OLD MERCEDES SL500 V8 Review! They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To

[@CalvinsCarDiary]

This car is now SOLD! Find links to all my brand and businesses here: calvinslinks.com

[@neilcorcoran1160]

Beautiful car, the new owner is very lucky!

[@tombainbridge5406]

Dream car

[@JD-eo7dr]

Loved this era Mercedes my uncle had a really bloody nice W124coupe when I was a kid it was Boss👌

[@bonniedrasco8166]

Thought I was about to win it in Planet of Dreams? 😢

[@mikeolly67]

That was a rare colour on a R129. I was a salesman at a merc main dealer from 1994 , and this colour had been fased out a few years previously, it’s called “impala”

[@BollocksToThat]

Wonder can they bring it back for special cars

[@hexagonosaurus5848]

Looks shit honestly

[@rbnrbn7519]

I don’t think it’s impala brown It’s anthracite

[@ektrolleyboy]

It’s none of those. It was called “Bornite”. It looks brown sometimes and purple others. “Impala” was a true brown and for the previous SL model. It’s not anthracite either. “Anthracite” was a metallic grey.

[@jeffcollins1278]

That’s not a wind deflector it’s a roll Bar that flips up if you turn the car over Also them rear lights were designed to be self cleaning by the shape of them

[@CarsofGlasgow]

that is right!

[@rbnrbn7519]

I was going to comment here but you beat me to it

[@a.c.6475]

They were also designed to be seen from a distance in snow!

[@adamkightley]

Proud owner of a 92 SL with came with a set of monoblocks. Absolutely love driving the car, the funny thing is keep accelerating past 60mph and it’s truly amazing how well they pull

[@bingobabymusic]

96 on monoblocks as well over here! Yes it is fast on highway 45-130 mph. it’s so heavy low center of gravity it feels very safe when going fast

[@johngrant8533]

Proper gentleman's car. Looks the part still too. Could see this sitting on some nice wheels with a good suspension setup and would turn heads everywhere. Perfect car for the Channel

[@peterolley7159]

That is literally all it needs and would look better than any new merc

[@shaunkoger8096]

You called it nice mono blocks and and coilovers

[@newsnowireland4028]

They just don’t make them like that anymore!!! Pure class

[@thelowlychicken]

Can understand why this r129 SL is sold. Bruno Sacco design and a beautiful colour scheme, no wonder. Wonderful review and thank you for sharing Calvin. The R129 SL is the SL I grew up with. Engineering masterpiece that's glorious look and listen to. By far the most glamorous of the SLs. Keep em coming please!!

[@davey6024]

Yes fella. All you need now is a Sergio Tacchini tracksuit, matching gold curb chain and bracelet, gold rolex and a pair of aviator sunnys, gold rim with neck cord of course.

[@paulknight1332]

@calvin's car diary - you can do a spec check by putting the VIN into any online decoder. The Konig you mentioned is an R107 and that is the roll bar not the wind deflector.

[@petersimpson8386]

Love it Calvin more like this.. 31years old, the weight of a tank and still 6.7 thats unreal, plus well over 100k. Ten grand .... yes please.

[@martinsv9183]

6,42 on second run. With roof down..

[@crickle47]

FWIW dept. These early cars were called a 500SL. Later on, they were badged as a SL500. Weird, huh?

[@alanjohnston3648]

We have had one in the family for over 25 years. Went to my first day of school in one. ❤️

[@dannyhtheretrogamingmaster9548]

I love the older SL's, they just ooze quality and elegance

[@mikep2099]

It’s a rollover hoop not a wind deflector.

[@matty7965]

Summer and winter mode is just for the gearbox and sets it off in second gear in winter

[@JamieBrady]

bet it'd be faster with the roof on. Quality content as usual Calv

[@Salubrious101]

More cars of this vintage please Calvin, these are the cars I lusted after as a kid and they are now super affordable.

[@HARRY_1982]

Calv mate that’s the anti roll bar you put up the wind deflector is in the boot. Roll bar was a safety feature in the SL’s in case you toppled the car over. Hired one of these in 95/96 for a wedding. Was a convertible with a folding roof. What a car. Can’t beat these old school classics.

[@martinboulden4388]

Great car drove around Europe last year in one and did 10k miles no problem. Mine was an SL Edition in Mystic Blue but have to say in Impala it looks gorgeous and period.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Nice old SL, superb build quality, expensive if they go wrong, so always buy the best you can afford.

[@callelindstrom4789]

Rarely go wrong though..its a very strong car. I use my 500 SL 93 as a daily. It just go n go…❤

[@oleur]

I LOVE THIS CAR, the shape, the roof and sound of the engine. One of my favourite car

[@230balta]

Tip: reason why it didn’t start, you need to replace the ignition switch because it’s locking. I’m saying this because I had the same issue with my slk230 Kompressor. One day it just wouldn’t start the key wouldn’t turn at all. Replaced ignition switch for about $500 and to this day the key turn’s without getting stuck and the car starts right up

[@eoink8219]

I remember the first time seeing one back in the early 90’s that V8 sounded like thunder ! My E36 M3 EVO made 317bhp on the dyno so similar power but obviously not torque as your 500. I would love one !

[@kellyshannon45]

The r129 is the pinnacle of true Mercedes roadsters, before the Chrysler merger. Bruno Sacco’s crowning achievement. Brick like quality. Timeless design. The SL ( sport light) was neither sporty nor light. The 5.0 l is probably the sweet spot for economics v performance. A luxury cruiser. The m119 engine was one of the best ever made by Mercedes, but the earlier pre 95 models had biodegradable wiring harnesses and jetronic fuel injection which prove problematic. The 4 speed automatic was bulletproof but clunky, replaced with a smoother 5 speed in the post 95 update. The soft top is hydraulic and uses 20 electric motors to do its thing. The seals leak over time and is an expensive and messy repair. All models have catalytic converters, in fact two separate cats, at least in North American models. The “ wind deflector” is actually a roll bar, designed to employ in a fraction of a second in rollover. These are good collector cars and the value is on the rise. Not recommended as a daily driver, unless you have an extensive budget and a capable repairman. When buying an r129, look for the post 95 models with the better wiring harnesses if you can, as these are expensive. This, coupled with the hydraulic top maintenance are the only known weaknesses of an exceptional automobile of the highest build standard.

[@whiskeyromeobravo3645]

Biodegradable wiring late ‘92 to ‘95 only

[@mikematthews2k181]

Love the classic car videos Calvin 🥰

[@bensandland8811]

We like these older big engine cars Calvin 💪 most car KZbinrs focus on the unobtainable and latest super cars, nice to see this type of content as it's more relatable.

[@ashleymiskin5284]

Used to have a 300SL in red 1994 model amazing car, build quality amazing!!

[@dj_paultuk7052]

It didnt start as the immobiliser came on. You have to start it within 3mins of unlocking the car.

[@stevehoward26002]

The groves in the rear lights are for displaceing rain water. Lovely sl.

[@Rolex-s1f]

I don’t think that’s a wind deflector! More like a roll bar! Amazing car though …It’s only going to up in value

[@jhunt823]

It's called an airscarf.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@jhunt823 airscarf is the vents in the head rests in modern cars

[@Cobra83.]

Proper 90s car, cant wait to see you get some old skool vauxhalls in.

[@a3durrahman343]

One of my fave youtube channel, back to back awesome content, keep up the excellent work. 👍

[@Tonys_training]

You know when your British when you can't carry anything with a friend without quoting the chuckle brothers

[@benlee8697]

Reminds me of “the business” think they had one of these classic SL’s cruising around Marbella. An old school gangster car!

[@Antony99]

Love classic cars like my old ford's nice 500SL I was surprised the 20 to 60 time 6.4 seconds 😯 for a 30 year old 500SL does to show how well built the car really is 👍👌😁

[@Antony99]

Just realised I put 500SL 🤣 it's SL500 the dummy 🤣

[@lloydbrock2711]

The noise. You simply can’t beat that old skool V8 👌🏼

[@scottmiller1426]

Great episode mate , I love old car do more like this one

[@paulb4uk]

I love these older mercs

[@jameshunterford4099]

Very sought after car amongst Mercedes and Classic fans! I love it!

[@doca8792]

It’s a brilliant bit of kit. I’ve an ‘01 V8 sport here in the States.

[@pk-dn5sj]

3 year's ago I'VE ALMOST bought one... lhd in good condition with 2k set of wheels... Im an idiot because I didn't buy this... Would be such a weekend cruiser

[@c.a8134]

Love that video i fell in love with that car reminds me of the one 2pac used on his all eyes on me album I think his speced on with the alloys is the best look for the 500 Benz with the clear front indicators the R129

[@visionsinblue7093]

Liking the new microphone - I don't need to turn the volume down 😂😂 You have a habit of shouting Calvin 😆

[@joeduggan3629]

I have a SL 280 R129 with the mercedes Evo 2 alloys , beautiful car, real head turner

[@smarte.r.1450]

One of my three dream cars Cal…. Lush!!!

[@garyjones5531]

Those rear lights calv, they're designed like that to be self cleaning

[@mikeholland1031]

By better, do you mean the decomposing wiring harness? Many other issues too.

[@alfonzo4368]

Great buy!! Love the content.

[@williamoakes664]

Love these cars - wish I’d bought one when they were cheap (I very nearly did )….so cool ultimately, it’s not about speed and performance it’s above the ride in this instance 👌

[@jonathonstanley5811]

What app you use calvin great content keep it up

[@howardlake6178]

😂😂Grandma can sing, and she can pick up her skirts and run. My favourite of all your videos so far 😂😂

[@print-master]

The immobiliser will arm after 30 secs of not being started. All you need to do is stay in the car, point the key at the drivers mirror, lock the car, unlock the car and start oh and i love the mpg between 15 and 30 depending on how its driven, better than my old triumph 2.5pi and my 1971 VW Beetle GT

[@irfanahmed8414]

had exact same color sl500 lhd with amazon spec. colour coded looked amazing

[@kristianspencer1978]

The SL 500 was a fast car way back when. 0-60 was 5.9 seconds.

[@danieldoherty919]

Gear box service go down well Calvin 🙏

[@kalcine]

That is a rollbar not a wind deflector. The stereo in it is not from '91. That came around probably 95-96 or so.

[@mrdflash2127]

These early SLs are the best looking by a mile!

[@gwilko6452]

Now we are talking. All about nostalgia and old cars now. What a beast

[@stevefoggon285]

Its the rollover bar, not a wind deflector!

[@stevefoggon285]

Pops up really fast if it starts to roll

[@Jon.O]

Just love an old school Mercedes’ and this one is ex emotional!

[@robertfdumoulin6242]

Hey Calvin Why did not mention the Fuel Consumption especially the way you drive it ????

[@anthonyhaigh365]

Can't beat old school mate

[@kevinchapman4648]

That is a rollbar mate lol love it 😀 👍

[@spaceageMrT]

This was my dream car as a kid.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I've always loved these

[@alanhaigh9682]

If I had the money at the moment I would of bought, wrapped black, lowered and gangster wheels. I grew with rich relatives having them

[@ian197c6]

Old Skool Rules Calv 👍 👌

[@shanewaller2864]

Absolutely love these old SL 500s

[@connor45rm85]

v6? weren't these straight 6 in the 300sl?

[@tramlad2]

Lovely classic, looks sweet with the top down, nice

[@chrismawa]

That looks brilliant. Much nicer than modern Mercs

[@davidweekes4374]

Love your videos calvin, would love for you to buy more classic cars like the Mercedes

[@SvN8SiX]

What is the HPI app you use, Calvin?

[@XclusiveAaron]

Calv. I might be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's not the standard key. I've driven one of these before and it didn't have a flip key like that.. So one of them has probably had a replacement key made at some point. I just thought maybe that might explain the starting issue

[@1999glock]

Great video, do you have a version in English ?

[@adamfrancis7057]

I was in Dunstable that day, hottest day of year and it rained 😂

[@daz1975ify]

Its dont feel fast as its effortless, bit like the big engined Jaguars . Love it would have one any day

[@kirkevenden5133]

Yes Calvin.... this is a motor! 😜

[@andypaul382]

Needs a big wide dimma kit deep dish chrome alloys 👍😁

[@thomasdepaor1518]

Looks amazing for its age, I think I will have it off you

[@gazkhan2151]

That’s not the wind deflector it’s the Safty bar when the car rolls over

[@exgtt2061]

Love these, the 600’s SHIFT

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Love the 2 tone paint!! Reminds me of the Lexus LS 400.

[@rbnrbn7519]

Mercedes had this scheme long before Lexus

[@mat807]

you got any mk3 scirocco's love to see draggy times on an R or 220hp

[@ianhunter4838]

I Thinks the modes are E for economy and S for standard

[@JD-eo7dr]

Economy and Sport. Edit- S holds to redline E shifts early

[@LUZ-zv6pq]

First video of yours I've watched I'll definitely be back for more! Would it be worth adding torque and weight to the draggy times? My S40 weighs 1080kg with 200hp/300ft lbs of torque. I don't think people realise how heavy new cars are, although that was a bit of a lump at 1800kg!

[@STEVIEBHOY]

500 SL not SL 500...made from aluminum hence the name SL (Super Light) Calv 👍

[@cosworthmick1837]

Brilliant Calvin 👍🏻👍🏻

[@35deedub]

That ain't the wind deflector Calv, thats the roll bar!

[@kasparsgrinbergs6001]

the value could be... with the steering wheel on the left side in average condition around €15,000. with the steering wheel on the right side around 5000€.

[@SteveSWC]

Believe it or not, the S doesn’t mean “sport” it means “standard”. I have a C36 AMG and that’s what mine says in the handbook. 👍🏼

[@helmuthhaass3631]

No Cathalyst? It wouldn't pass MTO without it. After 1986 all cars had those ex factory.

[@shanesc2291]

What an amazing car very impressed with the performance

[@darkbassi5911]

Picture me rollin in my 500 benz

[@chrisreadman4282]

Proper yuppy spec. I love it

[@waynegardner2495]

Back then Mercedes was for the wealthy now most kids has one

[@johnpells5992]

Great old skool classic love it 👍👍👍👍😎

[@andy00grant]

This looks the absolute business especially with the roof up. I'd prefer it with the monoblock alloys though I think.

[@martinburbridge7545]

I had a boss who had the v12 sl600 I used to get to clean it once a week

[@PixelVogue]

It was made for long jaunts and probably only running 300bhp now lol still done well