The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1988 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

The R129 was offered as a two-door roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), fabric convertible roof; colour-matched, automated tonneau cover; and a manually detachable hardtop that could be fitted over the stored fabric convertible roof and tonneau. It was available with a variety of powertrains across its twelve-year production, including a V12 option used in the SL600.

Development and launch Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124. The new SL-class was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, with left-hand drive sales beginning that summer and right-hand drive sales in the autumn. It came runner-up behind the Citroen XM for the European Car of the Year accolade.

Models ModelChassisEngineFrom YearTo YearSL 280129.058104.94319931998SL 280129.059112.92319982001300 SL129.060103.98419881993300 SL-24129.061104.98119881993SL 320129.063104.99119931998SL 320129.064112.94319982001500 SL129.066119.96019881993500 SL129.067119.97219931995SL 500129.067119.97219951998SL 500129.068113.96119982001600 SL129.076120.98119911993SL 600129.076120.98119932001

Model history Designed in 1984, the fourth-generation SL (commonly referred to as R129, the car's internal designation) was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124Eberhard Kittler: Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol. 6. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, , p. 215. and featured many innovative details for the time, such as electronically controlled damping (Adaptive Damping System ADS, optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar. Its predecessor's somewhat dated rear suspension with semi-trailing arms gave way to a modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high, with power windows, mirrors, seats, and hydraulic convertible top among the car's many amenities.

This car has a distinction of being the first passenger vehicle to have seat belts integrated into the seats as opposed to anchoring to the floor, B-pillar, and transmission tunnel.

For the 1994 model year, R129 SLs received new nomenclature, with the alphanumeric naming convention reversed so that the class designation now came before the numeral; this was the first major change to the Mercedes-Benz model naming convention in decades. Under the new format, the 500 SL became SL 500 and the 300 SL became either the SL 280 or SL 320 depending on which engine was equipped.

1995 models featured the following updates: Odometer switched from mechanical to electronic. A portable cell phone with voice activated dialing became an option. Clear front turn signal indicators were added for U.S. models. A Bose stereo with rear speakers and subwoofer was made standard.

A minor facelift for the 1996 model year brought further updates, including several small exterior changes that helped differentiate them from the earlier cars. Changes included: Front wing vents were updated, with the new design featuring 2 rounded slots rather than 3 squared slots. Bumpers were now body color. V8 and V12 models retired their hydraulic 4-speed transmission for a 5-speed electronic transmission. Xenon HID headlamps became standard on SL 600, optional on SL 500. Side airbags were added.

Despite the refresh in 1996, further changes were made in 1997. Most notable was a new panoramic roof, but the following features and packages also became newly standard or available: A new front-seat occupant-detection sensor could deactivate the right-side airbag when it determined that the passenger seat held less than 26 pounds A new "Sport" package became an option Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers were made standard A three-way programmable garage door opener "HomeLink" transmitters was now built into the rear-view mirror The climate control panel was upgraded with a larger LCD readout

1999 SLs were significantly refreshed; these models featured some of the most notable changes since the car debuted, such as: For SL 500 models, the M119 V8 was replaced by the M113 V8. Nappa leather replaced the perforated leather seats found in older models. A new steering wheel design was introduced. Body-color door handles became standard. Taillights with curved faces replaced the classic square ribbed lights. 17-inch wheels were made standard: Wheels are now 8.25 x 17" with 245/45ZR17 tires. Models equipped with the Sport package are equipped a staggered-wheel designed featuring 245/40/R18 and 275/35/R18 tires front and rear, respectively. Fiber-optic digital audio replaces analog copper connections for the CD player. One-touch starting is introduced, called "Tip-start" by Mercedes-Benz. Once the key is turned, the engine cranks on its own until it catches and starts. Instrument cluster is updated to feature silver rings around each gauge. Oil pressure gauge is replaced by oil temperature gauge. Different engine vanity cover is introduced. Passenger side storage net is added on transmission tunnel.

Engine history

Initially, there were three different engines available, 300 SL with a M103 3.0 L 12-valve SOHC I6 ( at 5,700 rpm), 300 SL-24 with a M104 3.0 L 24-valve DOHC I6 ( at 6,300 rpm), 500 SL with a M119 5.0 L 32-valve DOHC V8 ( at 5,500 rpm), and joined in July 1992 by the 600 SL with a M120 6.0 L 48-valve DOHC V12 ( at 5,200 rpm).

There was a choice of 5-speed manual or 4–5 speed automatic for the six-cylinder cars; the V8 and V12 could only be ordered with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

In autumn 1993 Mercedes-Benz rearranged names and models. Also, the 300 SL and 300 SL-24 were respectively replaced by: SL 280 with a M104 2.8 L 24-valve DOHC I6 ( at 5,500 rpm), SL 320 with a M104 3.2 L 24-valve DOHC I6 ( at 5,500 rpm). Only the 280 was available with a manual gearbox. SL 500 and 600 continued with their respective engines.

A second facelift, introduced in late 1998, comprised new external mirrors, 17" wheels and new bumpers. Also new were the engines, SL 280 with a M112 2.8 L 18-valve SOHC V6 ( at 5700 rpm), SL 320 with a M112 3.2 L 18-valve SOHC V6 ( at 5,600 rpm), SL 500 with a M113 5.0 L 24-valve SOHC V8 ( at 5,600 rpm). The V12 engine remained unchanged.

+ Powertrains Model Engine Horsepower & Torque Top Speed 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)1989–1993 300SL 3.0 L M103 I6 140 kW (191 PS; 188 hp) and 260 N·m (191 ft·lb) of torque 9.3 seconds 300SL-24 3.0 L M104 I6 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) and 271 N·m (200 ft·lb) of torque 8.4 seconds 500SL 5.0 L M119 V8 240 kW (326 PS; 322 hp) 450 N·m (331 ft·lb) of torque 6.2 seconds 600SL 6.0 L M120 V12 290 kW (389 hp; 394 PS) and 570 N·m (420 ft·lb) of torque 6.1 seconds Late 1993–Late 1998 SL280 2.8 L M104 I6 142 kW (190 hp; 193 PS) and 270 N·m (199 ft·lb) of torque 9.3 seconds SL320 3.2 L M104 I6 170 kW (228 hp; 231 PS) and 315 N·m (232 ft·lb) of torque 8.4 seconds SL500 5.0 L M119 V8 235 kW (316 hp; 320 PS) and 470 N·m (346 ft·lb) of torque 6.5 seconds SL600 6.0 L M120 V12 290 kW (389 hp; 394 PS) and 570 N·m (420 ft·lb) of torque 6.1 secondsLate 1998–2001 SL280 2.8 L M112 V6 150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS) and 270 N·m (199 ft·lb) of torque 9.5 seconds SL320 3.2 L M112 V6 165 kW (221 hp; 224 PS) and 315 N·m (232 ft·lb) of torque 8.4 seconds SL500 5.0 L M113 V8 225 kW (302 hp; 306 PS) and 460 N·m (339 ft·lb) of torque 6.5 seconds SL600 6.0 L M120 V12 290 kW (389 hp; 394 PS) and 570 N·m (420 ft·lb) of torque 6.1 seconds

+ Powertrains (AMG) Model Engine Horsepower & Torque Top Speed 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Number Produced SL 55 5.4 L M113 V8 260 kW (349 hp; 354 PS) and 530 N·m (391 ft·lb) of torque 270 km/h (168 mph) 5.8 seconds 65 units SL 60 6.0 L M119 V8 280 kW (375 hp; 380 PS) and 580 N·m (428 ft·lb) of torque 250 km/h (155 mph) 5.8 seconds 633 units SL 70 7.1 L M120 V12 365 kW (489 hp; 496 PS) and 720 N·m (531 ft·lb) of torque 250 km/h (155 mph) 5.0 seconds 150 units SL 72 375 kW (503 hp; 510 PS) and 750 N·m (553 ft·lb) of torque 298 km/h (185 mph) 4.8 seconds 35 units SL 73 7.3 L M120 V12 386 kW (518 hp; 525 PS) and 750 N·m (553 ft·lb) of torque 320 km/h (199 mph) 4.5 seconds 50 units

Australian market

The new Mercedes Benz R129 roadster was first introduced into the Australian market in May 1990 with the 500SL model. The 600SL followed in May 1993, while a 6 cylinder SL did not arrive until the SL280 in October 1995.

Only 38 cars of the 600SL/SL 600 were delivered to the Australian market.

North American market Not all engines were offered in North America. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL base model was the 228 hp 300 SL version (European 300 SL-24) equipped with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, but it was the 322 hp 500 SL (with a 5.0-litre V8 engine) which made the most headlines. For model year 1993, the 600 SL was additionally introduced stateside.

The SL 320 replaced the 300 SL in the United States in 1994, but the SL 280 was not offered. The manual transmission option was also dropped at this time, after just 397 examples were imported over a four model year span. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped altogether from the US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12.

Chassis

1990–1995 Front suspension Independent damper struts with separate coil springs and gas-pressurised shock absorbers, triangular lower control arms with anti-dive geometry and stabiliser bar.

Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with separate single-tube gas-pressurised shock absorbers and coil springs, geometry for anti-lift, anti-squat and alignment control, stabiliser bar.

Wheels 8.0Jx16H2 aluminium alloy and regular.

Tyres 225/55 ZR 16 steel-belted radial.

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel discs. Antilock Braking System (ABS).

1996–1997 Body construction Monocoque with front and rear crumple zones and removable hardtop.

Front suspension Independent damper strut with anti-dive geometry and stabiliser bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs. Negative-offset steering.

Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with geometry for anti-lift, anti-squat and alignment control and stabiliser bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs.

Steering Recirculating ball with speed-sensitive power assist and hydraulic damper. Steering wheel turns (lock-to-lock) 3.0.

Tyres Steel-belted radials. Performance 225/55ZR16.

Wheels aluminium alloy 8.0Jx16 H2.

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel disc. Ventilated front, solid rear brake discs.

Antilock Braking System (ABS) ABS senses impending wheel lock-up under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together (to help maintain stability), as needed, up to 30 times per second to prevent lock-up and maintain steering ability.

Dimensions 1990–1995 300 SL Wheelbase 99.0 in

+ Curb weight 1989 1991 1993 1994

Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.9 L – 21.1 gal (US) 17.5 gal (Imp)

500 SL Wheelbase 99.0 in

+ Curb weight 1989 1993 1994

Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.8 L – 21.1 gal

600 SL Wheelbase 99.0 in

Curb weight 2020 kg – 4,455 lb

Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft

Fuel capacity 79.8l 21.1 gal

Special editions

AMG offerings

AMG had already offered an SL version while still independent, the AMG 500 SL 6.0 of 1991. After being taken over by Daimler-Benz, there were several AMG SL-models available through D-B dealers.

The SL 60 AMG was the most numerous of these rare cars. Sold from 1993 to 1998, it used a V8 engine producing at 5,500 rpm.Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 1995, p. 380. AMG claimed a 0– speed of 5.4 seconds. Its top speed was limited to .

Extremely rare was the SL 72 AMG, with a engine, sold through Mercedes-AMG in 1995, and offering the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time with . Only 35 cars were made.