Is the R129 a good investment?
Absolutely. As of 2025, investing in an R129 SL represents one of the most compelling risk-to-reward opportunities in the modern classic car market. The R129-generation Mercedes-Benz SL is an often overlooked classic. Early cars like this one offer the purest design and a comprehensive features list. The 500SL is the best of the breed, and this example boasts low miles and welcome maintenance.
Is the R129 a future classic?
Future Outlook The R129 is seen today as a highly desirable modern practical classic car. It commands a higher average price than its successor, the R230 SL, not least due to its mechanical simplicity. The value of the R129 has not declined for some considerable time. The 2003 to 2012 R230-Series SL is one of the least expensive ways into modern SL ownership, but it’s also the most problematic version. While a well-maintained R230 can be a bargain, pre-2008 cars are known for leaky roofs, rust, and problems with two very complex systems, ABC and SBC.
What year is SL500 the best?
Thus the best years for drivers are 1996, 1997 and 1998, which have both the quad-cam engine and the 5-speed transmission. They are the best SL500s ever made and are real Mercedes, not watered down Daimler-Chryslers. The 1996 is the least expensive as a driver’s car. Most years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class performed decently on the road, so even the worst years aren’t as bad as much of the competition. If we had to advise some years to avoid, we’d recommend refraining from the 1994, 2001, 2013, and 2014 selections. Their performance was less than ideal.Thus the best years for drivers are 1996, 1997 and 1998, which have both the quad-cam engine and the 5-speed transmission. They are the best SL500s ever made and are real Mercedes, not watered down Daimler-Chryslers. The 1996 is the least expensive as a driver’s car.Most years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class performed decently on the road, so even the worst years aren’t as bad as much of the competition. If we had to advise some years to avoid, we’d recommend refraining from the 1994, 2001, 2013, and 2014 selections. Their performance was less than ideal.Thus the best years for drivers are 1996, 1997 and 1998, which have both the quad-cam engine and the 5-speed transmission. They are the best SL500s ever made and are real Mercedes, not watered down Daimler-Chryslers. The 1996 is the least expensive as a driver’s car.