MERCEDES-BENZ, The modern SL cars, The R129: From the 300SL to the SL73 AMG - Paperback

by Bernd S. Koehling (Author)

MERCEDES-BENZ SL R129: 300SL - 600SL (1989-2001)
2025 Edition
Buyer's Guide, Complete Model History & Technical Data
Thinking of buying a Mercedes-Benz SL R129? These cars combine elegant design with sophisticated engineering, but condition matters. Deferred maintenance, electrical problems, and neglected hydraulic systems can turn an attractive example into an expensive project.

This large-format full-color reference combines a detailed 30+ page buyer's guide with the complete model history, technical development, AMG variants, special editions, VIN and data card information, annual production figures, and high-quality color photography throughout.

The book covers:

• A Detailed 30+ Page Buyer's Guide
  The most important areas to inspect before buying an R129, including engines, transmissions, suspension, ADS, electrical systems, central locking, the hydraulic soft-top system, and other points where neglected maintenance can become costly.
• The Complete Model History
  From the early 300SL, 300SL-24, and 500SL to the later SL280, SL320, SL500, and SL600, including the technical changes introduced during the 1995 and 1998 model updates.
• Engines, Technology, and Reference Information
  Detailed coverage of the six-cylinder, V8, and V12 models, together with chassis numbers, data cards, paint and interior options, model identification, and annual production figures.
• AMG, Independent Tuners, and Rare Variants
  From the SL60 AMG and rare SL73 AMG to conversions by Brabus, Carlsson, Koenig Specials, and RENNtech, as well as unusual creations such as the Karmann Gullwing prototype and the Grand 600SL by Karl Middelhauve.
• Special Editions
  Including the Mille Miglia, La Costa, and Silver Arrow editions, with their distinctive equipment and place within the R129 story.

Whether you are considering the purchase of an R129, already own one, or simply appreciate the qualities of this generation of the SL, this book provides a detailed and carefully researched guide to its history, technology, and many variations.
Few Mercedes-Benz roadsters combine technical ambition and understated elegance as convincingly as the R129.

Author Biography

With over 25 books and e-books written about Mercedes-Benz cars, Bernd S. Koehling has proven to be an authority on the brand. The books cover cars from the 1936 170V to the 2012 SL R231.

Bernd has been involved in the Mercedes scene since the early 1970s, when he restored his first pre-war 170 Cabrio B. Since then he has not only owned many classic Mercedes including a 220S, 300d Adenauer, 200D, 250SE, 280SE coupe 3.5, 300SEL, 350SL, 280E, 450SE, SLK230. He has also gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he shares with his readers in his books.

Mercedes has always been considered one of his favorite car manufacturers and Bernd has driven almost all Mercedes models built since the 1950s. His other weakness revolves around British cars, here especially Jaguar and Alvis.