1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The R129-generation SL500 represents Mercedes-Benz's pinnacle of ‘90s German engineering and luxury, combining timeless styling with advanced technology. Introduced in 1990, the SL500 featured a robust 5.0-liter V8 engine, fully independent suspension, and a sophisticated power-operated convertible top system. Known for its solid build quality and refined driving experience, the R129 remains a sought-after modern classic.

This 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500 shows just 89,600 miles and is finished in Tourmaline Green Metallic over Beige leather with Burled Walnut trim. It has benefited from over $15,000 in documented maintenance and upgrades during the past two years. This SL500 includes both a removable hard top and a power-operated soft top.

This SL500 is now offered at no reserve with a clean CARFAX history report, its factory removable hard top, service records and receipts, and a clean Texas title.

Highlights

• Over $15,000 in documented maintenance and upgrades

• Finished in Tourmaline Green Metallic over Beige leather interior

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Factory Equipment

• Powered by a 5.0L DOHC M119 V8 rated at 322 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque

• Four-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive

• Power-adjustable seats, mirrors, and locks with memory functions

• Becker Bose sound system rebuilt with Bluetooth audio integration

• Six-disc CD changer and functioning cassette deck

• Removable hard top and power-operated soft top

• Automatic climate control and cruise control

• Draft deflector and Mercedes floor mats

• Burled Walnut interior accents

• Factory Equipment Highlights:

  • 241 / 242 – Front seats electrically adjustable with memory

  • 246 – Mirror with memory circuit

  • 283 – Draft deflector

  • 340 – Additional third brake light

  • 440 – Tempomat (cruise control)

  • 471 – Acceleration skid control (ASR)

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

  • 581 – Automatic climate control

  • 600 – Headlamp wiper/washers

  • 740 – Black soft top fabric (code 9001)

  • 810 – Premium sound system

  • 880 – Infrared remote central locking system

Servicing & Documentation

February 2023:

• Performed full vehicle inspection

March 2023:

• Ignition & Engine Service:

  Replaced spark plugs, installed new ignition wire set, replaced oil filter kit with O-ring, changed engine oil

• Fuel & Air Systems:

  Installed new cabin air filter, replaced multiple breather hoses, installed new air distribution hoses/connectors, replaced charcoal canister

• Cooling System:

  Replaced thermostat, installed new cooling hose, replaced timing guide rails, replaced cam oil line fittings with aluminum and o-rings

• Camshaft Work:

  Removed and replaced camshaft oiler tubes and four camshafts

• Transmission & Driveline:

  Performed automatic transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, replaced front driveshaft flex joint

• Brakes & Suspension:

  Performed brake fluid flush, wheel bolt drill repair, installed new lug bolts

• Electrical & Lighting:

  Installed new antenna mast, replaced third brake light, installed new turn signal bulb socket, replaced blinker relay

• Accessory Components:

  Installed new drive belt, replaced accessory belt tension pulley, recharged A/C system

May 2023:

• Interior & Electrical:

  Installed rear-view mirror, installed customer-provided left stalk for turn signal/wiper control, locksmith service (new key)

• Power Steering:

  Replaced power steering pump seal/gasket, resealed pump and reservoir assembly, replaced power steering hose, installed hose clamps for return hose

• Cooling & Fluids:

  Added coolant, added transmission fluid, changed engine oil and filter, checked fluid levels and tire pressures

• Drive Belts & Hood:

  Replaced drive belt, installed new hood pad and adhesive

• Miscellaneous:

  Installed additional hose clamps, cleaned brake components, diagnosed roll bar hydraulic leak affecting top and roll bar function

January 2024:

• Installed OEM Becker radio with faceplate and programmed security code

• Installed reconditioned BOSE amplifier and used door speaker set

April 2024:

• Installed five new 225/55 R16 Continental ExtremeContact tires including matching spare

2024:

• Ignition Overhaul:

  New spark plugs, distributor cap and rotors, and distributor dust seals

• Installed R129 Top Hydraulics Complete Care Package

• Installed OctoClassic dome light cover

• Performed brake fluid flush

Various additional improvements: New grille, LED headlights and instrument lighting, rebuilt window regulators, center console restoration, and power antenna replacement

Known Imperfections

• Occasional noise in reverse (diagnosed as transmission solenoid; reverse said to function normally)

• Door storage compartments do not lock with central locking

• Headrests do not raise/lower (plastic gear failure suspected)

• Driver’s leather seat cover shows wear and seam separation

• Driver’s side headlight washer inoperable

• Some cosmetic wear consistent with age

• Instrument cluster clock inoperative

Ownership History

The seller purchased this SL500 from a dealer in Seattle in 2023 after two pre-purchase inspections, then reportedly drove 2,800 miles to Texas without incident. The seller has since invested in mechanical and cosmetic improvements detailed above to ensure reliability and functionality.

Included

• Factory removable hard top

• Recent service and upgrade records

• Owner’s manual and literature

• Spare wheel

• Toolkit

• Trunk-mounted battery tender connector

• Two full-size keys and one wallet key

Additional Notes

From the seller: “In early 2023, I was driving a plug-in hybrid minivan and started thinking about owning a convertible again. My initial goal was to find my first car—a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine roadster—even joining the Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club. Then I saw Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott’s Curmudgeon Show episode on the Mercedes-Benz R129 and how great yet affordable they were. After watching that, I began searching and found this car in Seattle. Speaking of Cammisa, just this year he did a full R129 Revelations episode!

After two dealer PPIs, I bought it, flew to Seattle, and had it prepped for the 2,500-mile drive home to Texas—approximately $6,500 in work. I drove it all the way home without issues, then added new tires and later rebuilt the top hydraulics. I ended up picking up another SL500 and have decided to fix it up as I enjoy the process of renewing these special cars. So, I’ve chosen to sell this SL to focus on fixing the new project. This car drives amazingly—the winning bidder will not be disappointed!”