1993 MERCEDES-BENZ (R129) 500SL

KEY FACTS

• A wonderfully original and low-mileage example of the R129-era roadster, ideal for summer driving and even cross-continental cruises.
• The 500SL is powered by a 5.0-litre 32-valve naturally aspirated M119 V8 engine producing around 322bhp at 5,500rpm, which is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
• A comprehensively documented service history, along with numerous invoices.
• The odometer shows 23,651 miles; however the actual mileage is 57,777 as the vehicle was subject to an instrument cluster change in 2011 by Mercedes-Benz Chelmsford, which is fully documented in the history file.
• Now offered by the trade, and was acquired from fastidious 15-year private ownership.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• This particular 500SL is finished in the attractive and timeless colour combination of Blue Black Metallic over a beige leather interior.
• Its equipment includes air-conditioning, electrically adjustable memory seats, a hard top with heated rear window, front fog lights, dual front airbags, a wind deflector, and optional rear seats.
• An aftermarket Sony stereo CD/MP3 player head unit has been installed.
• The factory hard top is included with the sale of the vehicle, along with its hard top stand.
• Included with the vehicle are the original service book and handbooks along with a large folder full of invoices and receipts, and four keys – two spares and two remote keys – with their original presentation. The remote keys do not currently work, and are thought to need re-programming due to batteries being renewed.

CONDITION

• There is no known body damage or accident history.
• The paintwork is in great condition for its age, wearing only minor stone chips as well as some wear-and-tear marks which are most noticeable on the nearside rear bumper.
• The wheels have been professionally refurbished to rectify small kerbing grazes.
• A new soft top was supplied and fitted in March 2018 by Q Trim in Essex.
• Inside, this R129 is in excellent shape for its age. The beige leather seats and carpets are in good condition, with the former only showing minor wear to the driver’s seat outer bolster. The rear seats are in superb order, evidently having seen very little use.
• The door cards in are excellent condition, and there is just some slight peeling around the passenger seat controls.
• There are no known faults with the vehicle, with all switches and electrical systems working as they should.
• The latest MOT exam took place on 08 September 2020, and resulted in a clean pass with no advisories.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The most recent service took place during September 2020, and was carried out by Waterhouse. This was a ‘B’ service including a new fuel filter, brake fluid and an MOT.
• Prior to this, the vehicle was serviced in September 2019 and again in September 2018. Both of these were routine ‘A’ services, with an ignition control unit replacement taking place during the 2018 service.

 Summary:

• 26.05.1993 at 1,385 miles - Mercedes-Benz
• (Date not recorded) at 8,940 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 22.01.1996 at 12,843 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 16.10.1996 at 15,627 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 07.08.1997 at 17,254 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 10.02.1998 at 18,706 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 17.06.1999 at 19,274 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 12.06.2000 at 20,392 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 09.07.2001 at 21,276 miles - No 5 Garage (Porsche specialist)
• 12.05.2004 at 22,515 miles - Mercedes-Benz
• 13.01.2006 at 24,436 miles - Going Spare
• 05.02.2007 at 25,957 miles - Mercedes-Benz
• 04.09.2008 at 29,697 miles - Mercedes-Benz
• 28.08.2009 at 31,639 miles - Mercedes-Benz
• 19.08.2010 at 33,986 miles - Mercedes-Benz
• 25.08.2011 at 34,126 miles - Mercedes-Benz (instrument cluster change at this point)
• 07.09.2012 at (mileage not on invoice) - Mercedes-Benz
• 05.09.2013 at 3,978 miles - Waterhouse
• 29.08.2014 at 6,291 miles - Waterhouse
• 27.08.2015 at 9,070 miles - Waterhouse
• 12.09.2016 at 13,018 miles - Waterhouse
• 01.09.2017 at 16,518 miles - Waterhouse
• 12.09.2018 at 18,311 miles - Waterhouse
• 10.09.2019 at 20,343 miles - Waterhouse
• 09.09.2020 at 22,971 miles (actual 57,097 miles) - Waterhouse

SUMMARY

Wonderfully original throughout and with only 57,777 miles from new; this Mercedes-Benz 500SL presents in excellent order. With the smooth V8 engine and option of the soft top or hard-top roof, it makes a great case for a year-round roadster, whether for short weekend drives or long-distance road trips – and it exemplifies the R129’s typical robust build quality and reliability.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.