I am new to this forum and I am seeking help with a purchase decision regarding a 1998 or 1999 SL500. Should I be concerned one way or the other regarding the engine differences? Is either model superior to the other? Anything I should be particularly careful about with either of these models? Thanx.

 

While I am by no means an expert on this topic, perhaps I tell you our experience. We recently purchased a '99SL500 here in Phoenix. We took two '98's and a '99 to a local shop we've used for years. There suggestion (and it was a strong one) was to buy the 1999 for these reasons:

1. The '99 had a newly designed engine which they said has proved to be less complicated and less prone to repairs.
2. The front brakes are larger. I'm not sure what that effect is but he felt it was important. I also think that's why the '99 has 17 inch wheels.

I liked the looks of the '99 better for a couple of purely vain reasons; the door handles are colored to match the body and I liked the chrome wheels more.

Not sure if that's what you were looking for but it was my experiences.

Good Luck - either way you'll likely love the car - we do.

 

I wouldn't be concerned about which engine is better, since they are both outstanding, and engine problems will be the least of the troubles you have owning one of these cars. But all else being equal, I would get a '99 or newer because while the peak horsepower is lower than the older cars, the horsepower at low RPMs is greater. Floor the accelerator from a dead stop in both cars, and you will feel the difference -- I know, because I recently owned both and did it.

 

I would also go for an M113 engined SL500. As you say the styling is a lot nicer with the 1999 facelift, standard equipment went up and you get lots of torque with the variable intake manifold (460Nm @ 2700-4250rpm).

 

Thanks to all who responded----I was leaning towards the 1998 but you have changed my mind-----Thanx