R129 SL500
The R129 is the one you keep. 1997 SL500 in Brilliant Silver over black leather. Bought it knowing the suspension was shot and the hydraulic top needed attention. It's on hold while parts are sourced, but the plan is solid.
- Engine
- 5.0L M119 V8
- Transmission
- 5-Speed 722.6 Automatic
- Colour
- Brilliant Silver Metallic
- Chassis
- WDB1290661F123456
Acquisition
Picked it up from a private seller in Scottsdale. 94k miles, full service history up to 2019, then nothing. Drove it home — it made it, but the ABC suspension warning was on before I hit the freeway. Expected. Roof works but slow. Interior is surprisingly clean.
Initial Assessment
Full inspection on the lift. ABC hydraulic pump is leaking at the reservoir — classic failure point. All four struts are soft. Front left is the worst. Brake rotors are glazed, pads have maybe 20% left. Coolant looks like it hasn't been changed in a decade. No rust underneath, which is the good news.
Parts Research
Pricing out the ABC rebuild. OEM pump from Mercedes is north of $2,400. Aftermarket options from Bilstein and a few specialists. Going with a rebuilt OEM unit from a reputable supplier — $680 with a core charge. Struts are the bigger decision: full ABC delete to coilovers, or restore the original system. Keeping it original for now.
On Hold — Parts Delay
The rebuilt pump supplier is backordered until Q1. Not worth starting the suspension work piecemeal. Putting the SL on hold and shifting focus to the 635CSi. Will revisit when the pump ships. Coolant flush done in the meantime — it needed it.