1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)

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1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)

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Mileage~47,541 on the clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0-litre
LocationPoole

AUCTION CLOSED

1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

Introduced more than 30 years ago, the R129 has already secured its place as a modern classic.

Produced between 1989 and 2001, the R129 SL marked a new era for Mercedes-Benz roadsters, combining elegant design with modern engineering. Its two-seat configuration was complemented by innovations such as the electro-hydraulic soft-top, while the SL500’s renowned M119 5.0L V8 engine offered performance to rival contemporary Ferraris.

The SL500 also set benchmarks for safety, featuring the groundbreaking automatic roll bar - affectionately known as the “Wunderbar” - which could deploy within milliseconds in the event of a rollover. Even today, it remains one of the safest and most confidence-inspiring sports cars of its era.

Coming to market after ~22 years with the same family, this particular example stands out with just ~47,541 miles on the clock. Presented in 'Ruby Red' with a contrasting 'Mushroom' leather interior, it’s a striking and timeless combination that highlights the enduring appeal of the R129. It comes with a fresh MOT, valid until 05.09.2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Alex the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

This low-mileage SL500 has been cherished within the same family for many years, reserved for sunny-day use.

Alex recently inherited this SL500 from his late father, who had owned the car since 2003. During periods when it wasn’t in use, it was carefully stored in dry conditions, which goes a long way in explaining its preservation today.

Used primarily as a cherished summer car, it has continued to benefit from regular maintenance throughout the years. Alex told us; "This was our dad’s pride and joy. Sadly he passed away suddenly. There is not many of these cars left on and the road especially as well cared for and looked after as this example. He used this car as his weekend toy when the weather was lovely and he fancied a nice drive. It has been in our family for 22 years."

Prospective buyers are welcome to ask any questions about the SL500 in the comments section below.

Alex

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Presented in striking 'Ruby Red', a shade that complements the sharp, straight-edged design of the R129.

Wheels and Tyres

The 18" wheels, finished in gloss black during a 2015 refurbishment by the wheel specialist, look to be in great condition. During our visit, the wheels appear well cared for, with no sign of any obvious damage to any of their surfaces.

The wheels are fitted with Falken Ziex with a spec of 225/40R18 on the front and Hankook Ventus S1 Evo with a spec of 275/35R18 on the rear, and these also appear to be in good visual condition dated 2018, 2019, 2023, with a good amount of tread remaining and no visible cracking, or signs of age on the sidewalls.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Mercedes and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The bodywork looks in great condition too, with all the panel gaps around the car appearing to align well. During our visit, we didn't spot any obvious damage around the bodywork.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in Metallic 'Ruby Red', the paint is applied with even coverage and colour across each panel.

On our visit we observed some very minor chips on the offside rear wing and some very light scratches on the bonnet. There are also some swirl marks in the paint that comes with age - nothing a good detail couldn't put right.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this SL500 looks good and is in line with its age. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration. The window seals also look good and align with the overall condition of the car.

The bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are all in great condition.

You can see in the exterior photos that the convertible top is in good condition with no tears or rips.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A quintessential 1990s Mercedes-Benz interior, offering both style and comfort in equal measure.

Seats and Carpets

The cream 'Mushroom' leather seats have retained their shape well over the years, reflecting the careful way in which the car has been cared for.

The door cards and carpets present in a similar manner, showing consistent condition throughout the interior.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard in this SL500 shows no major damage or scuffs, and no warning lights were displayed during our visit.

The odometer recorded ~47,541 miles at the time of consignment.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Both the original steering wheel and the brown leather gear stick present in good condition.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The renowned M119 5.0L V8 delivers smooth performance, and is ideally matched to this luxury roadster.

Engine and Gearbox

The 5.0-litre engine, which produces ~322BHP at 5,500rpm, is mated to a hydraulic 4-speed automatic gearbox.

On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road - the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran well.

Alex reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the SL500 and its engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension in this SL500 has independent damper struts whereas the rear suspension has independent 5-arm multilink.

The suspension appears to be in good condition, providing a smooth journey on the sweeping coastal roads Poole offers.

During our short drive in the car with Alex, it felt just as you'd expect for a sports car from this era, coming to a stop without a fuss too.

The Drive

The SL500 consistently delivers a refined driving experience - combining the effortless smoothness of its ride with the commanding power of a 5.0L V8, making it an ideal companion for any journey.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Alex reports that, to his knowledge, everything is functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

The car has an aftermarket Alpine radio unit fitted. The car is stored on Alex's sister Carrie's drive, she leaves the SL500 it on a trickle charger to maintain the health of the battery.

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History and Paperwork

A desirable combination of standout colour, flagship engine, low mileage, and long-term ownership makes this R129 a highly compelling example.

The car is coming out of a ~22 year family ownership with Alex. The car has bags of originality and with the 5.0L V8 and automatic gearbox, has that little bit more oomph to it than the other SLs. The car comes with a black convertible hood, a full-size spare wheel in the boot, official touch-up paint, and plenty of main dealer and specialist service stamps.

Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports (current MOT valid until 05.09.2026), servicing, and parts this SL500 has received over its life.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
06.09.2025	MOT	47,525
05.09.2023	MOT	46,801
01.09.2022	MOT	45,728
18.08.2021	MOT	44,405
27.09.2020	MOT	43,642
28.05.2020	Service	43,473
28.08.2019	MOT	43,174
31.08.2018	MOT	41,637
02.08.2017	MOT	39,983
13.08.2016	MOT	38,059
02.03.2016	Service (MD)	36,783
02.09.2015	MOT	36,390
22.08.2014	MOT	34,634
22.08.2014	Service	34,634
21.08.2013	MOT	31,479
18.07.2013	Service	30,683
16.08.2012	MOT	28,067
12.08.2011	MOT	26,336
29.07.2010	MOT	24,579
06.11.2009	Service	22,986
10.06.2009	MOT	22,098
11.06.2008	MOT	21,212
14.05.2008	Service	21,156
08.06.2007	MOT	20,562
29.04.2006	MOT	19,750
20.07.2005	Service	19,513
15.02.2005	MOT	19,327
30.02.2004	MOT	18,968
29.01.2003	MOT	13,983
28.01.2003	Service (MD)	13,980
22.01.2002	MOT	13,075
21.01.2002	Service (MD)	13,073
19.02.2001	MOT	12,356
19.02.2001	Service (MD)	12,354
24.02.2000	Service (MD)	11,949
23.02.2000	MOT	11.950
04.02.1999	MOT	9,333
26.06.1997	Service (MD)	6,208

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Key Details

ModelSL500
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date26.02.1996
CC4973CC
Mileage~47,541 on the clock
HistoryPresent
ColourRuby Red
Interior ColourMushroom
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB1290672F134093
Engine #11998222003029
MOTYes. Exp - 05.09.2026
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers4
Tyre Age2018/19/23
Security SysYes
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~22 years
Vehicle RegistrationM500 PRH
Auction ID3211

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Poole

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Auction Closed

Let us know if you're interested

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

I'M INTERESTED

Ask Questions

Seller : AlexR129

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

11 Comments

Drumer

10 months ago

Hi Alex, could you confirm there are no small cracks in the plastic rear window where it has been folded when down? Thanks

Mal72

10 months ago

Hello, a bit last minute, but is there a hard top with the car?

AlexR129

Seller

10 months ago

Hi Stan
Thanks for your question, in regards to the break lines, however as far as I’m aware theres never been any mention of this on any services & have certainly never had any advisories on any MOTs, as you will see from the description that car was rarely ever used in wet conditions & has spent most of its life garaged. Due to being such low mileage for the year I guess anyone that’s worked on the car hasn’t felt it was necessary for the break lines/pipes to bechanged due to not seeing any excessive rusting. Hope this helps.
Alex

STAN

10 months ago

have the rusty brake and feed pipes been attended
to regards stan

AlexR129

Seller

STAN

10 months ago

Hi Stan
Thanks for your question in regards to the break lines, however as far as I’m aware theres never been any mention of this on any services & have certainly never had any advisories on any MOTs, as you will see from the description that car was rarely ever used in wet conditions & has spent most of its life garaged. Due to being such low mileage for the year I guess anyone that’s worked on the car hasn’t felt it was necessary for the break lines/pipes to be changed due to not seeing any excessive rusting. Hope this helps.
Alex

AlexR129

Seller

10 months ago

Hi Max
The car does not produce excessive white smoke when starting and runs extremely well. The car has barely been driven for a year and half, so it may have produced a little more than normal.

maxking11

10 months ago

There seems to be excessive white smoke from the exhaust on the cold start, is this a normal occurrence with the car or was it a particularly cold day? Thanks

AlexR129

Seller

10 months ago

Hello
Yes car is excellent starting whether from cold or hot. No problem with a/c either. Thanks Alex

x200x350

10 months ago

Hello, see it starts fine from cold, does it start OK when hot? Does A/C work OK.
Thanks Rob

AlexR129

Seller

10 months ago

Hi Dan,
This is the original colour from the factory, Ruby red.
Thanks Alex

danmat1234

10 months ago

Hi Alex, lovely car. Is this a custom colour, was it reprayed after the factory or is it a stock Merc colour and if so whats the exact name? Thanks, dan

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Poole

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