1989 To 2002
| Production | 1989–2002 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R129 |
| Engine | 2.8L 193 hp (144 kW) I6 2.8L 204 hp (152 kW) V6 3.0L 190 hp (142 kW) I6 3.0L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2L 224 hp (167 kW) V6 5.0L 326 hp (243 kW) V8 5.0L 306 hp (228 kW) V8 5.5L 354 hp (264 kW) AMG V8 6.0L 381 hp (284 kW) AMG V8 6.0L 394 hp (294 kW) V12 7.0L 496 hp (370 kW) AMG V12 7.3L 525 hp (391 kW) AMG V12 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 99.0 in (2,515 mm) |
| Length | 1997–2001: 177.1 in (4,498 mm) 1989–1996: 176.0 in (4,470 mm) 1992-96 V12: 178.0 in (4,521 mm) |
| Width | 71.3 in (1,811 mm) |
| Height | 1992–2001: 51.3 in (1,303 mm) 1989–1991: 50.7 in (1,288 mm) |
The 1990 Mercedes SL base model was the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL version in the US. In Europe the base model was the 190 hp (140 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL with 12 valves, and the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 with 24 valves is known as the 300SL 24 . But it was the 322 hp (240 kW) 500SL (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines. The specification was high, with electric windows, mirrors, seats and roof.
The R129 model was the first convertible/roadster to offer the automatic rollbar deployment in event of rollover. The motorist can also manually raise and lower the rollbar should he choose to. This facilitates the clean look of R129 without compromising the occupant's safety.
1994 saw a minor facelift for the SL with changes to the taillamps and white turn signal indicators in the front, and the 300SL was replaced in Europe by the SL280 and SL320 (with 2.8 L and 3.2 L I6 engines). The SL500 continued with the same powerful engine. A 389 hp (290 kW) 6.0 L V12 SL600 topped the range. Introduced in 1993 as the 600SL, it was re-badged the SL600 in 1994.
The SL320 replaced the 300SL in the United States in 1995, but the SL280 was not offered. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12. The SL500 got a new 302 hp (225 kW) 5.0 L V8 for 1999.
Read more about this topic: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class