Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale in Wheat Ridge

Seller description

The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1988 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.The R129 was offered as a two-door roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), fabric convertible roof; colour-matched, automated tonneau cover; and a manually detachable hardtop that could be fitted over the stored fabric convertible roof and tonneau. It was available with a variety of powertrains across its twelve-year production, including a V12 option used in the SL600.Development and launchDesigned in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124.[3] The new SL-class was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, with left-hand drive sales beginning that summer and right-hand drive sales in the autumn. It came runner-up behind the Citroen XM for the European Car of the Year accolade.[6]ModelsModelChassisEngineFrom YearTo YearSL 280129.058104.94319931998SL 280129.059112.92319982001300 SL129.060103.98419881993300 SL-24129.061104.98119881993SL 320129.063104.99119931998SL 320129.064112.94319982001500 SL129.066119.96019881993500 SL129.067119.97219931995SL 500129.067119.97219951998SL 500129.068113.96119982001600 SL129.076120.98119911993SL 600129.076120.98119932001Model historyDesigned in 1984, the fourth-generation SL (commonly referred to as R129, the car's internal designation) was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124[3] and featured many innovative details for the time, such as electronically controlled damping (Adaptive Damping System ADS, optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar. Its predecessor's somewhat dated rear suspension with semi-trailing arms gave way to a modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high, with power windows, mirrors, seats, and hydraulic convertible top among the car's many amenities.This car has a distinction of being the first passenger vehicle to have seat belts integrated into the seats as opposed to anchoring to the floor, B-pillar, and transmission tunnel.[citation needed]Odometer switched from mechanical to electronic between the 1994 and 1995 models.Note the slots behind the wheel are differentNote the tail lights are differentFor the 1994 model year, R129 SLs received new nomenclature, with the alphanumeric naming convention reversed so that the class designation now came before the numeral; this was the first major change to the Mercedes-Benz model naming convention in decades. Under the new format, the 500 SL became SL 500 and the 300 SL became either the SL 280 or SL 320 depending on which engine was equipped.1995 models featured the following updates:Odometer switched from mechanical to electronic.A portable cell phone with voice activated dialing became an option.Clear front turn signal indicators were added for U.S. models.A Bose stereo with rear speakers and subwoofer was made standard.A minor facelift for the 1996 model year brought further updates, including several small exterior changes that helped differentiate them from the earlier cars. Changes included:Front wing vents were updated, with the new design featuring 2 rounded slots rather than 3 squared slots.Bumpers were now body color.V8 and V12 models retired their hydraulic 4-speed transmission for a 5-speed electronic transmission.Xenon HID headlamps became standard on SL 600, optional on SL 500.Side airbags were added.Despite the refresh in 1996, further changes were made in 1997. Most notable was a new panoramic roof, but the following features and packages also became newly standard or 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 poundsA new "Sport" package became an optionAuto