Mercedes-Benz R129

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Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz 500SL

1999 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL500

The Mercedes-Benz R129 automobiles were produced from 1989 through 2003. They were sold under the SL-Class model names. The R129 replaced the R107 SL-Class in 1989.

The 1989 Mercedes SL base model was the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL version. But it was the 322 hp (240 kW) 500SL (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines.

Specification was high, with electric action for the windows, mirrors, seats and hood.

1994 saw a facelift for the SL, and the 300SL was replaced in Europe by the SL280 and SL320 (with 2.8 L and 3.2 L I6 engines). The SL500 continued with the same powerful engine. A 389 hp (290 kW) 6.0 L V12 SL600 topped the range in 1993.

The SL320 replaced the 300SL in the United States in 1995, but the SL280 was not offered. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12. The SL500 got a new 302 hp (225 kW) 5.0 L V8 for 1999.

[edit] SL600/600SL

The SL600 was one of the most luxuious SL's. Weighing in at over 2 tons, it was also one of the heaviest SL's ever built. It came loaded with standard options, such as a CD changer, Adaptive Dampening Suspension, Xenon HID Headlamps, all leather interior, two-tone leather, and the M120 V12 motor. Although many assume that the engine produces 389-horsepower, many speculate that this number is fairly reserved. Several owner report seeing more that 400-horsepower when they are dyno-tested.

The SL600 was also outfitted with a beautiful leather interior. The door panels were covered in leather, as was the dashboard. The center mounted armrest was also covered in leather. The wood in the car is also beautiful. Some cars had the option of the Maple Wood, while most had the burl walnut wood for accents. The steering wheel beautifully shows the wood and leather, as it is a combination of both. Finally, to top off this beauty, the gear lever has a leather and wood knob. It is graced by the V12 badge on the top of it.

Vehicles:

- 1990–1993 300SL
- 1994–1997 SL320
- 1990–1993 500SL
- 1998–2003 SL500
- 1993 600SL
- 1994–1998 SL600

[edit] AMG

1999 Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG

The extremely rare SL73 AMG was sold through AMG in 1995, and offered the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time. After a brief hiatus, the SL73 was offered again from 1998 to 2001. The same 7.3 L V12 was later used by Pagani in the Zonda.

The SL60 AMG was extremely rare. Sold through AMG from 1996 to 1998, it used a 6.0 litre V8 engine producing between 381bhp and 384bhp. AMG claimed a 0-62mph (100kph) speed of 5.8 seconds. Its top speed was limited to 155 mph, but with the limiter removed, it was capable of approximately 185 mph. AMG later unofficially admitted that 0-60mph was more like 5.0 seconds and the engine produced between 405-410bhp.^{[citation needed]}

The SL55 AMG was sold through AMG in the R129 bodystyle from 1998 to 2001 in limited quantity. It was the predecessor of the production R230 SL55 AMG sold today.

Only about 300 cars in the SL-class were customized by AMG prior to the 2003 model year.

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