 and 2001, Mercedes-Benz sold over 200,000 units of the R129 SL; evidently fewer than the preceding R107, but let's not forget that this was achieved in just over half the time that it took for the previous-generation car. There's no doubt that the R129 was another success story for Mercedes-Benz.

 This 1998 car comes with original paperwork including manuals, service book, V5C, previous invoices, MoT certificates, etc. According to the supplied documents, it had its pre-delivery inspection in October 1998. It has 88565 miles on the odometer, and the latest MoT, which it cleared without any advisory, is valid till March 2025.

The late-model R129 SL can be easily recommended, for it brings along a long list of fine qualities without compromising safety, reliability, or even aesthetic appeal. This example has a lot to offer, too. Its condition is good, it has been regularly used and maintained well, and to top it all, it comes at a great price.