Mercedes-Benz SL R129 - Our Honest Review

Mercedes-Benz SL R129 - Our Honest Review
Here it is, the long-awaited video of our honest review of the Mercedes-Benz SL R129 roadster. We took some time to prepare this video review because so much has been said and written about the SL R129 in numerous video reviews and articles that it was challenging to do justice to this amazing masterpiece from the venerable Bruno Sacco. What could we possibly tell you that you would not already know about the SL R129? We at H&L Classics have owned, driven, and restored the SL R129 for more than a decade, and this review represents our thoughts and feelings about this car, and we hope that it would help you understand what it is like to live with the SL R129 for as long as we have.
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[@peterthepilot4413]

I own one of these R129s and it’s my favourite car of all time, I’ve owned probably 100 cars in my time but this is the best ever.

[@jameshilaire6846]

. 1h

[@chrisromanczuk1468]

I just purchased a 1992 300SL imported to Canada in 2009 from California. The car has a blown headgasket and I paid 1300 cad for the car. I have done a headgasket on the M102 and M103 engines so I hope the M104 is similar. I cant wait to drive this beauty!

[@HLClassics]

Good to get the head gasket done on the M104. It is a weak point of the engine, so to speak. Not so different from the M103. While in there, check the condition of the cylinders for scoring or any other form of damage.

[@chrisromanczuk1468]

@@HLClassics yes I'm also doing the valve stem seals. It's like brand new inside the engine only have surface rust on the camshafts because it was sitting outside the mechanic's shop for three months. Some oil and a scotchbright pad cleaned it up.

[@nedcoburn6421]

A very nice surprise to find a new video from yourselves on a Sunday afternoon! I think you photograph and film the cars so beautifully and your calm voice certainly suits the wonderfully laid back nature of the R129! Yours are definitely the most enjoyable and informative R129 videos on KZbin at the moment for me. I'd been researching the purchase of one of these wonderful cars for many months having been wowed by them when they first appeared in the UK around 89 or 90. I was so glad to find your buying guide which I watched several times, noted down all of your check points and used it to help find myself my dream R129 which I am now the proud owner of. It's a 1992 500SL in the same colour as yours although with a grey leather interior, I'd have loved to have had either blue or beige leather but the condition and history of this car is incredible so I went for it. Thank you again for your excellent videos on classic Mercedes-Benz!

[@HLClassics]

Glad that our video was useful in helping you find your dream R129! Maintained well, it would bring many smiles for as many miles. There should be a good following of R129 owners in the UK, convoys of R129s with the top down is a sight to behold.

[@brandonfowler6013]

Great video once again and your voice is soothing. I’ve had my 92 500sl for just over a year. We inherited it from my father in law who bought in 1993. It’s never spent a night outside. Sadly I was recently rear ended. I have a shop that can do the repairs, so I am patiently waiting. Fortunately it still runs and drives perfectly thanks to Mercedes engineering. I never thought I could love and enjoy a car as much as this one. Keep up the great content!

[@HLClassics]

Hope you get it repaired soon. We saw the pictures of your red car posted on FB. Where we are based, it would be a relatively simple repair. Glad you found a shop willing to do it for you. Definitely nowhere near totaled as some were saying.

[@denisletourneau3398]

La voix est aussi invitante que la voiture! Bravo pour ceci. Votre façon de nous parler de cette dernière vraie SL, les prises de vues, la qualité du propos, et bien sûr, sa compétence. Possédant une SL 320 1995 marquant 230.000kms sur le compteur, cet objet est un délice lorsqu'il s'agit de le manipuler, de le conduire. Pour l'instant, sur ma voiture, rien ne coule encore...Merci et poursuivez!

[@igorkoske8376]

I currently own 2002 R129 W12 SL-600 Silver Arrow Brabus 72 1 of 9 That was ever sold in North America. I’m extremely happy with the car and enjoy it to my maximum capacity. This is my 3rd R129 that I ever bought. I owned 1996 SL-500 bought it new and owned it till 2002 and in 2002 I bought R129 SL-600 Silver Arrow also new that I sold in 2012 and in 2022 I managed to find my current R129 W12 SL-600 silver Arrow Brabus 72 that I bought with 8700 miles from Mecum Auto Auction

[@DetroitJohnny1]

If you don’t mind, what did the 2002 sl600 Brabus cost you at Mecum’s?

[@igorkoske8376]

@@DetroitJohnny1 roughly $158000.00 US dollars. Car is worth over $220000.00+ to the right collector. There’s only 9 that were ever built by Brabus using W12 R129 SL 600 model and modifying it to 7.2L W12 engine.

[@autoartsassistant9103]

I own one of these. SL500. Great car

[@ThecultofCon]

Most beautiful car ever produced.

[@print-master]

I've owned an 1995 R129 SL500 since 2008. Only fault was the throttle body went bad so replaced it for $$$. Since then its been perfect. The distributors are the Achilles heel but I replace them every 5 years or so. I hope I never have to part with my R129, it's a car I love.

[@HLClassics]

Your R129 will age gracefully, that's for sure. Keep it for another 10 years and it would be one of the most beautiful cars running on the road still.

[@thelowlychicken]

The video from yourselves, and in general I have been waiting for. R129 for me is the last of the glamorous SLs. I remember when they first come out...3.5 year waiting list here in the UK !!! CONGRATULATIONS 🎊 A WONDERFUL VIDEO. The r129 is still a head Turner and brings a smile to peoples face 😀 Keep your wonderful videos coming please 🙏

[@HLClassics]

Thanks Darren! That's a long time to wait for a car indeed. We might be doing a review on the W124 next. Stay tuned!

[@thelowlychicken]

@@HLClassics the W124!! I can'twait!! I remember seeing my first r129 when I worked around the Notting Hill area here in the UK. Even though it's a very wealthy part of London, everyone stopped!! I've just bought my very own full service history immaculate silver r129 320 year 2001 and my goodness...she (her name is Grace Kelly after the glamorous actress) is truly magical!! Just come back from our first road trip to Yorkshire....Grace was truly amazing and she gets so much good attention. 👍🏾 People just stop and smile as we waft past in style and Grace. 😀

[@thelowlychicken2798]

I think I watch your video on the majestic r129 sl every day and never grow tired 👌🏾 Great work

[@HLClassics]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@SavvyCrypto]

I have a 1997 and it has become my favorite car as well. Just such a well engineered design.

[@danf4447]

mechancis say this car is known for an overly complex multi cylender hydraulic roof that can cost a ton to fix.

[@christophervan6966]

You can do it yourself for very little with a KZbin tutorial

[@poovaneswaransupramaniam19]

Amazing car....definitely a work of art

[@HLClassics]

We spend a lot of time just looking at the car

[@mrdflash2127]

The early ones look so much better than facelifted ones it's incredible. I'd pass on 2-3 more mpg that newer 5 speed offers just for them classy looks.

[@billrbca]

Got my 90 300SL it was pretty tired and not too well cared for with 144k miles did head gasket, top cylinders and new seats. I think it is more maintainable than later cars..... .I don't really care about value appreciation...now at 165k going to drive the sh*t out of mine...and btw did get complement other day when I took it for a nice day in winter run.

[@HLClassics]

These cars are meant to be enjoyed and driven at the pleasure of the owner

[@billrbca]

@@HLClassics I agree....drive them to enjoy...

[@AlexHeezen]

Love the car, love your voice and love the review! kind regards

[@godwindracing6056]

Enjoyed the video, what I liked about it from others is that it doesn’t resort to name dropping (it was the Tesla/G-wagen of its day, heavily favoured by celebrities)

[@rurimoto]

Im glad im stumbled upon this channel

[@ncm1980]

AMAZING review. Keep up the style

[@HLClassics]

Thank you! More videos will be coming soon

[@flat6croc]

The later facelift styling updates are an utter travesty inside and out. Can't understand how Sacco signed them off!

[@MrTitaniumBG]

I really want to buy one and drive it across Europe to the south of France!

[@gkky997]

Tqvm 🙏

[@rezamotin7305]

Hi folks, is a Low mileage Auto 280SL god condition in mint green desirable?

[@cjlomax2156]

Excellent points and a quality review! I totally agree on the drive characteristics! Thanks!

[@katanensis]

I own a 2001 500sl silver on black interior and I would not change it for anything!!!!

[@HLClassics]

Nice colour combination!

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

Great video review and greater car! 🙏🏻

[@lu74wn2002]

Sorry it my be a good video but the audio is too soft and to be honest not involving - you sound like a dentist - I fell asleep listening to it - the piano section at the end finally woke me up

[@HLClassics]

We're glad that it was soothing enough to put you to sleep.

[@Puto73]

“…you sound like a dentist” Best comment!

[@marius-laurentiubabaiana6927]

I find it relaxing and engaging, l prefer this tempo

[@donjose007]

Dentist. Hahaha That cracked me up. Videonis very informative though. Kudos

[@doncorleon9]

You even use Mercedes font in your overlays. A sub was immediate!

[@HLClassics]

Thanks! We like to pay attention to the small little details.

[@200enghow]

Hi i am Edward Lee. I plan to buy a R129. Do u have any good unit to intro to me

[@emixmim]

I've been binge watching your videos, great stuff. I was hoping you might help me with a question, do you know which model year of R129 introduced parking sensors? Thanks.

[@HLClassics]

Thanks! The SL R 129 never came with parking sensors in the entire production cycle.

[@nekansafkan9757]

We have a sl 600 v12 1996, amazing car. And a 300sl 1993 manual 🥰😍😍

[@HLClassics]

Manuals are lovely

[@nekansafkan9757]

@@HLClassics I Like the manual more actually but it is more to the roots. It really feels Light and by shifting it is So sporty, it only weighs 1.450 kg

[@Fall-off-currencies]

@@nekansafkan9757 the r129 sl300 weight is 1600kg. sl500 1780kg and the sl600 1955kg

[@Inu91]

Excellent video!! I need advice. I have two purchase options, a 1991 SL 300 or a 1995 SL 320 (both in good condition). Which do you think is the best option? I have read that the 1989-1992 models do not have biodegradable components and the mechanics are less complex and therefore less expensive to repair. Is this true? what dou you recommend? Greetings from Mexico!!

[@jawadahmed5966]

Why this car is looks like an elite celebrity

[@witsend008]

The last good Mercedes . I had 3 of them.

[@jjgoldiesgtgt512]

I'm looking to buy an early 6 cylinders r129 probably next year before prices rise up, I owned multiple classic bmw's and a Mercedes W201, I prefer the ride quality of Mercedes Benz, I can't wait to pull the trigger and buy mine. Don't mind having a bigger engine and 500's are too high for my pockets. So I hope smaller version will remain in the price range for some time yet before it blows up

[@HLClassics]

The smaller engines are more economical to maintain and doesn't disappoint for power. The inline six sounds very nice as well.

[@christophervan6966]

I have a 320 straight six. Best kept secret of the stable. Revs, handles, sounds fantastic.

[@marcelpacheco7878]

True all.

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

Where has this been shot?

[@johnwalters878]

The biodegradable engine wiring harness is a feat in German engineering…

[@chrispoulson3215]

Buy the 1989- 1992 model year and that won't be a problem. Another bonus is that you will also get the purest version of Sacco's R129 design and a car that retains that old-school Mercedes-ness with higher quality materials used both inside the cabin and out.

[@davidcontini7217]

The two cars both have a six cylinder engine. I would have expected a V8 and a V12, which are much more representative of the R129.

[@HLClassics]

Six cylinder R129 cars represent 44% of all R129s produced, not a small number

[@christophervan6966]

My 1994 straight six is a motoring masterpiece

[@noahfisher9962]

what is the usual price for a r129 in Malaysia used?

[@HLClassics]

Varies widely depending on condition

[@ashterfadgadget817]

Ok, so how did that crash happen?

[@HLClassics]

Accidentally

[@ashterfadgadget817]

@@HLClassics 🤔 I hope not after drinking.

[@HLClassics]

Technically it was after drinking, but the drinks weren't alcoholic.

[@darthdaddy6983]

Suspicious-ly🤨

[@michaelgraham4795]

@@HLClassics Lmaoooo I don’t think anyone picked up on that.

[@jrolyzein494]

Pencerita tu lemah,nmpk kereta tu jdi lemah..SENTIMENTAL BTUL,POYOH..

[@HLClassics]

Perghhhhh

[@keabot]

Lovely old girl 👌🏽

[@1995RangeRover]

[@bibo.b2901]

RH :((

[@HLClassics]

What's wrong with RHD?

[@r107560sl]

What do you mean the R129 and the W124 don't share the same chassis? Body panals no of course, but they share most of the suspension parts, dampers, rear assembly components and the steering column! The 500E were sent to Porsche for assembly was because the width of the 500E couldn't fit into the standard W124 production line, 400E got a V8 also but not produced by Porsche! You simply got no idea what you're talking about! R129 is an ugly stupid car! The folding roof breaks down all the time and the handling is like a brick! R107 is much prettier and classicer than the plastic crap R129!

[@HLClassics]

Yes, you're very knowledgeable

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

i am a mb tech. the r129 blows away the r107

[@r107560sl]

@@narcissistinjurygiver2932 yeah right, funny man!

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@r107560sl fact, not humor.

[@r107560sl]

@@narcissistinjurygiver2932 Fact of stupidity?

[@albertcoetzee7807]

boring commentator..

[@anakajaib6854]

You not whispering didn't you?