2000 Mercedes-Benz SL320 SL Edition Designo (R129) |

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2000 Mercedes-Benz SL320 SL Edition Designo (R129)

Sold Price

£23,320

Mileage~36,000
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.2L
LocationBushey

SOLD

2000 Mercedes-Benz SL320 SL Edition Designo (R129)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Dom Ginn

Professional Consigner

The R129 has been taken to another level with the exclusive Designo SL Edition, unique styling specification.

The epitome of 90s automobiles, the R129 Mercedes SL 320 almost took the accolade of car of the year at launch. Thorough engineering from Mercedes-Benz as ever. First introduced to the world in 1989 with production running until 2001, the boxy body and large alloys were a step-change in the design from the R107 and hold their own place, already considered a modern classic.

The Designo SL Edition Mercedes is the individualisation range for exclusive paint finishes and high-quality interior appointments. This example in "Mystic Blue" with a black leather interior, birds eye maple inlays as well as the optional wood trim on the gear shifter and steering wheel. It also comes equipped with the desirable panoramic glass hardtop roof.

This example has been owned by Laurence for the previous ~4.5 years, over that time he hardly used the car and when he has, only enjoyed it on warm dry days. He was really attracted to both the low mileage and endless specifications the Designo SL Edition offered him. He is now looking for a likeminded enthusiast to take over ownership.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Laurance the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

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 spent over 6 months searching for my dream R129, these Designo SL Editions have the best spec.

When Laurence was in the market for a convertible SL to enjoy on the weekends, he spent over 6 months to find his perfect one. Many he had viewed were modified and unoriginal, with signs of bubbling and corrosion. He had quite a strong criteria; glass panoramic hardtop, xenon headlights, wood/leather steering wheel, and memory seats. When an advert appeared at a Mercedes specialist in Cheshire, Laurence booked the next train up to go and view it. Once he saw the Designo Mystic Blue paintwork along with perforated seats, he knew it was the one and ended up buying it there and then.

After ~4.5 years of ownership, Laurence isn't using the car as much as he once did and he feels someone else should enjoy it. A member of the R129 Mercedes Benz Owners club, he mentioned the car receives a lot of attention. Recently he had the car serviced and fitted with new track rods. He'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

Laurence

Vehicle Owner

Laurence saved £4,140* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in Designo Mystic Blue, this R129 is a stunning mix of style and purpose and instantly recognisable from the paint and wheels.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with its original Designo Mercedes-Benz 18” 6-spoke "Albireo" alloys (the same used on the limited run Silver Arrows model), they look in very good condition on the whole. They are shod with Dunlop SP Sport 3000 tyres on the front dated 2008 and SP Sport 01's on the rear dated 2012/16. The tyres look good with lots of life left in them for the new owner.

As we walked around each wheel, we noticed some very minor corrosion on the outer lip on the front offside alloy. Please take a look at the videos and photography for a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

All the panel gaps look tight and correct when observing the car, and it comes with the panoramic glass hardtop as pictured.

This generation often suffers from corrosion on the wheel arches, and where water sits in-between panels. On this example, we didn't observe anything like that, and the underside looks in good condition too. The only area to note is a very small bit of corrosion showing on the boot by the number plate.

We have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in a very attractive individual "Designo Mystic Blue" with a smart black leather interior. Each panel presents a deep lustre along with even coverage and colour throughout.

We did notice some very light stone chips to the front and some light scuffs on the rear bumper and rear nearside arch. Again, please take time to review all the images and videos showing the paint from different angles and reflections, to assess the condition for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks to be in great condition all around, including the soft-top and hardtop. The soft-top has some slight marks to it where it folds, and is said to be water tight. The grill trim and rubber seals look good too, in line with the rest of the car.

Please view the images and videos of the glass to see in detail.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Refined, comfortable and well spec'd with exclusive Designo flourishes.

Seats and Carpets

Equipped with luxurious memory heated-seats, they are ideal for long journeys and trips around the continent. The "Mystic Blue" cars came with black leather, and the seats are in fine condition in the front, with just some minor creasing in the leather that can come with age.

A nice surprise to see that the plastic fittings and centre console storage compartments are all present and fully working, showing care by past owners (Laurence has had a new gas strut fitted to the centre arm rest storage door, a typical niggle with the R129). The carpets, door cards and headlining all appear in good condition - in line with the condition of the rest of the interior, and the car has the original SL Edition over mats too.

Dashboard

As with the rest of the car, a really nice example. A clean and smart dash and instrument cluster, all the numbers are clean, clear and legible. The Designo cars featured a unique finish to the instrument binnacle as pictured, and other areas like the gear selector. The wood trim is birds eye maple, and feature across the centre console area as well as the steering wheel.

The dashboard is free from cracks or tears, please view the images to see the dashboard in more detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

This car was optioned with a 4-spoke Mercedes-Benz steering wheel with wood inserts to match the centre console area. As with the rest of the interior, the steering wheel and gear selector have black leather too.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

German engineering at its best, these later SL320's featured the V6 engine, and the SL Edition coming with a ~221BHP unit.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.2L engine produces ~221BHP, which packs more than enough punch through to the rear wheels for a great drive.

Laurence reports both the engine and gearbox are smooth in operation, with the last service actioned ~1,000 miles ago. We've captured a detailed mechanical video that shows the car out on the road and a view under and around the engine bay. Please take a look at the detailed media pack to see a closer view of the clean mechanics.

Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension in this SL320 has independent damper struts whereas the rear suspension has an independent 5-arm multi-link. Laurance assures us of a very smooth ride.

The brakes on this car also feature 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted wheel discs with ABS, and drilled discs. It's reported to perform with plenty of stopping power when required.

The Drive

Everything this car is about, the SL320 never fails to produce a luxury driving experience. A very smooth ride with the pure power of a 3.2L at your fingertips – everything you need to enjoy your retirement.

Electrics and Other

These SL Edition cars came well spec'd from factory, this one having the original stereo with CD changer. The car also has Xenon headlights and features like cruise-control. Laurence has had a top of the range Parrot Bluetooth hands free kit, which is integrated with the stereo system.

He reports that to his knowledge all of the electrics are functional and operational, in line with the rest of the condition of the car. The only thing to point out being a slight discolouration to the off-side wing mirror glass, not effecting visibility or operation.

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History and Paperwork

A rare chance to own a Designo SL Edition R129 - a beautifully engineered convertible GT, coming to market from ~4.5years ownership and low miles.

A genuine and highly original SL Edition "Designo Mystic Blue" SL320 which has spent the majority of its life garaged. The car has covered just ~36,600 miles. The car is part of the individualisation range of Mercedes and comes with a highly appointed interior, fitted with a black leather-trimmed cabin, birds eye maple inlays, optional wood trim on the gear shifter and steering wheel, original 18" six-spoke split rim "Albireo" alloys, "SL Edition" centre console panel, and a panoramic glass hardtop roof.

Take a look at the history and paperwork for a view of all the previous MOTs and main dealer/specialist service work carried out. Please note the cherished registration number will not be coming with the car, it will be returned to an age related number.

Laurence will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

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
15.10.2021	MOT	36,520
22.10.2020	MOT	36,147
26.10.2019	MOT	35,683
01.05.2019	Service	35,351
26.10.2018	MOT	35,164
13.11.2017	MOT	34,377
02.03.2017	MOT	33,745
01.03.2017	Service	33,744
04.03.2014	MOT	32,786
03.06.2015	MOT	33,163
01.06.2015	Service	33,159
03.03.2014	Service	32,780
28.03.2013	Service	31,210
22.02.2013	MOT	31,052
06.06.2012	MOT	29,048
24.05.2012	Service	28,894
09.05.2011	MOT	27,804
16.12.2010	Service	27,307
07.06.2010	MOT	26,852
11.09.2009	Service	24,167
28.05.2009	MOT	22,648
07.06.2008	MOT	16,756
16.11.2007	Service (MD)	16,120
08.06.2007	MOT	15,830
11.05.2006	Service (MD)	14,898
11.05.2006	MOT	14,898
05.07.2005	MOT	14,286
06.10.2004	Service (MD)	12,955
24.09.2002	Service (MD)	8,296