Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 drive and review (R129)

[@DesirableVinyl]

You are 'living the life' many of us can only dream of, but you do it with no snobiness or airs and graces, love the delivery of your reviews and the combination of location or road trip with the cars. Good for you and thanks for the inspiration

[@RichieRouge206]

Jason Clarke totally agree, Harry is a gentleman and has earned his privileges.

[@Shamrockjason]

Agreed

[@tinorosmg9374]

Master class

[@chawenhalo0089]

Lol. Sounds like a loan shark IMO...

[@bluceree7312]

Ever since I found Harry's channel I wanted to say the same. He's a top man.

[@CarburetedKilos]

I finally visited Monaco (from America) because of this video. As someone who appreciates cars, Harry, travel, and setting up getaway spots all over the world, rewatching this video now 9 years after it inspired me is just the duck's nuts.

[@RikhardLorenzo]

Every time I watch Harry's Garage I end up wanting a car that never even crossed my mind before.

[@joris777]

same here,I actually "forgot" the R129

[@alexmartinez280]

Same! I want an old XJC V1/ now with a manual swap bc it’s affordable compared to most dream cars on the channel lol. Love Harry and his content bc it’s fun and genuinely entertaining/inspiring.

[@retepyam5858]

Yep just about to look one up on Autotrader I especially liked the term "man math" :-)

[@MattMK45]

Lol, "We should all drive V12 petrol engines - it's the way forward" Love watching these videos, mega kudos to Harry

[@Felix-wp9fb]

I just bought an SL500. Harry, i've been dreaming about R129 since i saw this clip. Thanks!

[@adrian5b]

One of my favourite Mercedes models ever.

[@petur4eto]

This is my favourite episode! I love Sl-class especially at this age. And those AMG monoblock wheels... amazing vehicle!!!

[@E34Benzin]

Being a '93 it is a 600 SL. It has been retrofitted with later R129 bumpers and headlamps. What an excellent automobile that is. I love the R129, specially when it has the M120 V12 engine under the bonnet. :)

[@ferrariscuderia4290]

When I bought a Mercedes E class estate a few years ago I was stunned at the quality and smoothness of the car, and still am. There is nothing quite like a Mercedes.

[@DoriFord]

Thanks for the video! I personally consider R129 to be one of the most beautiful cars ever, seriously. I was a kid when it came out, and ever since I think it's a great design. It's simple, but delicate. The car is quite big (keep in mind the engine bay), but looks tiny and low. I was also surprised it has some sorta rear seats! Most of the R129 I've seen never got ones! The second thing I don't like in terms of usage, is that driving position is good, but you can't slip down a little on the seat, cause your knees will meet the dash, haha. I'm not too high, but somewhat higher than most. This car has just a little bit less leg space than you'd get in W124. But I love it. I enjoy the design every time I see my friend's one. I think the cars of the 90s were like pinnacles of the old school fashion - build it good and beautiful. Some of the newer ones are okay, but most of the modern cars do not deliver the feel of sensation when you look at them.

[@modenajon]

Glad I came across this guys videos. He's great!

[@jonathangandy]

Another example of why Harry's channel is the best on KZbin. Fantastically down to earth guy, no need for high end production just honest humble vids full of great info and insights. Top man!

[@walczukm]

I'm glad that we can watch yours cars like the old good times :) I heard a lot about the old sl but nobody describes cars with passion like you.This was properly spent 20 minutes. Thank you Harry.

[@TheWolf326]

10:40 "Hear that diesel? Shocking, shouldn´t be allowed..." Ahahahahhhh comment of the year =)) Nice car, nice review, thanks.

[@NOTORIOUS_CODM]

+TheWolf326 funny thing coz in Europe most of the cars are diesel

[@MrSchulta]

I liked his next comment.... 'we should all drive v12 petrols - its the way forward'. Haha love Harry!

[@swebb302]

Harry for supreme ruler

[@davidfarmer2049]

Made my evening. If my transit connect had been there he'd have had complete paralysis......

[@davidviner4932]

Nowadays most people can’t tell the difference

[@pingwong117]

Should all drive petrol V12 God Bless Harry

[@_Junkers]

it's the way forward

[@pingwong117]

Junkers ya it holds here cause it's not an Alfa where you need to look good rather than looking forward

[@basshead.]

I'm rocking with my V12 5.5 twin turbo engine.

[@Beethoven80]

Dear Harry, I adore your videos and keep watching them again and again. I really like the way how you are describing technical details, history and engineering facts and then just enjoying the comfort and performance of your magnificent cars. Please keep making videos, I will not miss a single one.

[@diopsidem5]

I'm impressed. You're quite lucky to get such a nice sl600 for that price. They cost about €15-20k here for a similar one. Please keep making these videos :)

[@macarows4014]

This is the only YT channel where I watch EVERY SINGLE video :) You are doing amazing job Harry!

[@iliketoplaywithpaint]

Harry, you & Chris Harris do the best reviews by far. I've watched this review 5 times now, brilliant! Big fan, Mitch (Christchurch, New Zealand).

[@mtgcars]

Good video as always harry such a humble guy and very informative :) never stop making videos! thanks :)

[@robbiehancox5647]

Awesome car, great video. My daily driver is a 77 450 SL, and I never get tired of driving it. Thanks Harry

[@ronaldwilliford301]

Harry, I like you Mercedes Benz V12, it’s an attractive car, fast too. congratulations on your new purchase! More smiles per miles

[@jamalwalker8352]

Thank you Harry. I love the view of 🇫🇷 France. Your SL600 is fanominal. My favorite SL is the 1999 SL500 siren red with beige interior.

[@DrivenAmbition]

Just bought a 1994 sl 600 with 60k miles no previous owners on the log book from a good friend of mine for 7k. Mine friend paid 107k for it new in1994! But then just completely stopped using it about 5 years ago. He know's I love collecting cars so I think that's the only reason he let it go.. I'm just in the process of replacing the fabric roof, a window motor, mot, door lock compressor and servicimg. Along with a few other small jobs, The engine sounds bulletproof. And I am so looking forwards to taking it to the south of France for the summer with the family. Love watching this video just a great area to spend time in!! Thanks Harry

[@Chogie14]

Safe to say that after this vid there won't be another for less than 5.5k again

[@harrysgarage]

I actually think I got a great buy but the car had stood for almost a year and was looking a little sorry for itself when I bought it, hence why it was so cheap..

[@HUMC5]

Harry's garage My jaw dropped when you say you got it for 5k. What a bargain.

[@zk9058]

It may seem like a bargain at that price at €5500....but wait until the water pump goes....it will probably cost just as much to replace it (or any other part in the car). Best of luck with it though!

[@Beolex]

Lazy Bastard Water pump for this V12 SL600 is a little shy of €360, that's the same territory as a Porsche 911 water pump, and even cheaper than a Ferrari. And the M120 utilizes a timing chain so you don't have to worry about replacing belts every 30,000 miles or so. M120 is a bulletproof engine. It's basically two straight sixes working together, and Mercedes-Benz were very good at making bulletproof straight sixes back in the day.

[@majorsnodgrassthethird5699]

Isn't it 2 M104 engines mounted on a common block.

[@michobebemckawi]

Thank you for making this review! It's a pleasure to see YOU, who can get access to all the world's cars say so many good things and enjoy the SL600 … I'm an owner of a same platform/years S600 and I feel almost everything you said can be applied to the W140 S-Class

[@derekheeps1244]

Agreed ; I have a R129 300SL-24 and a W140 S320 ; great cars both .

[@jhhicks]

I'm SOOOO glad to have found this channel!!! I sure missed his videos on the Evo channel. Can't wait for more updates! Cheers, Harry!

[@jacobreed47]

Thank you for the commentary of your wonderful SL600. I enjoyed it very much. Here in Seattle Washington, we don't see many of the soft tops, due to the fact it rains 300+ days of the year. Also your accent and voice is serene, this city hustle and bustle talk here gets old after a while. Thanks again and thumbs up for this video. !

[@DEVANC4VETTE]

I love these videos Harry. Please keep them coming. I always thought it was amazing how these kinds of cars depreciate for whatever reason to the point that you can pick them up for near nothing.

[@islandknight6105]

The cars depreciate but the cost of parts or service doesn’t. That’s your answer 🙄

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

The year is 2020 and I am watching this now. Stunning...just stunning.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Harry's Garage. 'Nuff said. Harry is the petrolhead's petrolhead!

[@robblair3703]

Fantastic video. A beautiful car and fantastic scenery. Great comments, too. "Everyone should drive big petrol V12s, it's the way forward." Superb

[@mike88g1]

best car reviewer I have seen.

[@sussexbikerpillion]

I recently bought an SL500 in a lovely unusual Green(1990) with The nice alloys as on yours, no rust at all, for 5K with 79k on the clock. The price of a second hand Fiesta. Drives sublimely and would still put a lot of modern cars to shame.Despite the big 18" tyres it is remarkably smooth and cosseting. Best of Both. These where the Mercedes of their time that people used to dream of owning unlike the modern Chrysler's. It's handling and V8 roar is grin inducing. You are driving the original Benz Principle of perfection. And what makes my grin even wider is what it cost!!

[@ClintWestmetal88]

Far more interesting than seeing yet another car pointlessly drifted around a track.

[@edjackson4389]

My late father-n-law had one of these. He trusted me to work on it (I own a body shop), and even insisted me and my wife took it on vacation one summer. He was a great guy. I was very impressed with the car to say the least. They are definitely getting cheap enough that Im considering buying one now. So much more beautiful in real life than they look in videos.

[@77sdb]

Another great review. You're the boss Harry! Keep it up

[@Weasel4Fun]

It is really good to come back to this video! It really shows car enthusiasm that I relate to and appreciate. It's like I'm there. This video is one of the classics Harry!

[@erlanggahurip9263]

still a beautiful car to this day... love your 80s 90s car collection Harry.

[@pezzonovante888]

Crazy - I JUST bought a 114,000km 2000 SL500 (R129) and it's silver to boot! It's not the V12, but the V8 has more than enough power for how we drive where I live (Toronto). I just love the look of the R129 and it really can be two different cars in one. Thanks for this video, Harry. Looking forward to more!

[@Worldsupercars]

This car is so cool! Great choice for the Riviera Harry ;)

[@jonathanhollick6954]

I watched this and bought one for my retirement present to myself. Its only a 1999 3.2 but it is a remarkable one owner car cost £7k and had 95k on the clock. ECU went and blew out both window motors stopping the roof in the process, but so far only needed 2 tryes and it goes well, looks well and by golly it does me well! What a car!!!

[@batman291]

Just something about those merc´s from the 80´s and 90´s

[@tomanderson6335]

Oh yeah. Bruno Sacco was at the height of his powers.

[@dustbowl19311939]

True. This car is built like a tank. It went downhill soon after, especially with the W210 (1995 E-Class).

[@HUMC5]

Swag

[@SuperImmunologist]

Dust Bowl I'd say W220

[@Kev27RS]

Exactly! I feel the same! There's something about the older Merc's… They got more style, character & soul than the new ones… and don't get me wrong I also like the new modern ones, but I just got a fable for older cars in general, especially 80's and 90's!

[@MyeditorYash]

Loved this car when I was growing up. Still a classic car for me and still looks stunning!

[@adilkeys9771]

you are now officially my favorite reviewer.

[@ahemgee9542]

Just picked up a low mileage R129 SL500 myself .. living the dream 🤩 fantastic cars. Adore it much more than my modern C43.

[@lebowski97]

Another fantastic video. Agree with the others, those AMG monoblocks really do make the car. Cannot believe the depreciation - you gotta love used late-model V12 MB's :) I hope to be as successful in life as Harry has been, but more importantly, if I am, I hope I can remain similarly humble and unpretentious. Please keep the great vids coming, Mr. Metcalfe.

[@MdvK13979]

As car reviews on youtube go, this surely is a delight! Lovely to see this much passion delivered at such a level of quality. Well done and thanks very much for sharing. Hats off to you Harry!

[@Wirenfeldt1990]

A small shop in Japan makes an exhaust system that makes it sound like the Zonda it shares an engine block with

[@Heatfarmer]

Which, if you listen to what the man carefully explains is not what you want this car to be, unless you are 18 and would be more in need of a good slapping several times a day than a Mercedes V12 cabriolet ...

[@simonwright5943]

@@Heatfarmer I for one would LOVE one of these with the induction/exhaust roar of a Zonda

[@Heatfarmer]

@@simonwright5943 Get the Zonda instead. Oh, they are expensive, but putting the same exhaust on this car doesn't mean its a Zonda, just an obnoxious sounding MB

[@EbrahimSaadawii]

@@Heatfarmer why are you so annoyed by the concept? It's interesting and fun.

[@Heatfarmer]

@@EbrahimSaadawii Fun for who? Problem is that the people who do these mods to their cars don't seem understand that the rest of the world isn't particularly interested in hearing that exhaust blasting out 140 dB if they are enjoying their time-off at the Promenade des anglais or anywhere else for that matter. Fine for me if they keep to drive them in their own bloody backyard. By the way, the sound of a sports exhaust on a luxury brand is just cheesy. AND you guessed right that AMGs does nothing for me...

[@GTfour01]

Great to see this SL still soldiering on. All the best with it Mr. Metcalffe.

[@Zygrene]

This channel is amazing. Wish I had found it earlier!

[@puyrm]

Amazing car reviews by Harry. Way more in depth. He talks about all the buttons and everything. Love it

[@moviniron8384]

This is possibly the last era that car enthusiasts can own reasonably priced V12's, get one while you can.

[@Heatfarmer]

And the first era too :)

[@squaregaming8964]

Now £60k for a fairly good one lmao

[@SilverLeaper]

Harry, you never fail to inspire, your enthusiasm for cars is addictive.

[@markbriggs5531]

Really enjoyed this. Great car, lovely setting and Harry's a great reviewer - a real enthusiast!

[@ronaldcheung5934]

I used to watch Harry on EVO, so glad I've found him again on KZbin today. Greetings from Hong Kong!

[@Tuffenss]

Great episode Harry! Always loved these cars and remember dreaming that one day I would own 1 and 20 years past they are cheaper than a new clio...

[@rare6499]

Great video Harry. The R129 is still an awesome car. That and the W140 were real highlights of that era. Its only now with the new S that Mercedes are getting back to that old glory!!

[@docmac249]

Damn it Harry. I thought I was over these sorts of cars. Now I have to go buy an SL 600! I need this like a hole in the head....

[@oldrrocr]

just when I was getting ready to sell my Benz... nah, I'll keep her another year.

[@Garen15]

I'm glad you mentioned the "Rest" function, almost no one knows about it. it's a great feature. i use it a lot here in Canada. it will keep the car warm while i go buy something and come back quick. great for quick stops.

[@mrchestwell]

Lovely video Harry - love your choice of cars and your wonderful relaxed, friendly presenting style - never boring, always entertaining!

[@williamobrien522]

cheers from the US, I just wanted to say it was an absolute pleasure watching this video, allows the rest of us to see that unique lifestyle! combined with a good car buy can't beat it!

[@stephenmorrish]

Such a classy car, Mercedes are like a fine wine improve with age.

[@VertigoGTI]

This is one of the few videos that made be scour the classifieds after watching it. I absolutely love the unassuming, yet menacing presence of an R129. As always, fantastic video and I can't wait for the next one!

[@morty1988]

This is THE channel. Great videos, great format. Love it. How spoiled are we in this time, seeing what we want to see. People producing what they want, no network execs involved.

[@hristohristov8787]

This video still amazes me how quality and informative is even now in 2024 I really enjoyed watching that incredible road trip with the sl600 which costs considerably more nowadays.

[@seenthroughglass]

Ha, the 50p trick is nice! Great purchase, at that price and with that engine, must be ace to bomb around in the sun in! Jealous

[@blacktoothfox677]

Hey man - love the channel!

[@jonpatchett425]

I have a 1959 Land Rover that will sit with a coin on edge on the rocker cover, never mind on the wing. Great video, wondering if I can find one as cheap today (October 2021).

[@MickeyD100]

Absolutely love the the style of R129 SLs, and it's cool to think that we're all here on the ground floor of a great youtube channel. It gives me a little thrill to think that with the relatively low view counts right now that Harry, who I idolize so much, might actually be reading these messages personally! I also love that Harry is a perfectionist in so many ways, but doesn't let it get in the way of his true enjoyment of cars for exactly what they are. I loved seeing the little torn-up seat bolster and slightly imperfect panel fitment, like near the seat adjuster, and that it doesn't detract at all from the joy he gets from driving the thing. Pretty cool stuff!

[@djweetos]

Harry can make a Lada look desirable!

[@PabloPerez-ed9gp]

😂😂😂agree

[@deekay336]

Found a 98 with 60k miles for $12,000. I think I'm sold. Going to go test drive it this saturday. Need something to drive instead of my motorcycle once there is snow on the ground and something to ride with a friend and have some fun. Thanks for this great video.

[@0richeym]

'german autobahn' - yeh right! lmao Great video Harry!

[@Veyronp87]

LOL i thought that too

[@rombierto]

You are the most engaging personality in the car world. I like how you focus on the personality of the car rather than the "numbers." The video felt like it was 5 minutes long...that is a great accomplishment!

[@MarkFeaGuitar]

Those clocks remind me of my old SECs... funny hearing about the turning circle too, one of the surprises on my CL!

[@raycroal]

what model of cl do you have

[@MarkFeaGuitar]

@@raycroal hey, its a W215 CL500. I do have another channel where I chat about it actually at W215CL500 VLOG

[@raycroal]

@@MarkFeaGuitar hoho i am suscribed to it lol

[@MarkFeaGuitar]

@@raycroal haha, nice one Ray!

[@bengaltiger96]

Love that attitude - the money we save by scrunching into the car for 10 minutes, is money we spend at the restaurant instead. Man’s got his priorities right.

[@taraf109]

The last gorgeous SL

[@harrysgarage]

Panerai Luminor Marina. Classic design, manual wind, glass back and one of my favourite things!

[@be8282]

Harry's garage love your reviews mr Metcalfe , thank you sir

[@MrMillenium67]

Harry's garage That's my favourite watch, I would love to have one.

[@mrbondohrama]

MrMillenium67 What type/brand of watch is it?

[@MrMillenium67]

mrbondohrama Read Harry's reply above!

[@rustyjeep2469]

Watching this makes me miss my Benz although it only had 1/3 of the cylinders of this beauty! I think I need one of these at some point. Excellent stuff as always Harry.

[@ChrisBrideauMedia]

I just recently discovered your channel and I must say, you have excellent taste Sir. Beautiful car. 5K for all that? Wow.

[@rogersgjuk2]

Stunning, always remember borrowing my bosses 320 in the 80's brand new from the dealer.. took it to show my wife and told her I bought it on EXTRA LONG terms.. she belted me over the head as we were saving for a house.. hahah love these.. great video Harry

[@barryolaith]

I've personally found it very difficult to know which car to leave parked by my yacht in the South of France.

[@splodge57]

Haven't even got a rowing boat in Southend.

[@900108Chale]

Have said it before. Will say it again. LoVe your videos! Thanks for talking about a car which is so dear to me. ANY SL (up until this model) is gorgeous.

[@charleshu5752]

Back in The day where Mercedes Benz still cares about the SL

[@GtstangLv]

Harry, thanks so much for the content. You never fail to provide the most informative car reviews available. Hope you had a nice vacation.

[@TheKizzyfish]

And straight onto Autotrader....

[@ericdejesus6942]

I remember seeing one like this when I was a kid in '93. You would've thought it was a NASA spaceship, it was just so so cool! Thanks to this video, I am now searching around online to see what one can be had for here in the US. Thanks Harry!

[@josj15]

still a beautiful car, love that design

[@redchevy]

I love your review. I have a 97 with 31,525 miles. You made my morning. I did 13.56 at the drags. So they run the same times as a new camaro ss. Not bad for a 20 year old heft one. Like you said on the highway it's in its own! Jeremy Clarkson said "if you want to know why the huge expense simply put your right foot down."

[@detective3728]

That is what i call a GT!

[@detective3728]

Nah you are right, its a hatchback. :)

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

***** It lacks being as special as Italian or English cars are I think. In Germany it is very much a pander's car...

[@detective3728]

So what you are saying, a GT can only be Italian or english? lol Its a GT like the BMW 850 or the new BMW 650i.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

***** Actually no, but it has to have some class. This cars once had, I like both of them, but today, they lost it - thanks to their cheap prices and therefore "strange" owners. Just pay Stuttgart a visit and you'll understand what I mean...

[@detective3728]

Well, have an old german car magazin, were they compere It with the XK8 and calls it a GT.. Its a GT.

[@CP-hm6gz]

Jesus this is a dream of a car. You are one lucky man. V12 engine, coupe, convertible and for it being a classically made Mercedes? Wow

[@alexaj5821]

best looking merc ever

[@TVIgnition]

So glad you're back Harry. There's just something about these videos that's just right.

[@beowulf5982]

Well presented, lovely car a pleasure to watch.

[@MrSamadolfo]

Nice! I usta work at a Mercedes Dealer in Miami back in the 90s, these are great cars for cruising the oceanfront with the top down, Buy It !!! 😍

[@jozakroat]

awesome channel harry. first time here. great videos ill sub

[@quantumphaser]

I miss my 1990 500SL It was good to hear the sound of that top operating again.

[@stitcha123]

15:47 that yellow 500 is also pretty sweet.

[@mbfanz]

Omg, a proper review for the 129. I am loving my 1999 SL500 too. Yes, 4 cylinders fewer, but more than enough for any road scenarios. Definitely a collector's car! ;)

[@rickydoolous5356]

Buy one of these or a brand new euro bore box?, take the SL run for 2 years and use the money saved on depreciation costs to fuel the beast and it would be a cheaper option, run it on classic car insurance and find a reputable independant MB specialist and your'e laughing.

[@catamenia8485]

By independent you mean not a dealership?

[@raycroal]

shhh! dont tell everyone you will get us all caught

[@iantownsend5480]

Brilliant review loved every second. What a car, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want one, I believe Clarkson had a R129 SL 500 back in the day

[@etma01]

Love Harrys vids. Keep em coming Harry!!

[@MrHaun]

Should note: If you have someone make and install a custom set of headers with an open exhaust on this engine (along with the W220 S600)... it sounds roughly the same as the Zonda. It just sings beautifully.