Mercedes new generation SL-Class will make its world debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The new generation brings a new design, more sportier and better performance, and also a new entry-level model and a new engine for the SL350.
The 2009 SL-Class features a new front-end design featuring as its centerpiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant radiator grille whose V-shape symbolizes sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and performance potential.
More details about the new SL-Class can be found here.

 

Yeah Nice! Change the style after5 years WTF. My 2004 is now worth $39,000 with 19,000 miles.
$60,000 Loss in 4 years.
What should i do now?
I'm stuck.
Anyone know an 50+hp upgrade for under $5000.

 

One word, lease

I've never been unsatisfied with the SL, the new model looks excellent!

 

That's odd. My '03 with no options and 30K miles is worth more than that.

Relax and enjoy your car.

The consensus of opinion is that the new styling is a significant step back. It may have beenmandated by the needto comply with European bumper regulations regarding pedestrian safety that are due to take effect in 2010.

At any rate the changes in the '09 may have no impact on the values of older R230s. My car didn't take a hit when the'07 came out, and that car is arguably considerably more desirable than the '06 that preceeded it.

 

so how long have you had this little sweetheart 230? I thought you had a 99sl, thus your handle. Is the 230 in addition to the 129. If so I'm jealous. I just love the sl. Drive one and you're hooked.

 

The '99' in my username comes from the fact that I signed-up for a Hotmail account in 1999. But I have owned a '99 R129.

Three years ago a friend of mine got a car dealer's license with the idea of selling cars to supplement his regular income. I went with him to a couple of auctions andI bought a '99 and an '03. I decided for the money I preferred the '99, so I sold the '03. But months later I regreted that decision and bought another '03. It took a long time, but I recently found a buyer for the '99. I still have two R129s though -- a '90 and a '91.

 

how's has your maintenance been on the on the 90 & 91? I've found it's one thing to be able to buy a sl, another to keep them in tip top condition. I've put a bundle into my 90 300sl to keep her running just so so and looking new. I got a slk originally to drive while the slwas in the shop, however for different reasons I find I really like it. It's been far more dependable and aside from lack of truck space when the top is down I like the better MPG on long trips. It's also FUN. All in all I like the retractable hardtop on the 230, like the slk, even though you lose trunk space the sl has plenty of room behind the seat and the slk doesn't have that space.One of these daysthere is a 230 in my future,I see they are coming out with a six cylinder again in 09, but I'll either have to add on another garage or get rid of one orthe other and my wife won't park her 05 Chrysler 300outside. Luckily I can get the 3 cars into the garage andmy poor old05 f150has sit outunder a carport. Unfortunately it still gets some weather and we have three cats. Well enough for now, good for you on the 03 and God bless.

 

It's a beauty! All expensive cars depreciate fast! Takea look at the Audi A8! In 2 years i found one that costs half the price of a new one!

 

moral of that story. you're crazy to buy new.

 

I haven't had to do anything major in nearly 7 years of ownership. These R129s are ammong the easiest cars to repair that I have ever worked on.