1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

Description

The 129 series SL, premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, introduced a revolutionary design for Mercedes-Benz's iconic roadster, including the 300 SL, 300 SL-24, and 500 SL models. This generation combined traditional SL elements with modern innovations, notably featuring a redesigned radiator grille seamlessly integrated into the engine bonnet. Safety advancements included the pioneering automatic rollover bar, which deployed within 0.3 seconds in a rollover situation and could also be manually activated. The SL’s body structure was significantly reinforced with high-strength materials, and the lightweight aluminum coupe hardtop reduced overall weight despite its larger window area. The standard electro-hydraulic roof system offered swift operation, opening or closing in 30 seconds with automated adjustments for windows and the rollover bar. The 500 SL, highlighted at the show, boasted a 5.0-liter four-valve V8 engine, marking it as the most powerful SL at the time and driving production to Bremen due to high demand. The new model designation system introduced in June 1993 saw the SL 500 replacing the 500 SL, aligning with the updated C-Class naming conventions. The 129 series SL's blend of innovative safety features, advanced design, and performance. 

Highlights 

• Retain by its second and current owner for the past 22 years

• Finished in Brilliant Emerald (269) over a Parchment leather interior 

• Offered with just over 72,500 miles at the time of listing 

• Powered by a 5.0-liter “M119” V8 rated at 315 horsepower 

• Five-speed automatic transmission 

• Black, power folding convertible soft top 

• The car is equipped with the following option codes: 

  • 241 – Front left seat electric adjustment with memory 

  • 242 – Front right seat electric adjustment with memory 

  • 249 – Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror 

  • 251 – Radio MB Exquisit 

  • 309 – Cup holder 

  • 501 – Outside rear view mirror, right, heated 

  • 551 – Anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system 

  • 600 – Headlamp wiper/washer 

  • 810 – Sound system 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Power steering 

• Bucket seats  

• Central locking 

• Automatic climate control 

• Power windows 

• Automatic antenna 

• 16 inch alloy wheels 

• Delayed-shut off courtesy lights 

• Adjustable center armrest 

• Center console with storage compartments 

• Covered door storage compartments 

• Independent suspension 

• Four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS 

• Automatic Slip Control (ASR) 

• Burl walnut trim 

Known Imperfections 

• Stone chips 

• Minor wear on the driver’s seat bolster 

• Missing engine front cover 

• Deteriorated hood pad 

• Damaged lower front valance 

Included 

• Color-keyed hard top 

• Hard top stand 

• Service records 

• Tools 

• Owner’s manuals 

Ownership History 

The CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 shows that the car was initially sold in the Vero Beach area of Florida in January 1996. Under the original owner’s care, the car moved to Georgia where it was purchased by the current owner in March 2002.