So Good It Changed Mercedes' Future BUT Not In A Good Way - Mercedes R129 500SL

Comments · 620

• CA

  @cam3002 · 3 years ago

  The comment about MB did not have a history of cutting edge technology but superior build quality, I would argue that MB did both well for a long time.  One point, as a example, in MB's history was the 1950's 300 SL.  First fuel injection, first direct port fuel injection (beat everyone else by around 50 years or so), very aero dynamically clean, early adaptor of independent rear suspension (though it had issues), early adaptor of disk brakes (the later 300 SL roadsters in the early '60's).  It was at the time a high water mark for how technology can be applied to a car sold to the general public.  And is still considered to be an icon.

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• TR

  @Treker-yv7nz · 3 years ago

  Can’t see any Tesla’s being around in 30 years .We should be encouraged to own cars like old Mercedes

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• BC

  @bcosVic · 3 years ago

  The styling is spot on too. Timeless classic.

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• CH

  @chapman1991 · 3 years ago (edited)

  I took a irresponsible loan out for one when I was 22 ( 9 years ago) a bright red 1995 SL320. Daily drove it for 3 years and was pretty hard on it regularly and the only thing that ever went wrong was corroded fuses that caused some weird faults, replaced the fuses for almost no £ and it was perfect. Such a strong reliable car. Always regretted selling it

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• UP

  @UpTheAnte1987 · 3 years ago

  Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure the R129 is the last Mercedes where the engineers and designers made a car and then the retail price was calculated after. Every Mercedes since has been designed to a set target price, hence the difference in quality.

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• CH

  @christianketterer7652 · 2 years ago

  Hello Jack,<br>As a former Daimler employee during the early 2000s I can tell you that this car was not the reason why Daimler lost their focus in quality. It was the ambition of the CEO Jürgen Schrempp at the time to create one of the largest car makers of the world by buying Chrysler, Mitsubishi and others. That drained so much cash that Daimler had to save cost by reducing quality and procuring substandard parts. It all culminated in the W211, the worst E-Class ever, which ultimately led to the demise of Mr. Schrempp.

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• R-

  @R-Tap · 3 years ago

  Those &nbsp;clocks were and still are amazing, the style, the font. 129 aging really well, just like 124.

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• JU

  @justaddafan · 3 years ago (edited)

  I believe the first car to have a fully automatic convertible, where all you had to do was push a button, was the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner. &nbsp;Lincoln then had a fully automatic mechanism in the late 50s and early 60s.

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• DR

  @drainaudio · 3 years ago

  MB not historically cutting-edge in terms of technology? They were ahead of the curve on practically everything, which is why they were an aspirational, premium brand for so many decades. A W124 with the right engine (2.8) &amp; spec in the right condition, is at &quot;30&quot; still superior to many &quot;new&quot; cars.

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• NC

  @nc2988 · 2 years ago

  the depreciation of sl500 is insane. You can get one for a tenth of original cost. That&apos;s what I did, and daily commute it with top down. I think the original owner was a big Pink Floyd fan, which is great, as all 6 cd&apos;s are Pink. The 5.0 V8 is smooth as silk,..I love it. The smooth rumble goes great with Dark Side of the Moon. Mine is 2004 with 68000 miles, so I plan to keep it forever. Top down driving is just plain fun. I&apos;d take this across the country any day, it&apos;s also an elegant highway cruiser unlike the 4 cyclinder rag tops.

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• MI

  @mirisch64 · 3 years ago

  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fcaqQi3WF0&amp;t=270">4:30</a> Austin-Healey!

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• EN

  @enmanuelcubas3401 · 1 year ago

  I have a 96 SL500 R129 with an astonishly only 38k miles. I am putting it up for Sale in California.Excellent condition

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