The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL-Class marked a significant evolution from its predecessor, the long-reigning R107 SL-Class (1971-1989). The R107’s enduring popularity even extended its production run until just before the R129’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1989. The R129 had a high bar to clear, needing to surpass the established legacy of the R107 as the quintessential SL.
The initial release of the R129 in 1990 took many by surprise, primarily due to its elevated price point. The first models to grace the roads were the 300SL, 300SL-24, and the 500SL. The 1990 300SL entered the market with an MSRP of $73,500, a notable increase compared to the 1989 560SL R107 priced at $64,230. The 1990 500SL started at $83,500. When adjusted for inflation to 2022 dollars, these figures translate to approximately $164,400 for the 300SL and a staggering $186,700 for the 500SL. These initial prices firmly positioned the R129 series as a premium luxury vehicle right from its inception.
Throughout its production run, the MSRP for the R129 models generally increased, particularly after the first facelift in 1995. The model year 1996 saw another price jump with the introduction of updated features and styling, and prices continued to climb from there.
Original MSRP Prices of the R129 SL-Class (1990-2002)
To provide a clearer picture of the R129’s pricing history, here is a table outlining the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for various models across different years:
| Year | 300SL | 500SL | 600SL | 320SL | SL320 | SL500 | SL600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | $73,500 | $83,500 | |||||
| 1991 | $78,500 | $89,300 | |||||
| 1992 | $83,500 | $97,500 | |||||
| 1993 | $83,300 | $98,500 | $119,500 | ||||
| 1994 | $99,500 | $120,100 | $85,200 | ||||
| 1995 | $89,500 | $120,100 | $78,300 | ||||
| 1996 | $78,300 | $89,900 | $123,200 | ||||
| 1997 | $79,600 | $89,900 | $123,200 | ||||
| 1998 | $79,900 | $125,000 | |||||
| 1999 | $81,100 | $126,900 | |||||
| 2000 | $82,600 | $128,950 | |||||
| 2001 | $83,800 | $128,950 | |||||
| 2002 | $83,800 | $128,950 |
R129 SL-Class Production Numbers and US Sales Overview
The R129 SL-Class achieved impressive production figures, especially when contrasted with the extended 18-year lifespan of the R107. Over its 12-year production run from 1990 to 2001 (some consider 1989 as the start year), a total of 204,940 R129 vehicles were manufactured. While slightly less than the R107’s total of 237,287 units produced between 1971 and 1989, the R129 reached this number in a significantly shorter period.
The SL500 variant stands out as the most prevalent R129 model, benefiting from a production period that spanned the entire duration of the R129 series.
The following table details the production numbers for each R129 model:
| Model | Designation | Production Period | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL280 | R129 E28 | 1993-1998 | 10,319 |
| SL280* | R129 E28 | 1997-2001 | 1,704 |
| 300SL | R129 E30 | 1988-1993 | 12,020 |
| 300SL-24 | R129 E30 | 1988-1993 | 26,984 |
| SL320 | R129 E32 | 1993-1998 | 32,223 |
| SL320* | R129 E32 | 1997-2001 | 7,070 |
| 500SL | R129 E50 | 1988-1998 | 79,827 |
| 500SL** | R129 E50 | 1997-2001 | 23,704 |
| 600SL | R129 E60 | 1991-2001 | 11,089 |
| SL55 AMG | R129 E55 | 1999-2001 | *** |
| SL65 AMG | R129 E60 AMG | 1993-1998 | *** |
| SL73 AMG | R129 E73 | 1999-2001 | *** |
*Contains V6 Engine
**Contains M113 Engine
***Numbers not documented
The R129 SL-Class in Today’s Market: Value and Collectibility
The Mercedes R129 SL-Class has aged gracefully, becoming a sought-after classic in the automotive world. Exceptional, low-mileage examples, particularly special editions, can command surprisingly high prices. A notable example is a 2002 SL-600 Silver Arrow Edition which sold for an impressive $127,000 on Bring a Trailer. This particular vehicle, one of only 100 Silver Arrow Edition R129s, had a mere 270 miles on the odometer, highlighting the premium value placed on pristine and rare models. Its original MSRP was $136,195, demonstrating that some well-preserved R129s can retain and even appreciate in value.
For more typical R129 models, the current market value generally ranges from $10,000 to $35,000, according to Bring a Trailer market data. Mileage is a significant factor influencing price, as is the overall condition of both the interior and exterior. Vehicles from warmer climates often hold better value due to reduced risk of rust and corrosion, which can significantly detract from an R129’s appeal and structural integrity. While interior wear and tear can be addressed through restoration, extensive rust damage is a more complex and costly issue. Paint and interior colors, especially rare or limited edition options, can also subtly influence market value.
Exploring the Interior Color Palette of the R129 SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz offered a generous array of interior color choices for the R129 SL-Class, allowing owners to personalize their roadsters. The most frequently encountered interior colors are Black and Mushroom. It’s important to note that, due to sun exposure and the passage of time, these original colors can sometimes exhibit fading or lightening. The aging process can affect each car’s interior uniquely, depending on its history and environmental conditions.
To assist R129 owners in maintaining the originality of their vehicles, aftermarket parts suppliers, like mercedesxentry.store, offer products in all nine original R129 interior colors, ensuring an accurate match to the factory specifications. If you are unsure of your R129’s interior color, contacting a specialist or referencing model year specifications can help. For example, a “gray” interior in a 1994 SL500 would likely be simply “Gray,” whereas a “gray” interior in a 2000 SL500 would likely be “Orion Gray.” Similarly, the beige options evolved from “Mushroom” to “Java” over the production run.
Do you own an R129 SL-Class? Share your experiences in the comments below! Tell us about your car’s interior and exterior colors and your driving experiences. We’d love to hear from fellow R129 enthusiasts!
