I am new to this forum and have not owned a MB before. I have been a Porsche owner but have always loved the lines of the R129 SL. I am looking to buy a 2000-2002 SL500 but I have read various threads that state that pre 1999 SL's are a better car because of the engine design, more HP, torque build quality etc. Is the build quality an issue with the later SL (1999-2002). Are they just as reliable as the 1990-1999 models? Are there any issues I should be aware of with the later cars?
Thanks,
Mike

 

Years ago I believed that the 1998 SL500 was the ultimate R129 because that was the last year for the 32-valve M119 engine. On the other hand, Stats007 believed the newer engine was better, and I argued with him about it here: https://mercedesforum.com/forum/mercedes-sl-class-15/prospective-sl500-owner-1932/. After owning a '99 car, I have changed my mind and agree with Stats.

For one thing, the newer engine has a slightly lower peak horsepower rating, but over a broad range of RPMs it makes significantly more power than the older engine. This translates into a 0-60 time that is .3 seconds less according to M-B.

I think build quality was generally high for all twelve years of production. I think the reliability of '99 and later cars is possibly exceeded only by early cars that have no electronic throttle.

 

Thank you for the informative reply and the attached thread. I did notice when I drove a 2002 SL (with sport package) that it appeared to be a bit quicker and more nimble than the previous '95 and '98 SL's that I had driven. I suppose there will be an ongoing difference of opinion on this subject but since I am more interested in driving the car than the technical workings of the engine I will pursue one of the later models (2000-2002).
Mike