Somewhere the owner of a recently-purchased used Mercedes-Benz stands in front of the mirror, practicing. “It’s a V12… I’ve got the V12. Of course, I had to have the V12, darling.” This 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL600 may not be the smallest V12-powered car ever built, but it’s on the short list. The odometer shows fewer than 57,000 miles, and the seller overflows with praise for the Pacific Beach, California classic’s capabilities here on Craigslist. Its AMG Sport package may not add horsepower, but it adds another badge on the trunk lid and some sporty goodies elsewhere. Thanks to reader Rocco B. for submitting the tip on this tidy drop-top golf-buddy impresser.
Why build a 6.0L V12 instead of a 6.0L V8? Simply put, the V12 puts the V in Smoov. Just as a single inline six cylinder engine boasts better inherent balance and smoother operation than a V8, the V12 benefits from having two banks of six cylinders rather than the V8’s four per side. This one makes 389 HP without turbo or supercharging.
Anything “600” indicated V12 for some time in M-B parlance, and always represents a vehicle at or near the top of the luxury lineup. While the S600 sedans ferry heads of state and corporate kings, the SL600 might be what those same movers and shakers drive on the weekend. As long as there’s room for two golf bags or your lover’s weekend luggage in the boot, you’re good as gold.
Mercedes leather is known for wearing well over time, and nothing visible disputes the low mileage claim. Large round gauges and fluffy AMG seat belt protectors tell you this is a sporting person’s luxury car. I’m joking, of course.
According to the seller’s math, this SL sold for over $200,000 in today’s money, and if you were going to party like it was 1999, you did it in style with an array of rectangular buttons and real wood trim. Having owned a 2001 Mercedes-Benz, I can confirm that real wood lies beneath the finish on these posh polished panels. Removing them for maintenance reveals a plywood structure and hardwood veneer. Scratches can be gently removed using high-quality auto body swirl remover. As German cars of this time frame go, Porsche has the highest reliability, BMWs are guaranteed to keep you entertained with myriad dashboard lights popping up like bad weeds, and M-B is somewhere in the middle, often racking up 40 or 50 thousand miles before demanding an expensive sacrifice at the altar of Teutonic Gods. It may be hard to justify maintaining 50% more cylinders than a V8, but when you’re practicing your lines in front of the mirror, it will all be worth it. Would you make room in your garage for this tidy V12 gem?
Better car with either the M119 or the M113 engines. Also R129 interior parts are non existent. SL600’s also have hydraulic suspension and are expensive to repair. The engine is a real jewel though. Basically 2 M104 engines joined at the crank.
Alpha knows a thing or two about the MB, all I know is that my daughter loved her 190E 6cyl and I love my old C320 Sport Coupe V6. I might however make love to a V12.
Man, this looks like a lot of car for the money. $20,995.00. That is some kind of depreciation. Funny how I just posted about 5x or 10x values for old cars, but repair costs for these cars is so high their price plummets with age.
A friend bought one of these in the $5000.00 range and and thought they stole it. Until the engine suddenly shut off at high speed on the highway and left them scared and stranded. After $7000.00 of maintenance (without fixing the engine shut off problem) they never drove it anymore) and sold it for $3500.00.
I’ve always wanted this generation SL. A while back, I had a few regular customers who owned SLs. One was an MB dealer. He suggested that the 500 was the solid. 600 expensive to maintain, which has been hinted at above. In my dotage these days, I think I’d grab a 300 if I could find one.
I have a friend that bought this same car brand new. He let me take it for a drive and I remember how weird it was that you could neither hear or feel it run it was so smooth. That thing was really fast and fun to drive I’m just glad I wasn’t responsible for maintaining it.
Being the owner of the next generation SL600 from this one, there is absolutely nothing that compares to putting the pedal down and having the instant response of the twin turbo V12 propel you down the road.
I own a S600. I can tell you a thing or three about that V12. Wonderfully smooth engine and torque available for passing at God’s own speed. However….
Virtually all maintenance in and around that engine requires it be dropped out of the car. The 24 spark plugs and their coils cannot be reached otherwise. And if you’re dropping the engine out of the car you might as well change the motor mount as it’s an electronic dumathingy that will go bad before it hits 100K. At an independent shop it cost me $6,000. Be advised!
When i owned my bmw’s and porsche ´s , i would always get the sweats when i had to go out of town with one .
Settled that and went back to american cars , not the same ride, not the same look but not the same $$&
I drive for myself and as long as i like the overall sensation , its good
YOLO
The car may appear cheap, but service will equal the purchase price. Because of the underhood heat and age of this car, the wiring loom will be needing replacement. The great suspension will be looking for new air bladders and electronics. And “little” things like $500 for a window lift motor, a few thousand $ for electronics and motors for the top, $3,500 for major service. And, don’t forget the cooling system and brake flush, spark plugs, etc. Beautiful car, but oh boy, those maintenance cost for a “cheap” car.