This 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a Brilliant Silver Metallic example equipped with a panoramic hardtop and the AMG Styling Package that was acquired by the seller in 2021 and now has 76k miles. Refurbishing work following the seller’s acquisition included overhauling the suspension, refinishing the 18″ AMG Monoblock wheels, installing a replacement blue soft top, reupholstering the seats in gray leather, and replacing the driveshaft support bearing, engine mounts, and more as detailed below. Power is provided by a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and additional equipment includes Eibach lowering springs, Bilstein shocks, power-adjustable seats, automatic climate control, a Bose sound system, and a factory AM/FM/cassette head unit modified with Bluetooth capability. This R129 SL is now offered at no reserve with a clean Carfax report and a clean Minnesota title in the seller’s name.
The car is finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic (744) and features a color-keyed panoramic removable hardtop, which the seller notes was originally from a red car and retains its cream headliner. The AMG Styling Package that added revised bumper covers and aerodynamic side skirts. A replacement blue soft top and seals were installed in February 2023, and the soft-top hydraulic cylinders are said to have been replaced under previous ownership. Additional exterior details include headlight wipers, fog lights, a power antenna, and fender vents. The front bumper cover was replaced and repainted following the seller’s acquisition due to damage caused during transit. Blemishes on various body panels are identified by the seller in the gallery.
The 18″ AMG Monoblock wheels were refurbished in August 2021 and mounted with 245/40 front and 275/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires in April 2022. The suspension was overhauled under current ownership with the installation of Eibach lowering springs and Bilstein shocks and the replacement of the control arms, shock mounts, and various bushings. Additional work included rebuilding the power steering pump and replacing the steering damper and front wheel bearing seals. Various brake-system components were reportedly replaced under previous ownership.
The power-adjustable seats were reupholstered in gray leather in February 2023, and burl wood trim accents the center stack and door panels. Amenities include a Bose sound system, a deployable roll bar, seat-position memory settings, cruise control, automatic climate control, and Coco floor mats. The factory AM/FM/cassette head unit was modified with Bluetooth connectivity under current ownership, and further work included recharging the air conditioning system and replacing the headlight switch, sun visors, headrest gears, door-mounted speakers, and various interior trim pieces. The seller notes the remote-locking function for the key does not work.
The four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel fronts a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel economy, and fuel level. The digital odometer indicates 76k miles, approximately 6k of which were added by the seller.
The 5.0-liter M119 V8 was factory rated at 315 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. The timing chain guides are said to have been replaced under previous ownership, and work performed in August 2021 included changing the fluids and filters and replacing the following parts:
- Camshaft adjusters
- Fuel pump
- Fuel sending unit
- Serpentine belt
- Idler pulleys
- Under-hood insulation pad
- Oil pan gasket
- Oil sender O-rings
- Coolant sensor
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, which received a fluid change along with the differential following the seller’s acquisition. The driveshaft support bearing, flex discs, and shifter bushings as well as the engine and transmission mounts were replaced under current ownership.
Records are included in the sale along with manuals and keys, and an itemized breakdown lists almost $13,500 spent by the seller.
The Carfax report is free of accidents or other damage.