Why I Bought a Mercedes 300 SL-24: Is the R129 a wild choice or a true bargain? | CarGurus UK

[@arakassabian5879]

I have had a 1996 SL280 in silver since 2011 and I agree with everything you said, they are beautiful cars, enjoy it. I paid NZ$10,123. I found in the owner's manual's leather wallet the original receipt of the last sale, the previous owner had paid NZ$75,000.

[@Oli_Hudson]

Really interesting. More of these type of videos please!

[@carmaniacCDN]

Great video. I think this shows that being a true car enthusiast doesn’t mean owning some rare icon or the latest and greatest as we are used to seeing through Social Media. Would love to see more videos on this and its gradual restoration journey!

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Oh my goodness... This video takes me back in time...! When Mercedes launched the R129 SL, I was working for the company out of a dealership in Sheffield. The manufacturer flew us all out to Spain for the international launch where we got to hoon them around the old Grand Prix circuit in Jerez before taking them on the Andalusian country road network. Sadly for one attendee, one would assume that they ended up having no job to return back to the UK to, their SL500 having had to be hauled out of a farmer's field on a low-loader since they completely missed a sharp left turn in the road and literally flew the car off the tarmac... Oh, the good ol' days... :-0

[@marvinsamuels1237]

I like these kinds of videos, sometimes it’s nice to have a break from all the new stuff and reminisce about the stuff we lusted over in our youth. Nice car Vicky, I still love the way these look. Certainly not aged in the way the follow-up did. Nice video too 👍🏾 Let’s have some more like this.

[@harryspeakup8452]

These are great cars and massive bargains to buy, providing you can meet the usually substantial costs of all the remedial maintenance that previous owners usually haven't done. Mine's a '92 500SL with the M119 V8 and always fun to drive

[@goldieandblackie]

Lesson 1. Never close the frameless car door by pushing against the glass!

[@RayMelville]

Don't feel so bad Vicky, the inline 6 MB engine is my favorite MB engine. Smooth, free revving, bullet proof with just enough power. Sweet sweet engine that in a DD I'd take over the V8 anytime.

[@SuperBranFlakez]

Def trade offs. Less power but they are a lot lighter so the handling is a lot better in the v6, and less expensive to work on

[@callelindstrom4789]

Great. Sometimes the R129 feels forgotten. When it is a evolution car. I owned a 300 SL. Sold it. Bought a 500 SL, full hp 326. Im glad I did. Its another animal! I love this car model. It can do allmost anything. Pose with it with the roof of, drive in snow, yes its remarkable solid on winter roads, you can drive in the fastest lane on autobahn even today an keep up to modern fast cars, steady as s rock, you can shop with it. Huge storage...its best car in the world. In wich other car can you pose outside Monte Carlo casino in style at night and the day after you can go an shop a flagpole with it?..☺️👍🏻 R129 for ever

[@RSZ-R34]

ALWAYS LOVED THE SLR129 BEAUTIFUL CAR 🔥🔥🔥

[@marioiacolucci]

Classic they are with more in parts as they are in retail

[@iekuieku1665]

Yes, but not in red.

[@Lot76CARS]

Fantastic, loved the review as a fellow Merc owner (190)

[@RotaryLover]

Bought an 1996 SL500 last year for under 9k CAD and it's already appreciated with the used car boom. What I see happening is ex-owners not doing the maintenance and then being overwelmed by everything needed to do and sell them. Sometimes it's not the fault of the owner as he did the maintenance but the mechanics don't know how to work on them or intentionally mess up the job to see you again next year. The latter happened on mine when I did a full overview of the car. It's expensive to upkeep if you go to a garage but if you do everything yourself, know what brand of parts to get, where to get them and know when to settle for used parts or new parts, you'll save so much that you'll be more than fine at upkeeping it.

[@niccolomachiavelli8763]

what webpage did u get it from?

[@RotaryLover]

@@niccolomachiavelli8763 My SL or the parts?

[@niccolomachiavelli8763]

@@RotaryLover the car

[@RotaryLover]

@@niccolomachiavelli8763 I bought it off Kijiji. I was listed on Auto Trader as well.

[@ryanostmann2445]

I bought a low mileage 300sl and I’m currently going through the pains of catching up on maintenance on a car that sat for decades…

[@mickyeverton]

Purchased a 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 with only 27,000 kilometres on the clock last year, having owned nearly every car under the sun I can honestly say it is the only one that makes me smile every time I get in it (sounds like I need to get out more). I have started using it as my daily driver, never been happier with a car!! Many Thanks, Peace From London. 👍👍

[@Tracertme]

what a great car and good alternative to the sustainable argument, your lack of depreciation will more than pay for all the fixes. Not to mention its great individual looks and character of driving and enjoying. Well done...

[@neiljoseph904]

Ha love this review! The SL was my favourite when in my 20’s (during the 90’s 😬). A solid, classic purchase, Vicki - congratulations 👍🏽

[@RichardLyleEsq]

I still want one of these too.

[@adamkightley]

We have the 500SL bought it almost 4 years ago just completed a long list of work to get it ready for the MOT passed flying colours. I encourage anyone to buy one even the V6 variant as these are becoming a rare find these days. Love the video.

[@StakedWealth369]

Still head turner after 3 decades

[@dj_efk]

And the car’s not bad either

[@XSAILOR65]

@@dj_efk Good one!

[@dinispaulino7512]

Can´t go wrong with an old Merc! As an owner of a '91 300D (W124) with 240k miles, I would definitely recommend Mercedes from the 80's/90's to people looking for a modern classic that was built to last...

[@normhanson981]

The SL is an iconic , timeless machine , fantastic car . Liked and subbed.

[@ChrisLoew]

never close the door by the window on a frameless car door, it bends the window in the track below and not a good idea.

[@raybutts9133]

you are 100% correct

[@hb5318]

What? Not it doesn’t...

[@JBOsurf]

NEVER open and close a pillarless door by grabbing the window Ms Parrott! Always grab the door itself. Enjoy the car!

[@David-cm4ok]

I've got a Subaru leggy with pillarless doors, my wife always does that, drives me 😠

[@jacobbaird9361]

Just bought my 1st R129 last night!! A 99 SL500 and I highly encourage anyone looking at these to test drive one because it's amazing to drive. Comfortable, reliable, fun for its size. My 1st day bringing it into work I parked it right up front so I could stare out the window all day, and everyone that walks by usually gives it a double take. They're such iconic cars.

[@Bruno-pe2nm]

I have a SL320 from '95 in grey metallic. I think it is fairly the same engine than the 300 - 24. Inline 6 with about 231 Hp. I use mine as a daily and it works great! Love it to the moon and dispite the prices are going up I don't think I will ever sell it. It is so easy to live with and very easy to maintain and fix yourself. I just bought a Subaru now just to retire the SL and use it more as a weekend car. But everyone who is thinking about buying one and using it as a daily, it is totally doable and just something to turn around for when walking away!

[@TeaVR]

Breath of fresh air that video 👍 Great to see that the presenter is a true petrol head,

[@mohammedal-r471]

Thank you for this great video, I have a similar experience as I just got the keys to my grandfathers 300SL-24 which is original to him from day 1 in 1993, odometer gears are an easy fix and the gears can be sourced from the U.S and the hydraulics if they are working for the top is a rather inexpensive fix as you can acquire the seals from Germany. You have a lovely car and with time it should looks pristine...happy motoring!!!

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

I have owned mine for 15 years . Brilliant cars and if looked after they are very reliable. I cant ever imagine selling mine.

[@IwillBwaiting]

Good year, good engine. Not sure about the colour, but its not offending. Only worry I would have at this point is my back. Thinking of getting in and out of that car, as a daily driver that is. If it is just for the weekend trip or a holiday, it is almost the perfect car (for a family of 2!).

[@honguenloh4612]

So glad I came across this video of yours…with the pandemic never ceasing…it has given me a chance to look at the r129 since we are all stucked at home and can’t travel anymore…hopefully I can afford to get one unit in the near future..:)

[@christopherprose3881]

I think you made a smart, and yet passionate, choice with this car. The straight six will always be a desirable choice as it doesn't suffer the weight and burden of a thirsty V-8 nor the whiny, horsey exhaust notes of most over-boosted inline 4s. You are a great and authentic auto journalist and I always look forward to your videos. I would encourage you to restore this car as I do think it is worth it, and, since you already seem to love it, why not? The lines are classic, proportions mostly spot-on, so it will always be something nice to look at. Trust me, when everyone becomes bored and sick of digital EVs (and electric steering), analogue cars such as yours will be sought after and relished.

[@martinsvensson6884]

Its questionable if the V8 is much heavier. Its an all aluminium engine contrary to the inline 6. And its shorter so is placed further back. Maybe you will see a 10% increase in fuel consumption over the 6. If you want to reduce fuel consumption on the highway get the later 5G transmission instead.

[@chrispoulson3215]

The R129 was designed around the M119 V8 five-litre 32V quad-cam engine. It is the sweet-spot of the standard offerings.

[@whitemoor66]

Lovely car. Always wanted a late model Jaguar XJS myself, sadly never likely to happen without a big lottery win!

[@derekdalton5658]

Happy motoring Vicky.😃

[@soldieroftafari]

This was great to see! More please!

[@benfearnhead9851]

When I was about 10 (1991) a client and close family friend of my Dad’s got one of these in burgundy with burgundy leather and it looked seriously stunning. He took us out for a spin and the acceleration was impressive and everywhere we went there were jaw dropping stares from other drivers. They look dated now but back then they looked the business. I think they’ve aged well though, still a seriously handsome car. Funny thing was, he’d been young in the era of the original gull-wing 300SL so was fulfilling his own dream of owning something to scratch that itch.

[@allwheeldrive]

Great review of a great car. Thank you. Always loved the honesty of this car during this period. I don't think you'd be quite as attached if you actually had gotten the V8. This is a very sweet engine with enough poke, and arguably less running costs than its bigger sister. A keeper!

[@donihagan6312]

I too own a "95 SL320 and it was also a "dream car" for me. I was lucky to get one in extremely good nick with 98K on the clock for $3500 US. The only thing I have to address is replacing the top hydraulics and, yes, it IS a DIY job if you're handy with tools. Enjoy!!!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I’ve a R129 SL320 straight 6 1999 model. Sadly needs a mechanic and his star machine as battery died and it’s lost everything. ONE big tip for you. Please don’t push the doors shut with the Glass. Bad for the door. You look Good driving it.

[@radmansa5514]

These are cool cars, I got my 500Sl since 2014, had to do the roof hydraulics my self, currently re doing the electrical wiring harnesses. They not that difficult to repair yourself if you are good with a spanner, and parts are still available 👍😻

[@ashsabetian2943]

Hi Vicki. Great Video. I owned the exact model around 10 years ago, 1993 SL300-24 in Silver with 18inch AMG Monoblock wheels, it was immaculate. Lot of technology in it for a 90s car. In the end I sold it as the soft top hydraulics were playing up..but even today it still has the classic wide body look and styling.

[@davidcollett1699]

Saw an sl600 like this the other day. Thats a rare bird!

[@raycroal]

the 600 has 2 inch longer wings and bonnet not a lot of people know that lol

[@AlexEABarnett]

We had our 300SL resprayed by Ridgeway in Hastings, they did a great job and I would recommend them! Especially given it was a tricky colour.

[@dm5374]

Great video! I too, as a Merc owner (W201, W126, W168, W169, C219) always wanted a R129. I was searching in vain for a nice one when a pristine, low-mileage Ferrari 348 crossed my path (literally) . So here I am, no buyer's remorse, the Rossa is a fun and reliable car, but the SL will be in my garage some day...

[@parvinkukar1259]

Cool car. I brought a cayman base from 2008 pretty much the same reasons you gave, and cannot see me parting with it. Love old classic especially the mk 1 gti but not easy to drive daily

[@martinsvensson6884]

Either its not built in 1995 or its not a 300SL -24. For model year 1994 the 300SL -24 was replaced by the SL320. Updated engine. 3.2 liter 4 valve instead of 3.0, but same hp. I'm guessing the car is older than 1995 since the 1995 models had digital odometers.

[@nedcoburn6421]

Great car and video, please make more to show us the restoration and the final result!

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

A true bargain, had a new one 26yrs ago Never really appreciated it at the time. A gem keep it 👍

[@olivertwist3920]

Hello! I am german and bought a 1996 SL 320 in blue-metallic. And I am happy :-)

[@03Deltaintegrale]

Favourite SL series. This car has an interesting mot history. Between 2007-2020 it only did 3k.

[@GM-ii8gs]

Well she did say the odometer was playing up, seems it dropped nearly 3k at one point after it went up exactly 3k the year before... Quite a lots of the previous owners are usually quite a bit older, as time passes their health declines and they drive less and the car spends more time in the garage with preventative maintenance not been done, sometimes eventually to the point where the car is SORNed from year to year, this is exactly what happened to my R230 SL500.

[@bikemike1118]

Good choice! Also got a 300 SL (not the 24 V version) in dark red metallic. This standard red tends to suffer from sun ray when it‘s permanently parked outside

[@mn-wk3ju]

I’m with you! I did the same thing! I always wanted a black 500sl so I bought a 1998 that was like brand new with low miles. It was worth every penny to say I now own one. It’s an excellent weekend car for sure!

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Certainly glad you intend to bring it up to operating condition. It deserves at least that much.

[@markcarter9476]

R129's are a really good car. Built from granite they will stand the test of time. Down sides: They all came with an OEM hard top that looks great and provides comfortable all year round motoring but, it is a two person job to remove and then it's bulky and awkward to store (a purpose designed trolly is the best option). You really need an SL500 with the V8 to achieve any noticeable performance and then the fuel bills taint the otherwise sublime experience. As Vicki said buy one now why you can afford it.

[@xIMDANGERDUCKx]

Never seen a 300 - 24 I have a 98 sl500 and love it truly, been thinking about getting a SL320 for the V6

[@fatpigeon1066]

Stunning car, will look even better once restored!

[@chubbrockstar187]

ive owned 3 of these in this body style...black,red and dark green..the hydraulic top was always an issue so I kept the hard top on even in the summer time.

[@thelowlychicken]

How's it going with your r129? They're truly amazing, and my favourite SL ❤

[@mrreziik]

the odometer is easily fixed diy with a metal gear to replace the old plastic ones, maybe check a watch repair shop its similar. had the same problem on my w201

[@ranbirlally8799]

I love these cars I have a 1996 500 that is weirdly pre facelift but with a 5 speed box I also have a 1998 320 straight 6 with full brabus styling. I need to do the rood hydraulics at some point but plan to keep both

[@NickForest999]

Good video…I own an R107 but I’ve had a hankering for a 129 before they go really high on prices so managed to acquire a 1996 SL500 imported from Japan into the U.K with total mileage of 4,100 miles from new, apparently stored for many years in Osaka and only driven a couple of times a year. I’m enjoying it immensely and I think the 107 will be moved on as the V8 power and power hood/aircon makes it more usable for me. I plan to drive it across Europe once restrictions ease and stick 10,000 miles on it and then hopefully sell it for same money I paid for it but who knows, it may be a keeper! 😎

[@patrickhay8079]

I had the 300CE - 24. The 2 door fixed top pillarless coupé. With the 4 speed automatic this engine is a bit “busy” sounding at motorway cruising speed. Great car, with plenty of space and a nice engine, but get one with the 5 speed box.

[@joebutlersnr7017]

I've got a w124 e320 coupe from same era , it's very reliable , built like a tank and easy to maintain and great to drive , why would you buy mondastra or focusignia ? They only go one way and that's down.

[@jamesrebbechi4471]

Couldn’t agree more Joe. My ‘89 300E M103 sedan is still just as amazing to drive 21 years down the track. As rock solid on the road and reliable at 330k as the day I brought her. They certainly do possess a feel only other 124 owners can understand.👌

[@8arcbal]

Great choice Vicky👍👍

[@iello911]

Very nice, cannot beat it at those prices. I owned one a few years back, resold it for the same money I had bought it for. Two things to look out for (they are really time bombs, they WILL go off): - Soft top hydraulics, some small connectors will start leaking and then it is all the way uphill from there. I think I replaced them myself, not a huge deal if you catch it on time. - This one is more serious: the wiring harness WILL eventually disintegrate and it will have to be replaced. In those years, MB was experimenting with more environmentally responsible plastics, which will eventually biodegrade. Unfortunately, it will happen before the car's natural death, and must be replaced. Harness itself not terribly pricey, but as you can imagine it is a big job to carry out. Other than that, i thoroughly enjoyed mine!

[@angelg2638]

Totally agree with your choice. I am also on a lookout for a similar SL, altho they are still a bit more expensive here Down Under. I do love the red colour you got, plus the AMG Monoblocks! That car suits you well. YOU'VE EARNED IT! Enjoy!!!

[@georgpold1830]

These are not actually AMG monoblocks. Just monoblock style wheels. You cant call them replicas either bcs they have those bolts on. I have exactly the same wheels on my w140 and want to know what theyre called.

[@angelg2638]

@@georgpold1830 oh you're right! There's no AMG stamped on. I would love them on my w140. With the front dropped an inch. Right now, I have Carlsson reps. Not bad but Monoblocks (or style) would be meaner looking.

[@hawaiisteve932]

I had the same reasoning as yourself , when I saw these I knew I wanted one , well I found one here in Hawaii , paid $2000 for it perfect paint , low miles 72,000 !! it has had the fuel system re done by PO I am fixing all the niggles but she drives wonderfully , is a 500SL with Brabus wheels & new tires all fitted by PO . It is white , I rehabbed the wheels & painted them Black along with the grill ( it is pitted ) now she looks more modern & as you say is a blast to drive. I'm English and love driving my piece of German Engineering .

[@jonboy9912]

My 1999 SL320 was owned by a lovely elegant lady in Cornwall from new until she passed away 5 years ago when I bought it. The vehicle is immaculate with the optional panoramic roof xenon headlights heated seats and importantly a full service history. The silver paintwork is unmarked and because the drivers seat was not monstered with a bottom like mine all its life the nappa leather is as good as new and the woodwork is unmarked. I too would have loved a 500 but could not find a car that looked this good for £7k - I have been offered £14k but will not sell it (yet anyway)!! It has a great soft top that I had to get new windows for and it still looks good topless!! No other car I have ever driven has given me the balance between power and comfort and whilst the 500 would be better in a straight line this 320 handles better I am told with a lighter front end resulting in less understeer on the limit - but this is not and has never been a car you drive on the limit - it is a Grand Tourer in the old sense of the word and is made so well it is a great daily driver that still turns heads and promotes comments in the pub car park! If you are on the fence buy this car now even if you only want to play with the fully automated soft top in the office car park! It's terrific and prices are rising!

[@Joseph-jy5lz]

Nice car, even more so given that you wanted it and like it. Happy motoring

[@jeremygraham7976]

Awesome! I have a 2003 absolutely love the SL

[@malph9216]

Nice one Vicky!👍

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Any update on the SL300 24?

[@cestrian5294]

If you go for one, check the head gasket at the bulkhead end.

[@christophervan6966]

I am in the same movie with my 1994 SL320 straight six ... best car I've ever had by far. (Johannesburg South Africa)

[@ukwan]

I always really wanted a first generation SLK, obviously did the man maths and bought an SLK 320. The SL wasn't a car I was aware of growing up, not many of those driving around where I grew up, albeit the SL I have spent some time in since and they're a classic for sure. I think one would suit my SLK nicely as a pair.

[@thatDCkid88]

I got the same car....for the same reason; she's awesome, and it's been worth the restoration 👍🏾

[@CarGurusUK]

Couldn't agree more!

[@hottub2249]

Love the R129s. I “might” be biased for a reason 😄

[@raywalsh4028]

What mpg can be expected under normal conditions ?

[@tramptruck4859]

I have a '95 SL 500 and if you have to pay a garage to do the work, they are not really a viable prospect at below £10-£15k. Parts are expensive and it's difficult to find a reliable workshop. However, I like mine and do all my own work, so it's a good summer toy.

[@robertlloyd7493]

Good choice. Happy driving !

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Would love one, think I need to do it quickly . Those dials take me back to being 10 years old

[@philreynolds6018]

the 1986 w107 300sl is an awesome car , the 129 300sl is slow , has an unreliable transmission , the engine has headgasket problems , soft top hydraulics go bad and sometimes the A/C evaporator goes out

I had the same sl 300 R129 with a Manual Transmission..I regret selling it.. for $6500 12 years ago.

[@lewisjohnston6831]

Now that's a really awesome car

[@GeordiLaForgery]

I'd buy one but it would get stolen within days of purchase unfortunately don't have a garage.

[@toussantlbisso]

Thanks ! Jolly Good review ma'am Cheers 😁

[@InTheNow2020]

Same colour as Princess Diana's SL that she leased from MB and had to give back. Your car just needs a detailer to cut polish and remove the oxidized paint. Nice review.

[@chrispoulson3215]

Vicky's car looks like Signal Red to me. Diana's was Almandine Red.

[@Brock-Lesnar-WWE]

No one cares about diana

[@InTheNow2020]

​@@Brock-Lesnar-WWE I do and millions of others do as well.

[@Brock-Lesnar-WWE]

@@InTheNow2020 not me🤷🏽‍♂️ did she even know you exist... that's weird

[@Tom-sc4qk]

The wheels look great! MB should bring back silver wheels with a nice bit of dish

[@hsvcommodore4111]

They do, they offer them on the AMG GT 4 door

[@Tom-sc4qk]

@@hsvcommodore4111 Awesome - Googling them now

[@irekfilms]

I am happy you enjoy the car it’s not for me but I love your videos does not matter what you review 👍😘🌸

[@oscaranderson1822]

I have the AMG 600d12 with the glass roof is very nice. The steering wheel is on the other side.

[@Gman941]

Amazing how much the Euro lights completely change the front compared to the US spec

[@swanblake]

Beautiful car! Nice choice

[@MikeMuellnerMD]

Just like everyone else I love the R107 but the R129 is cheaper, newer, and probably a better buy. I plan to buy one of these old SLs someday 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jask320]

Legendary model, good shape cars will constantly increase in price

[@voicey230]

Definitely pre 95. Would be 320 by then, No ruffled leather door cards, mechanical odometer...but a lovely car and pre wiring harness issues that came with the mid 90s 104 engine.

[@26DR715]

Lovely car, would be nice to see it when complete, main thing enjoyment when driving it and as you said it looks great.

[@paulthorpe766]

I prefer it to the Bobby Ewing shape tbh....The Larger Wheels make it....last of the turreted rear lights too / early 2000-2003 next model is lovely too.....before they ruined the front and rear end - Nice car indeed.

[@jamesward7425]

Great feature and cool car. Really suits you, too!

[@YK-fj5bj]

More please!

[@pereldh5741]

This was lovely! Thank you

[@ingopaul67]

Lovely car, interesting vid, thanks

[@seventysevenfiji]

There will never be a point in time where this car will not be drop dead gorgeous and desirable..... even in red