This is one of the most underappreciated cars on the market right now, and we’re all going to be kicking ourselves for not buying one at the current price point. Someday, these will be selling for over $50,000, mark my words. The R129 is one of the most striking designs to come out of Mercedes-Benz, and for too many years, low prices have created the perception that these cars aren’t worth the price of admission. Good ones sell for strong money, and that’s only going to escalate in the years to come. This 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is listed here on eBay is currently bid to $7,300 with the reserve unmet.
This car may look somewhat demure in the color scheme seen here, but it’s actually a rare combo. Desert Silver Metallic over Java Leather is a fancy way of saying tan over beige, yes – but coupled with a Dark Brown soft top, it’s quite handsome. And even with color preferences aside, many of these were ordered in red or black, so a conservative color like this may appeal to buyers who don’t want their Mercedes convertible to appear too flashy. The cosmetics appear to be in excellent condition and the optional AMG Sport Package gets you some subtle aerodynamic enhancements and the classic AMG 5-spoke wheels.
Because these cars are often priced below $10,000 on places like Facebook Marketplace, they end up in the hands of owners who don’t pay much attention to things like leather care. This is not one of those cars, as the leather is in near-perfect condition and the steering wheel shows almost zero signs of wear. The mileage isn’t ridiculously low at just over 85,000, but this car also hasn’t been used like a daily, either. The seller notes that the soft top is brand new and the color-matched hardtop is included. I believe Mercedes sold these cars new with the hardtop included, but I could be wrong; they appear in the salvage yard fairly often when one of these cars gets junked.
The SL500 is powered by the M113 V8, which is a terrific engine. It is a classic Mercedes V8, which is to say it is overbuilt and fairly cheap to operate. I am a fan of naturally-aspirated Mercedes V8s – far more so than the boosted versions – as they will gladly take oil changes and new spark plugs every year and not ask a whole lot more. Power-wise, the SL500 make 302 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque, which is more than enough to keep ahead of local traffic. This is a gorgeous example that’s clearly been loved, and again, I doubt you’ll lose a dime if you choose to keep it for 10 years and drive it every weekend.
I agree, they’re pretty cool cars, but I just don’t see them exploding in value, for a multitude of reasons. But to drive and enjoy this would be a good choice. Cheap to buy, and you don’t have to worry about it. Though keep in mind, maintenance can be very expensive. It’s key to have a good independent job.If you can’t do things yourself.
Removing the top is no picnic either. It generally takes two people to do the job easily.
Aren’t these the ones where hydraulic fluid can spray down the interior if the top system fails? That is why these are cheap. Because they cost a fortune to repair and maintain.
I love my German cars, but you really need to know how to work on your own vehicle, which is almost nobody these days, or have a mechanic who’s not going to gouge you. Most good European car mechanics know the value of their services and pamper you and then gouge your ever loving eyes out. Ones who charge low prices are getting much more rare as these vehicles get more complicated. Part prices are also getting ridiculously expensive with that complexity.
Put it all together and most people are afraid of these cars. And unfortunately, there’s a very good reason for that.
2010 Cayenne. I believe you are thinking of the next generation retractable hardtops. They can spring a leak and you’ll end up with hydraulic fluid inside.
These have two hydraulic cylinders in the front of the convertible top that close the latches and when they go it rains on you
@Paul – Yup, all over your white golf pants, LOL! I mean, who wouldn’t want to sign up for that?
There is nothing more expensive, than an old, cheap, Mercedes. Save for a Rolls.
I owned a beautiful Red AMG kit one. It was fantastic but the problem with these, as with all Mercedes convertibles, is the top hydraulics. Far too many cylinders and microswitches. I got a look at a 96 Jag XJS and it had two cylinders and they were easy to reach and change. This one has 8 and they are a PIA job in addition to the cost. You can get them rebuilt and replace them yourselves but it is not a fun job at all. Putting the tops up manually is no fun either. When I was young I drove Alfa’s. I loved those tops. I could do it with one arm reaching back and two simple hooks to manually lock it in place. I just picked up a 91 Reatta convertible and the top on that is manual and a piece of cake. The 70s and 80s Mercedes SL tops were a pain too. Way too over engineered and you need a special tool to lock in place.
These are all good and valid points so can get rid of the zeros.
a lot of people know the secret now…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0wr0pdXjy0
If you want a smooth reliable V8 roadster, look no further than a used Lexus SC430! Rick solid and no hydraulic top issues! On my second one and not one issue on either one!!👍👍
I have a 1990 6 cylinder 5 speed manual. When I got it some of the hydraulic cylinders (I think there are 11 in total) had already been rebuilt. Not the windshield header ones though! When they leak it seeps from the outer edges of the header. Fortunately, they are easy to remove and send for rebuilding, about 10 minutes per side to remove or replace. If you need the top up when they are removed it can be latched manually. If any other cylinders leak the fluid drains out channel by the rear wheels. And, when the hydraulic pump leaks, it just pools in the bottom of the spare tire well where the pump lives. I’ll probably be replacing mine before winter storage, time permitting. Surprisingly, tested used pumps are not too expensive on Ebay; the replacement fluid costs almost as much as a pump.
Back in 2006 when I was selling commercial vehicles. A girlfriend of one of my regular customers decided that she wanted to trade her 2001 16k miles Mercedes 500 roadster in for a couple of basic 1/2 4×4 work pickups for her business. (Living in Mammoth Lakes means not being able to drive the car for about 4 months of the year.) I called up a dealer that we did business with that dealt in these and other “exotic” cars. The car always been garaged and in excellent condition. He offered me $33k. I then called around all over the west coast and that was the best offer of the bunch. Needless to say, she was not amused at losing more than 1/2 the cost in a very short time. She bought 1 truck and decided to try and get some more use out if the car.
Looking at the price point of the CLK Cabrio versus the SL of the approximate same age is very interesting. The SL was about 40% more expensive to buy when new. Today a nice CLK brings about the same money without the headaches an SL comes with. Digital versus analog, maybe. Germans love to over engineer. A fine example is the SL.
I had one of these and currently have a 2004 CLK 500 cabriolet. The SL was prettier but the CLK is more comfortable and I enjoy it more.
I have an ‘05 CLK 500 and love that dog. A real hoot to drive and certainly more economical to keep on the road.
hate the fisheye lens (& used in @ least 3 of the 4 pic here).
Never looked these over in the day. Like the AMX, comin here helped me ‘take a 2nd look”. Not something I could use (but wrenchin in the ‘2ndary market’ means tracking, considering, pricing, etc).
Most car guys know of MB’s declines in late 90s and thru to the ‘teens (in some cases). As said, after being shown enuff on this channel I grew to like the pre-Diamler, AMG. So in the R129 the SL 280/320 and 300SL seem the models for me (SOHC/DOHC) due to the i6. We can miss those later yrs as these were offered as early as ’88 and avoid the bent8 or 12s. The sweet spot and models (for me, god forbid, to own – or more likely prep/sell).
Ended at $11,600.
Reserve Not Met.
48 bids.