OV9

Sounded good too

Reminds me why the R129 500SL is such good value.

A pity there wasn't more E

Finally a video where the alignment is done properly. Without a fully weighted alignment it really loses the sharpness on turn in and does understeer a little, when done properly the back will actually come around before the front let’s go.

If you go around 3/4 throttle it will downchange but yeah, it’s not exactly fast to respond. Normally I change gear between 2nd and 3rd myself when having a fun drive.
A bit surprised he didn’t mention the brakes which are just adequate and definitely age the car.

That was a particularly lovely example too.

Dave!

Good review that - I learned things (and was reminded of others that I'd forgotten over the years). 500E appeals massively more than R129 to me.

mik wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2024 8:32 am 500E appeals massively more than R129 to me.

A lot of the appeal is the engine - otherwise it is just a nice engine stuck into Germany's favourite taxi. The R129 SL was a bespoke design, far more impressive in engineering terms than a W124, and the earlier 500SL shared the same engine and transmission. I think it's a sure-fire future classic which hasn't yet been properly appreciated.

Jobbo wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2024 8:40 am

mik wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2024 8:32 am 500E appeals massively more than R129 to me.

A lot of the appeal is the engine - otherwise it is just a nice engine stuck into Germany's favourite taxi. The R129 SL was a bespoke design, far more impressive in engineering terms than a W124, and the earlier 500SL shared the same engine and transmission. I think it's a sure-fire future classic which hasn't yet been properly appreciated.

I don't argue on an objective front - it's just a personal preference. Choosing a 2-seater or 2+2 brings such a compromise over a large 4/5 seater performance saloon/estate that I need that to be offset with significant gains in other areas like performance/agility/tactility. Large performance coupe's rarely convince me that they offer that.

When new and used every day, I'd agree - but as a classic, a 4-dr is not really all that relevant. The biggest differentiator would be the rarity because far more SLs were made than 500E/E500. I don't think Harry's excitement over only 29 being sold new in the UK is all that relevant though; over 10,000 were made and plenty were imported here.

The 500E is a lovely car and it's special because of the Porsche connection, but to me it was better when it was faster than most other saloons, 20-odd years ago.

The 129 isn’t as sharp and is noticeably heavier than the 500e too.

Either cars are great examples of what Mercedes were best at though.

Dave!

The 500SL was not trying to be as sporty as the 500E so not being sharp is entirely fair. Weight isn't much different though; 1710kg v 1770kg.

If they were the same price I'd choose an R129 500SL over a 500E. The fact that the SL is cheaper just makes it look exceptional value to me. I accept that it's just my view but SLs do tend to increase in value as they age.

Also the parts supply for the SL is much much better, second hand spares better, interesting specs aswell as tbey had a lot more options to choose from.

They weigh around 1850, my 124 weighed 1725 with about a quarter of a tank of fuel but mine only has climate control as an extra.

Dave!

i have zero interest in the 500SL - it’s a car for rich old ladies, but the 500e has X factor (like all the best M5/RS6/AMG products but with additional specialness due to the Porsche story.)

But essentially, It’s a pretty simple comparison of cruiser Vs bruiser.

Plus it has wider arches - and i’m a sucker for wide arches.

V8Granite wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2024 10:20 am Also the parts supply for the SL is much much better

Are there many things for the 500E that are bespoke and unavailable? I'd guess a lot is either standard W124 or engine-specific so common to the 500SL, 500SE etc.

Headlights, wiring harnesses for the engine, pretty much all
Interior trim, wings, bodywork panels, a few suspension bushes (which make a notable difference) ecu modules etc

The suspension arms, links etc are nearly all 129 parts so supply is good.

The 5 speed auto would be a lovely SL500 to own but I’ve a penchant for anything in a cool colour.

https://www.theslshop.com/journal/2022 ... our-guide/

Some lovely colour combinations to be had. Also they made them till about 2002 so you can get a relatively new one.

Money no object though, a dark blue R107 300SL.

Dave!

V8Granite wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2024 12:08 pm Money no object though, a dark blue R107 300SL.

A friend of mine had one of those in exactly that model and colour - he replaced it with a Ford Model A, recent Mustang in Bullit spec and a late 110 Defender. All of which I think he prefers to the Merc.

The 500e gearbox would annoy me. I guess there's no way to reflash with better software on something that old?

The 500SL got a 5-speed auto gearbox from about 1996 which is apparently much better and kicks down when you press the accelerator pedal. I don't know if any 500Es or E500s got that?

Jobbo wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2024 1:31 pm

V8Granite wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2024 12:08 pm Money no object though, a dark blue R107 300SL.

A friend of mine had one of those in exactly that model and colour - he replaced it with a Ford Model A, recent Mustang in Bullit spec and a late 110 Defender. All of which I think he prefers to the Merc.

I loved how it gets up on its toes and flows along the road with a snarly straight 6, a fedora and its summer days perfect.

Dave!

Why does he keep comparing it to an e28 M5?

The 500e came out in 1990, the e34 M5 came out in 1988