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1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 320 (R129)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£9,214

  • Mileage~86,000
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.2L
  • LocationWeston-Super-Mare

SOLD

1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 320 (R129)

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

There's no denying that the R129 has earned its place in the modern classic hall of fame, thanks to the 90s styling and technological advancements.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1989, the Mercedes-Benz R129 platform was a direct replacement for the R107 from the previous decade and brought with it a number of changes, including a hidden roll-over bar and adaptive damping system, making it one of the safest vehicles of its time. From the model year 1998 onwards, the SL320 received a revised facelift that included new wheel designs, body coloured bumpers and door handles, and a soft Nappa leather interior. Additionally, the 3.2L V6 engine was introduced in place of the straight-six from previous model years. These changes transformed the vehicle, giving it a more modern exterior, luxurious interior, and the new V6 engine.

This particular car comes to market from ~1 year ownership, mostly enjoyed on sunny weekends. This example is a 1 former keeper car, and has an impressive list of factory-selected specifications. It presents beautifully having been detailed for sale, something someone could enjoy this year and beyond.

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

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

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've always been drawn to the R129 design and performance, after an extensive search, this example was the best I could find.

Matthew became the second owner of this car when he purchased it in June 2022. He thoroughly enjoyed the car for what it is: a fantastic, reliable, and powerful sports car. However, after a year of enjoyment, Matthew has decided to part ways with his SL320 to fund his daughter's flight training.

Feel free to ask any questions about the car in the comments below, and Matthew will be happy to provide answers.

Matthew
Vehicle Owner

Matthew saved £1,620* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

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Exterior

The R129 is a 90s icon, a sleek design and all important power folding roof were an instant hit.

Wheels and Tyres

The period-correct "Albali" wheels, finished in silver, give this R129 a lot of character and are a popular choice among enthusiasts. On this example, the wheels appear to have been well cared for, with no obvious damage observed on any of the spokes. There are only slight signs of corrosion to the surface around the centres.

The wheels are fitted with Zeta tires, which seem to be in good condition. They are dated 2014 and have ample tread remaining, with no visible cracking or signs of aging on the sidewalls.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this R129 SL 320 appears to be in great condition, with all the panel gaps around the car aligning very well. During our visit, we didn't spot any noticeable dings along the car's flanks. Everything looks crisp and sharp, and the car stands very straight and true, no obvious signs of corrosion were spotted either, just two very small areas on the front wheel arches that are a typical place to find any on this model.

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

Paint

Finished in the sought-after "Amber Red", the paint exhibits a lovely standard with even coverage and consistent colour across every panel. Matthew had the car detailed prior to sale, and so it presents very well as pictured.

Once more, we have provided high-resolution images and videos for your personal assessment of the bodywork's condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this R129 appears to be in excellent condition, in line with the mileage and ownership. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discoloration. The window seals also appear to be in good condition, consistent with the overall state of the car.

Be sure to check the exterior photos to see both the color-matching hardtop and the convertible hood, both of which are in great condition with no tears or rips. Matthew exclusively drives the car with the hood down, only in dry weather.

Interior

Elegantly finished in Java leather, a complementary colour to the exterior and optional burl wood trim interior.

Seats and Carpets

The "Java" leather seats have held their shape very well over the years, as you would expect for cherished and careful ownership. There are only slight signs of age on the seats in terms of the expected creasing to the leather, nothing unsightly like you can often see on this model.

A similar story is told with the leather door cards and cream carpets. Please take a look at the extensive media for a detailed view of the cabin.

Dashboard

The dashboard features a dark brown finish and is equipped with five black gauges in front of the driver.

The dashboard in this SL320 exhibits no major damage or scuffs. During our visit, there were no warning lights displayed, and the odometer showed a reading of 85,966 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A wooden burl trimmed steering wheel was specified from the original order. The original steering wheel is in great condition, consistent with the car's mileage. Additionally, the glossy wooden gearstick is also well-maintained. For a closer look at the details, please refer to the image gallery.

Mechanics

The 3.2L V6 engine, producing ~221BHP pairs seamlessly with the highly capable automatic gearbox, an enjoyable driving experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.2L V6 engine from Mercedes is known for its overall reliability. During our visit, we started the car from a cold start, and it performed admirably on the road, with the engine pulling smoothly, idling without any issues, and running without fault.

For a comprehensive view of the mechanical aspects, including the cold start, driving demonstration, and a closer look underneath the SL320, as well as the well-maintained engine bay, please refer to the mechanical video.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears in good condition and provided a smooth journey on the sweeping country roads.

On our short drive in the car, it felt just as you'd expect for a Mercedes-Benz from this era, coming to a stop without a fuss too.

The Drive

When you start up the car, the V6 sounds fantastic, combined with the auto gearbox, it offers a wonderful and relaxing driving experience. This car is ideal for touring across countries during the summer months.

Electrics and Other

While we didn't test all the electrics during our visit, Matthew reports that to his knowledge, all of them are functional and operational, consistent with the overall condition of the car. The car is equipped with a more modern Sony stereo unit.

History and Paperwork

1 former keeper, this UK RHD SL 320 in Amber Red has been well cared for over the years as can be seen by the beautiful presentation.

The car is coming out of a ~1 year ownership with Matthew. It retains a high level of originality, and the 3.2L V6 engine delivers an impressive amount of power to the exceptionally well-engineered R129 SL. Additionally, it includes a color-matched Amber Red hardtop. Please refer to the history and paperwork media to review previous MOT reports, servicing records, and parts that this SL320 R129 has received throughout its life.

Additional extras from factory: Wooden gear shift, wooden leather steering wheel, Xenon headlights, Black soft top, carpet mat set.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

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
13.09.2023 MOT 85,956
26.08.2022 MOT 85,344
29.07.2021 Service -
16.08.2021 MOT 82,994
05.08.2020 MOT 79,843
25.07.2020 Service 79,800
13.08.2019 MOT 77,701
01.08.2019 Service 78,000
08.08.2018 MOT 74,100
15.08.2017 MOT 70,794
15.03.2017 Service 69,700
15.08.2016 MOT 69,512
03.08.2015 MOT 68,311
08.08.2014 MOT 65,864
19.08.2013 MOT 63,731
13.08.2012 MOT 59,622
12.08.2011 MOT 54,742
28.07.2010 MOT 50,457
17.08.2009 MOT 47,707
20.08.2008 MOT 44,329
09.08.2007 MOT 37,817
23.08.2006 MOT 33,352
20.08.2004 Service (MD) 24,543
30.08.2002 Service (MD) 18,796
21.11.2000 Service (MD) 10,687
Key Details
  • ModelSL 320 (R129)
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date20.09.1999
  • CC3,199
  • Mileage~86,000
  • HistoryPresent
  • ColourAmber Red
  • Interior ColourJava Nappa
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WDB1290642F186349
  • Engine #11294330496611
  • RestoredNo
  • Engine RebuildNo
  • MOTYes. Exp - 12.09.2024
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes All Clear
  • Former Keepers1
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandZeta
  • Tyre Age2014
  • Security SysYes
  • # of Keys3
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~1 year
  • Key FeatureCondition, 1 former keeper
  • Auction ID1635







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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13 Comments
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
1 year ago

***RESERVE MET*** this car will be sold to the highest bidder this evening. Good luck Adam TC

Frosty
Frosty
1 year ago

Is there a video of the electric roof working. Thanks

Russdavis
Russdavis
1 year ago

Apologies but one more question. I see a gap in the service history where there are only MOT’s showing. Is there any service history across this period?

Russdavis
Russdavis
1 year ago

Hi Matthew,
Very small detailing questions … For the driver’s door lower speaker, is there a mesh or cover missing? The netting in the passenger footwell, is this detached/broken? Do all the electrics work on the car as were prone to loom issues on earlier models?
Much appreciated

Country353085
Country353085
1 year ago

Hi,
Does the car have power folding mirrors?00580
Has there been any issued0 with the battery, central locking, heater blower/control unit or folding roof?
Is stand for the roof included and does come apart to transport?

Regards
Rob…

danvalente
danvalente