1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 |

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1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500

Sold Price

£17,199

Mileage~41,000
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0L
LocationBushey

SOLD

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jon Dixon

Professional Consigner

With its distinctive boxy lines, big alloy wheels, and brawny 5.0L V8 the Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a timeless classic.

What is the most thoroughly engineered convertible on the classic car scene today? Well we think the R129 has got to be up there on that list. The SL500 is the flagship model with its bombproof M119 5.0L V8 engine - it had more power than some of the Ferraris on sale at the same time.

The SL500 was also one of the safest cars ever built at the time, with its ‘Wunderbar’ (an automatic roll bar) which deploys within milliseconds of the car flipping over. Even to this day, it’s considered an extremely safe sports car to own.

We really like this cherished example owned by Laurence that has recently treated to a professional detail and service, just 2 former keepers before him.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jon after meeting Laurence 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

I opted for the more powerful M119 V8-32 with a 5-speed gearbox as it's the best SL500 combination.

Laurence spent quite a long time looking for the right spec'd example that had to have a certain number of 'musts', especially the panoramic roof, which we spoke to him he mentioned how much he loves the airy feel.

However, his main 'must' was it had to be a SL500 offering the M119 V8-32 valve engine along with the 5-speed electronic gearbox. Laurence mentions "the acceleration and power put a complete smile on your face when you put your foot down. It also has the latest climate control and when all the dash and switches are illuminated at night this car is something else, it'll be missed."

Recent work carried out includes: new rocker cover gaskets, bonnet insulation pad, a recent lubrication service, new oil pressure switch, drivers door strap, 4x wheels refurbished / rebalanced, door speakers changed to JBL and Pioneer, new dome (interior) light console, new sun visor hinge trims, new battery. He's also had the bodywork machine polished to remove any swirls.

Laurence hasn't owned the car that long, however, he's only selling as one of his friends is selling a classic car that he can't pass up, so unfortunately this SL500 has to go to make space for his new purchase - he'll be sad to see it go.

Laurence will be happy to answer any questions in the comments below.

Laurence

Vehicle Owner

Laurence saved £3,060* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in a beautiful Mercedes-Benz colour of Green Black Metallic that suits the boxy straight-line design oh so well.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with 'Monkar' style alloys the wheels give the car a very elegant yet sporty stance on the road. Laurence reports the previous owner treated the wheels to a refurbishment, and since they have all remained in excellent condition.

The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Primacy 3's on the front and Dunlop Sport 2000's on the rear - all the tyres appear to have a great amount of tread left on them.

Bodywork

One very well cared for example. The bodywork looks in excellent condition on this R129 example with all the panel gaps looking good and Laurence reports the car doors open and closes with ease.

The convertible hood looks in good condition too with no obvious signs of wear and tear - we captured a video of it in operation, found within the exterior videos.

Importantly, the car also comes with a glass hardtop roof, which appears in great condition.

Please take a look at the photos for a closer look at the exterior of this car.

Paint

Finished in paint option 1890 - Green Black Metallic, the colour really does compliment the '90s luxurious bodywork of the R129, almost looking a dark blue sometimes.

Being rather picky, during our inspection, we noticed some very minor marks on the front bumper but overall the paintwork is reflective of the limited mileage this car has covered in its life.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view of the paintwork on this car.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks in great condition, with no signs of cracks, chips, or discoloration. The convertible hood looks in good condition too.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed tour of this desirable range-topping R129 convertible.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Cream leather that pairs so well with the exterior - you'll always travel in style and comfort in this modern classic.

Seats and Carpets

Cream leather seats fill the interior with matching carpets and wood veneer trim on the centre console - all appear in great condition with hardly any creasing to the driver bolsters. These cars were made to last.

The condition is reflected in the door cards, and retractable headlining on the glass hardtop roof.

Please take a look at the detailed media for an in-depth view.

Dashboard

The dark brown dashboard looks free from cracking or marks, overall in line with the excellent condition of the rest of the car - very clean and smart.

The instrument cluster tells a similar story with all the numbers are clean, clear, and legible, Laurence reporting everything is working as it should.

Please view the images to see the dashboard in more detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with options 284 and 289 the car has a wooden automatic selector lever and wood / leather finished steering wheel.

The classic 4-spoke steering wheel puts you in control of the car - the larger wheel makes maneuvering the car a breeze.

The automatic gear knob is also in great condition and in line with the rest of the car. Please take a look at the extensive interior media for a detailed tour.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Effortless performance and endless power provided by the flagship M119 5.0L V8 - goosebumps territory.

Engine and Gearbox

The powerful and reliable 5.0L V8 is the one most people desire the most, fitted with a hydraulic 5-speed gearbox which in-tandem produces 342BHP at 5,750rpm to the rear wheels.

The car started first-time in the mechanical video we conducted. The oil pressure gauge was not working during our visit and Laurence is investigating the issue now and will have it resolved in time for the new owner to pick up the car.

Please review the photos and the mechanical review video showing the engine bay and underside.

Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension on this SL500 has independent damper struts whereas the rear suspension has an independent 5-arm multi-link.

The brakes on this car also feature 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted wheel discs with ABS. Laurence reports a great smooth drive in this SL500 with great stopping power when required.

The Drive

Laurence reports an excellent drive in the SL500 - he mentions the car has more than enough power and silky smooth gear changes - just what you would expect for a car of this calibre and condition.

He mentions the car never fails to put a smile on his face, and with the 5.0L V8 in the background, he couldn't think of a better soundtrack for any road trip.

Electrics and Other

The cabin and technology in the R129 was a real leap forward from the R107. Electrically adjustable memory seats, windows, ABS, the soft-top, anti-roll bar to name but a few.

The car also has heated front seats and wiper / washer for the front headlamps. Laurence reports all the electrics on this car are working as they should to his knowledge and reports everything is original apart from the aftermarket pioneer radio.

The only exception to this is that the central locking locks from the remote and sets the alarm, however, when you press the remote to unlock then it only turns off the alarm, i.e. you have to unlock the car via the key in the drivers door, which then in turn activates the central locking and everything opens as it should; the central locking switch inside the car works perfectly and locks / unlocks.

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History and Paperwork

A desirable colour combination and flagship engine with low ownership and mileage make this R129 a very attractive package.

As stated earlier, Laurence reports the recent work carried out includes: new rocker cover gaskets, bonnet insulation pad, a recent lubrication service, new oil pressure switch, drivers door strap, 4x wheels refurbished and rebalanced, door speakers changed to JBL and Pioneer, new dome (interior) light console, new sun visor hinge trims, new battery. He's also had the bodywork machine polished to remove any swirls.

Please take a look at the photos and videos to see all the recent work carried out.

Options: 241/242 - Front seats electric adjustable with memory, 200A - Leather, 284 - Selector lever wood, 289 - wood/leather steering wheel, 340 - additional 3rd stop lamp, 341 - additional blinker lamps, 415 - Glass roof, 472 - ESP, 501 - outside rearview mirror right heated, 533 - speakers, 600 - headlamp wiper/washer, 668 - mode of packing VE III with styropor bumper rails, 740 - black soft top fabric 900 1, 873 - seat heater for left and right front seats.

Checks carried out by us:
- Photo ID of seller.
- V5 checked against seller's photo ID.
- HPi checked

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
12.08.2021	Service	41,449
03.06.2021	MOT	41,345
10.06.2020	MOT	40,994
05.04.2019	MOT	40,348
16.04.2018	MOT	39,775
28.02.2017	MOT	38,746
22.02.2016	MOT	36,599
03.02.2015	MOT	35,440
09.11.2013	MOT	34,176
09.01.2013	MOT	32,933
18.01.2012	MOT	30,418
05.01.2011	MOT	27,950
07.12.2009	MOT	26,123
16.12.2008	MOT	24,054
25.06.2007	MOT	18,559
21.06.2006	MOT	15,847
29.10.2008	Service	23,609
25.06.2007	Service	18,559
22.07.2006	Service (MD)	16,380
09.07.2005	Service (MD)	14,640
08.05.2003	Service (MD)	9,926
26.03.2002	Service (MD)	8,562
07.02.2000	Service (MD)	5,745
29.01.1998	Service (MD)	2,314

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Key Details

ModelSL500
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date17.01.1997 - P464 PLY
CC4973cc
Mileage~41,345
HistoryGood
ColourGreen Black Metallic (1890)
Interior ColourCream
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB1290672F148814
Engine #111998222008961
Last Service29.10.2008
MOTYes. Exp - 02.06.2022
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers2
Security SysStandard
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned3 months
Key FeatureQuality Car

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Ask Questions

Seller : Laurence G Sale Date 30.08.2021

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

Member

Kanny

11100

Member

NettyMake

Nettymake
Hi you have put the mileage at 41345 (41449 on MOT) but picture 25/32 shows a service at 55415 am I missing something

Author

Laurence G

Hi, the 55415 is the repair order / job number, if you look at the other details you’ll see the information is written above the line, the mileage at this service was 8562 and if you look at image 26/32 the repair order number is 32784 and mileage 9926 . Hope this makes sense

Member

NettyMake

Hi you have put the mileage at 41345 (41449 on MOT) but picture 25/32 shows a service at 55415 am I missing something

Member

theop

Hi,

On the Clive Sutton repair bill of 2010, there is a repait and repaint quote for the boot lid. What cause the repair pls?
Also, there is very little, if any, evidence of servicing between 2010 and 2021, aside from MOTs. Is there any? The lack of bills and £££££ spent over the last decade is a slight red flag, otherwise it looks like a nice car.

Author

Laurence G

Hi, sorry I don’t know the answer about boot lid, I was led to believe it was usually serviced when it had an MOT and as I do not have all the old MOTs I think that is the most likely scenario, although the mileage between tests is consistently low. Looking at previous bills and expenditure, it’s more likely that the recent ones are missing rather than it’s been neglected.

Member

trimaran854

The right side of the bonnet has a larger panel gap between front right wing and the bonnet, please explain. Thanks.

Author

Laurence G

Just took a closer look, there is a marginal difference you’re right but that could just be through alignment/ adjustment. I’ve not had any bodywork repairs in my ownership and looking through the paperwork which I got with the car I didn’t notice any invoices for this type of work either.

Member

trimaran854

Thanks
Sorry about multiple submissions!!!

Member

trimaran854

The right side of the bonnet has a larger panel gap between front right wing and the bonnet , please explain. Thanks

Member

trimaran854

The right side of bonnet has a larger panel gap between front right wing and the bonnet , please explain. Thanks

Member

trimaran854

right side of bonnet has a larger panel gap between front right wing and the bonnet – please explain. Thanks

Guest

michael

I have been looking for an SL500 that’s in excellent mechanical condition (uncrashed) with low mileage. Can you please give me a call on —- so that I can ask some questions about the car.
Thanks
Michael

Admin

Kulraj Salh

All questions here Michael, Laurence will respond.

Author

Laurence G

Hi Michael, happy to answer questions here.

Guest

Harleypup

Last week in south Queensferry?
Looking for a quick buck good luck buddy

Author

Laurence G

Sorry you’ve lost me

Guest

Glenn

Do you have the original stereo system head unit with the car?

Author

Laurence G

Hi, unfortunately not, there are some good looking period head units , one by Continental and the other is Blaupunkt Bremen SQR46, both have latest technology with retro appearance or there are originals for sale on EBay. Hope this helps.

Guest

Glenn

Thank you for your reply.

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