Mercedes-Benz R129 - Model History

Model History

Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124 and featured many innovative details for the time, for instance electronically controlled damping (optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar. The R107's rather dated rear diagonal swing axle gave way to a modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high, with electric action for the windows, mirrors, seats and convertible top.

1994 cars were the first to have the new designation. For example, 500 SL is now SL 500. Also starting in 1994, Mercedes-Benz offered special SL models from time to time, such as the Mille Miglia edition cars of 1994 or the SL edition of 2000.

1995 had minor updates for the car

• Odometer switched from mechanical to electronic
• Option for portable cell phone with voice activated dialing
• Clear front turn signal indicators for US SPEC models
• Bose stereo now standard, rear speakers and subwoofer

1996+ models featured minor facelifts for the car:

• Front fender vents updated; only 2 rounded slots, rather than 3 squared slots
• Bumpers are now body color
• V8 and V12 upgraded to 5 speed electronic transmission; previous transmission was hydraulic 4-speed
• Xenon HID headlamps standard on SL600, optional on SL500
• Addition of side airbags

1997 cars were the first year to have an option of the panoramic roof. Also newly available:

• A new front-seat occupant-detection sensor could deactivate the right-side airbag when it determined that the passenger seat held less than 26 pounds
• "Sport" package became an option
• Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers standard
• Three-way programmable garage door opener "HomeLink" transmitters built into the rear-view mirror
• Replaced the earlier climate control panel with one with a much larger LCD
• Remote control uses dual infrared (IR) and radio (RF) control

A second facelift occurred for models 1999+ which featured:

• V8 engine switch from M119 to M113
• Soft Nappa leather seats replace the perforated leather seats
• Body color door handles
• Tail lights with curved faces replacing the classic square stepped lights
• 17-inch wheels standard: Wheels are now 8.25 x 17" with 245/45ZR17 tires. Sport package is 8" (front) and 9" (rear) x 18" with 245/40 and 275/35 tires respectively.
• Fiber-Optic digital audio links to the CD player instead of analog copper
• One-touch starting- called "Tip-start". Once the key is turned, the engine cranks on its own until it catches and starts.
• Instrument cluster now has silver rings around each gauge
• Oil pressure gauge replaced by oil temperature
• Different engine vanity cover
• Removed the automatic lock on the left rear storage compartment which houses the Bose subwoofer

• Tricks***

1989 - 2002 All models: small light switch just behind main trunk closure will enable you to turn off the trunk light and leave trunk lid open should you need to air out the trunk or just leave it open for prolonged periods of time while avoiding battery use.

1999 - 2002: If you fail to close the tape deck, an alarm will sound upon the vehicle engaging in any gear. It is similar to the sound made when pre-setting radio stations, however, is louder and consecutive.

1989 - 1996 models: you can place rectangular foam blocks on the floor of the soft top storage compartment approximately 1.5" high. 1997 - 2002 models come with this as a standard feature, which prevents excessive creasing in the plastic rear windows.

1999 - 2002: depress the odometer reset button two times in a row; this will display remaining milage to next A or B service.