1997 MERCEDES-BENZ (R129) SL 280

KEY FACTS

• A very smart modern classic roadster, equipped with the sought-after panoramic glass hard top, and running and driving superbly.
• Under the bonnet is the 190bhp M104 2.8-litre straight-six, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. Although the power output may seem a bit low, this version weighs over 220kg less than some of the bigger engine variants and it is much cheaper to run, yet still has the looks. The vendor reports having to check the rev counter at times to check if the engine is still running even without music playing.
• The car is offered from cherished seven-year ownership, and comes with a recent advisory-free MOT certificate and a comprehensive maintenance history.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Finished in the timeless combination of Brilliant Silver Metallic over a black leather interior, this car was specified from the factory with the costly panoramic glass hard-top roof, incorporating a retractable sunblind. This greatly improves the car’s year-round usability, and a hard top stand is also included.
• Other factory equipment includes cruise control and the optional rear seats.
• It rides on the original 16-inch 12-spoke ‘Monkar’ alloy wheels.
• This car has the later wiring harness, which rectified an expensive weak point on the early R129 SLs. As an earlier facelift car, it is less likely to be prone to corrosion compared to later examples.
• The vendor notes that the spacious boot can accommodate two full sets of golf clubs, or one bag and a trolley, while the space behind the front seats with the rear seat backs folded down provides extra room for luggage for a week away.
• In-car entertainment is now provided by a face-off Pioneer DEH-X5600BT radio/MP3 CD player with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling sat-nav directions via Google Maps or music on a smartphone to be channelled through the speakers. There is also a USB slot enabling charging of devices or music playback via a flash drive.
• The original Mercedes Audio 10 head unit is included in the sale. The backlight does not work and was faulty when the car was purchased in 2014, but can easily be refitted to preserve originality.
• In addition, there is also a working Parrot Bluetooth unit which is hidden behind the lower compartment door, so there are two microphones above the interior mirror.
• Accompanying this modern classic Mercedes-Benz are its original owner’s manual and stamped service book, invoices for its past maintenance and a number of MOT test certificates, as well as its full-size Monkar alloy spare wheel with 225/55 Z R16 Pirelli P6000 tyre that has plenty of tread, genuine Mercedes SL roof override tool (unused), wheel brace and jack.

CONDITION

• The bodywork remains in very good condition, with flush shut lines and no evidence or record of any accident damage.
• Its Brilliant Silver Metallic paintwork is in generally very good condition. The vendor notes some slight bubbling on the hard top near where it meets the boot and where it meets the offside A-pillar, and a scratch near the offside rear hard top locator hole - though this is hidden when either of the roofs are erected. There is also some damage on the left-hand side of the vertical boot lid surface which may have been caused when the SL280 badge was removed prior to the current ownership.
• The black soft top material is in excellent condition. Occasionally, the mechanism does not completely finish its closing sequence at the first attempt. However, if the roof button is released and pressed again, the mechanism continues working and completely closes without fault.
• The alloy wheels are in very good condition with no kerbing damage or significant scratches visible, except for small marks near the wheel nuts.
• The offside front indicator lamp cover has a slight crack in it.
• Inside, there is wear on the driver’s seat cushion and a worn outer side bolster. However, the foam itself remains in good shape, and there are no rips in the leather, so it should be able to be rectified with a professional re-connolising / re-sealing treatment.
• The centre console features a burr wood finish, which has the odd superficial scratch, but the gear lever and switches remain in good order with no control faults reported, and no warning lights present on the dashboard.
• The only known faults are that the air-conditioning condenser leaks, which the vendor has not replaced as they simply push the button to open the roof on hot days; that there is some play in the interior mirror, but it stays in the same position when adjusted; and that there is a remote central locking issue with the spare key, though it fits in the credit card shaped holder which does work manually.
• The most recent MOT test was on 19 May 2021 at 75,563 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. In fact, over the last eight years covering some 25,000 miles on the road, it has not received a single advisory.
• The vendor reports that it starts, runs and drives without fault, said to feel very solid and with no rattles or squeaks.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Last serviced in May 2021 at 75,517 miles, this was an engine oil flush and refill, with a new oil filter, and with fuel treatment added to the tank, carried out by independent Mercedes specialist Carluke MOT Centre.
• In September 2020, the transmission conductor plate, transmission filter, gasket, pilot bush, and gear oil were renewed - and as these were new parts from Mercedes they came with a two-year warranty. This is detailed in a receipt for £1,069.20.
• This example has been very well maintained throughout its life, with a total of 14 stamps in the original service handbook, 13 of which are from either a Mercedes-Benz main dealer or independent Mercedes specialists.

Dates and mileage:

• 22/10/97 - 4,079 miles Mercedes-Benz John Weir Limited
• 04/11/99 - 12,604 miles Mercedes-Benz Ian Philip (Glasgow) Limited
• 29/11/01 - 20,992 miles Vardy Continental Mercedes-Benz Dealer
• 04/02/03 - 25,753 miles Vardy Continental Mercedes-Benz Dealer
• 14/07/05 - 35,368 miles Vardy Continental Mercedes-Benz Dealer
• 12/06/09 - 37,102 miles GT Automotive Mercedes Specialist
• 07/08/10 - 44,210 miles GT Automotive Mercedes Specialist
• 05/08/11 - 46,602 miles GT Automotive Mercedes Specialist
• 19/06/13 - 53,299 miles GT Automotive Mercedes Specialist
• 18/02/14 - 62,794 miles Robert Ormiston Limited
• 24/03/15 - 65,146 miles Ross Irvine Motor Engineer Mercedes Specialist, ML7 4LS
• 04/04/17 - 68,906 miles Ross Irvine Motor Engineer Mercedes Specialist, ML7 4LS
• 27/04/19 - 71,638 miles Carluke MOT Centre Independent Mercedes-Benz Specialist
• 06/05/21 - 75,517 miles Carluke MOT Centre Independent Mercedes-Benz Specialist

SUMMARY

Much more of a grand tourer than a nimble sports car, this Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is an accomplished mile-eater that pampers its driver and passengers. The six-cylinder cars are considerably lighter than the other models, and for that reason come closest to passing for sports cars with their sonorous soundtracks. This well-presented, well-maintained and ‘over engineered’ facelifted SL will make a sophisticated companion for its next owner, and all at a very reasonable outlay.

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.