Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)

This article is about the 1988–2001 300 SL (R129 model range). For the original 1954–1963 300 SL (W198 model range), see Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129)
Overview
Manufacturer
Production
AssemblyGermany: Bremen
Designer
Body and chassis
ClassSports car / Grand tourer
Body style2-seater Convertible
Layoutfront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase99.0 in (2,515 mm)
Length
  • 1997–2001: 177.1 in (4,498 mm)
  • 1989–1996: 176.0 in (4,470 mm)
  • 1992–96 V12: 178.0 in (4,521 mm)
Width71.3 in (1,811 mm)
Height
  • 1992–2001: 51.3 in (1,303 mm)
  • 1989–1991: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz R107
SuccessorMercedes-Benz R230

The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1988 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

The R129 was offered as a two-door roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), fabric convertible roof; colour-matched, automated tonneau cover; and a manually detachable hardtop that could be fitted over the stored fabric convertible roof and tonneau. It was available with a variety of powertrains across its twelve-year production, including a V12 option used in the SL600.

  1. ^ "300 SL / R 129 E 30, 1989 - 1993". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  2. ^ Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.5. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 165.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference autogenerated1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Auto Katalog, 2003 edition, p. 312. Note: Figures for 2001 are for calendar year and include early R230 production. Actual Grand Total for R129 probably around 203,000 units.
  5. ^ a b Brian Long: Mercedes-Benz: SL R129 Series 1989 to 2001.. Retrieved 14 February 2015.