MERCEDES-BENZ, The SL R129: From the 300SL to the SL73 AMG
Product ID: 317127255
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MERCEDES-BENZ SL R129: FROM THE 300SL TO THE SL73 AMG (1989–2001) Revised 2025 Edition Complete Model History, Engineering, AMG Variants and a Detailed 30+ Page Buyer’s Guide A well-maintained Mercedes-Benz R129 can be one of the most rewarding modern classics to own. A neglected example, however, can quickly require repairs costing many thousands of dollars. This book combines the complete history and technical development of the R129 with a detailed buyer’s guide covering the mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, body and structural areas that should be examined before purchase. Introduced in 1989 as the successor to the long-lived R107, the R129 established new standards in safety, comfort and technical sophistication. Its automatically extending roll bar, electrohydraulic soft top, advanced suspension systems and wide range of inline-six, V6, V8 and V12 engines made it one of the most sophisticated roadsters of its era. This large-format, 223-page, full-color reference presents the complete R129 story, from the early 300SL, 300SL-24 and 500SL through the 600SL and later SL280, SL320, SL500 and SL600 to the rare AMG models. It covers model development, engines, transmissions, technical changes, special editions, specialist conversions, production data, originality and a detailed buyer’s guide extending over more than 30 pages. The book covers: • COMPLETE MODEL HISTORY From the 300SL, 300SL-24 and 500SL through the 600SL to the later SL280, SL320, SL500 and SL600, including the important model updates of 1995 and 1998. • ENGINES AND ENGINEERING Inline-six, V6, V8 and V12 engines, manual and automatic transmissions, suspension systems, ADS, safety technology, electronics and the principal technical developments introduced during production from 1989 to 2001. • AMG, TUNERS AND RARE VARIANTS SL60 AMG, SL55 AMG and SL73 AMG, together with conversions by Brabus, Carlsson, Koenig Specials and RENNtech. Also included are the Karmann-built Gullwing prototype and Karl Middelhauve’s extraordinary Grand 600SL. • SPECIAL EDITIONS AND ORIGINALITY Mille Miglia, La Costa and Silver Arrow editions, together with production figures, chassis numbers, data cards, paint colors, upholstery combinations, factory equipment and important model-year changes. • DETAILED 30+ PAGE BUYER’S GUIDE Bodywork and previous repairs, engines, transmissions, suspension, ADS, wiring harnesses, electrical systems, climate control, central locking, roof hydraulics, soft-top operation, hardtop, interior equipment, originality and documentation. The guide explains where age or neglected maintenance can lead to substantial repair costs. Unlike a conventional buyer’s guide, this book also presents the complete history and technical development of the R129. Unlike a general model history, it provides practical guidance for inspecting, purchasing and owning these increasingly collectible roadsters. The hardcover and paperback editions contain the same complete 223-page, full-color content; the only difference is the binding. Whether you are considering the purchase of an R129, already own one, or simply appreciate this generation of the SL, this carefully researched and richly illustrated book offers a comprehensive guide to its history, engineering and many variations. Bernd S. Koehling has been involved with classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles since the 1970s and is the author of more than 20 books on the marque. Additional photographs and sample pages from the book appear farther down this product page. Review: Great Book about a Great Car! - I bought this as a present for my husband so I am turning the review over to him at this point! If you own, and especially if you are interested in owning, a R129 (SL500) this is a must have book! The author clearly knows the ins and outs of this car, and the information is invaluable. It walks the reader through the design and drivetrain changes from the 1989-2001 model years and includes a practical buyers guide of issues to watch out for. This is definitely NOT a repair manual, but is a wonderful overview of a great car series. My 2000 model has brought a lot of joy and this book certainly has added thereto. Learning the design heritage of the R129's predecessors was an unexpected bonus, as was the technical data glossary and production information at the end. So of course I recommended this book's companion volume to my friend who is a R107 owner. Back to the product itself, the desertcart-printed book came very promptly, was well printed and included a large number of color photos, and the binding was of professional quality. Overall I just want to say, GREAT JOB, Mr. Koehling! Review: Great book on the R129 - I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book on the R129. I have a 1992 500SL and wanted to know more about this model and ran across this book. I found it to be very informative with chapters covering the development, various changes, up grades of the R129 plus technical data just to mention a few. Each chapter came with pictures to help the reader. What is helpful, the book also included a buyers guide, if someone was looking too purchase the R129. The book is very easy to read, well written and organized.
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,412,454 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #174 in Automotive Buyers' Guides #637 in Classic Cars (Books) #846 in Automotive Engineering (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 130 Reviews |
D**N
Great Book about a Great Car!
I bought this as a present for my husband so I am turning the review over to him at this point! If you own, and especially if you are interested in owning, a R129 (SL500) this is a must have book! The author clearly knows the ins and outs of this car, and the information is invaluable. It walks the reader through the design and drivetrain changes from the 1989-2001 model years and includes a practical buyers guide of issues to watch out for. This is definitely NOT a repair manual, but is a wonderful overview of a great car series. My 2000 model has brought a lot of joy and this book certainly has added thereto. Learning the design heritage of the R129's predecessors was an unexpected bonus, as was the technical data glossary and production information at the end. So of course I recommended this book's companion volume to my friend who is a R107 owner. Back to the product itself, the Amazon-printed book came very promptly, was well printed and included a large number of color photos, and the binding was of professional quality. Overall I just want to say, GREAT JOB, Mr. Koehling!
M**9
Great book on the R129
I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book on the R129. I have a 1992 500SL and wanted to know more about this model and ran across this book. I found it to be very informative with chapters covering the development, various changes, up grades of the R129 plus technical data just to mention a few. Each chapter came with pictures to help the reader. What is helpful, the book also included a buyers guide, if someone was looking too purchase the R129. The book is very easy to read, well written and organized.
M**Y
Informative and a must book for the Merc R129 collector.
A well written and informative book about the Merc R129 roadster.
L**.
The complete R129 story
I found this book to be educational and informative regarding the history and variants of the Mercedes R129 SL. I particularly found the buyer’s guide section helpful. I have a much better understanding of my ‘97 SL’s legacy. Nicely done Bernd!
N**R
A practical book to read before investing in an SL500
This is a highly informative book that reads well and the author offers opinions which I found much more valuable than Taylor’s ‘Factory-Original Mercedes SL’ which I impulsively purchased at the same time. The Taylor book is a comprehensive history of SL’s and is a restatement of Mercedes literature whereas Berne Kohling’s Buyer’s Guide section is more of a working document that offers comparative views of each SL’s strengths and weaknesses and is certainly both an ‘SL500 bible as well as a fun read.‘ Having recently purchased a 1998 SL500 through an online auction from what my research indicated wasp a reputable dealer, the book confirmed that having done my homework paid off. I wish I’d had the book beforehand. nichur
M**1
Very interesting and picturesquely
This book was really great. I really liked that every model was shown in it and all the changes were put in one book.
D**N
Both are helpful with good pictures of the different engine and exterior and interior ...
I wanted to know more about both the R129 and the R107 SL models so I bought both Volume 1 and Volume 2. Both are helpful with good pictures of the different engine and exterior and interior options. Both books also contain good information on the changes over the years with the engines and features. Very helpful information on the paint and option codes for the cars. Both also contain good reviews of the models from a potential purchase perspective. The books also list potential pitfalls when considering a purchase. I found them so helpful that I am now the proud owner of a 2000 SL500. Thank you for the great references.
P**N
An essential R129 pre-purchase tool
This book was invaluable to me in choosing exactly which variant (and model year) R129 SL to buy. Now I've bought, I'm so pleased with my 1996 SL500. Also, I've never seen anywhere else the detailed analysis of value changes over the years that the author has put into this book, which further cemented my choice of car. The English is a bit clunky, but anyway I highly recommend this book.
K**Š
Absolute Kaufempfehlung!
Das Buch über den SL R129 ist das zweite Buch von Bernd Koehling das ich gekauft habe. Dieses mal in gut lesbarer englischer Sprache. Als gedrucktes Buch und nicht als eBook. Die Papier und Druckqualität ist eher durchschnittlich. Ein hochwertiges "Coffeetabel Book" in Kunstbuchqualität darf man sich bei "Print On Demand" Produktion nicht erwaret, aber dafür überzeugt der Inhalt! Sehr detailreiche Entwicklungs- und Modellgeschichte. Präzise Informationen über Motoren, Getriebe und Ausstattungsvarianten.Mit zahlreichen Daten, Tabellen, Preisentwicklungen und hunderte Fotos ist das Buch eine wahre Fundgrube für den passionierten Fan. Zu guter Letzt auch über 20 Seiten Kaufberatung, der Buyers Guide, als Entscheidungshilfe für den angehenden SL Besitzer. Wie es am Cover steht: "Everything You want to know", Alles was Sie wissen wollen über den SL R129. Absolute Kaufempfehlung!
C**E
All Things - Mercedes- R129 Revealled
This is a great reference book for all things about the R129. Chronologically arranged which allows for quick access to information regarding a specific model or component. A liberal inclusion of photos keeps the reader interested. Also I noticed for the first time in a car book, the data card image was broken down into several images which makes for ease of following the author’s description of the contents. Two recommendations for a subsequent edition are (1) include a chapter comparing North American spec vs Euro spec models , (2) include an index or list of clubs or publications for the reader to further research an issue or subject. Thankyou Bernd Koehling for a most detailed introduction to a vehicle that I am in the process of purchasing. Chris Sinclare , Comox British Columbia.
H**Y
Qualité du produit et livraison rapide
Qualité du produit et livraison rapide
C**N
very thorough and practical information for the enthusiast and potential buyer alike
I would recommend 100% this ebook without a shadow of a doubt to any r129 lover, owner o buyer who is seriously considering getting one.
S**Y
It motivated me to buy an R129
It was a very well written book. I’m currently considering buying an 320SL (pre-facelift) and that book just motivated more and more towards getting one. The amount of detail is overwhelming at times but to be honest this is what I was looking for in the first place so no complaint! As the author mentions, the book is printed by Amazon so the quality on some pages feels a bit cheap but not to a point where it becomes an issue. I thought I’d keep it as bedtime reading over a few weeks, but I actually finished it in a few days. I recommend it if you are curious about the car’s most intricate details or planning on buying one!
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