1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 500

Description

The R129 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. 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 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. 

In September 1995, Mercedes-Benz showcased visually and technically refreshed SL models at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, featuring subtle body styling changes like redesigned front and rear bumpers, colorless glass covers on the front indicators, and a modified radiator grille. The SL models introduced xenon-gas-discharge headlights, providing twice the intensity of conventional halogen lights. Additionally, a new five-gear automatic transmission with a torque converter lockup clutch replaced the previous hydraulic system. These wonderful innovations ensure that the following cars were truly world class offerings. 

Highlights 

• Rare Panoramic Glass Hardtop option 

• Finished in Ruby Metallic (572) with a Beige Leather (265) interior  

• The final model year for the venerable 5.0-liter “M119” V8 factory rated at 315 horsepower  

• Five-speed automatic transmission  

• Black Soft Top Fabric (9001) power folding soft top 

Features 

• Options on this 1998 500 SL include: 

  • 241 – Front Seat LH Electric Adjustable with Memory 

  • 242 – Front Seat RH Electric Adjustable with Memory 

  • 249 – Automatically Dipping Inside Rear View Mirror 

  • 251 – Radio MB - Exquisit - USA 

  • 265A – Leather - Beige 

  • 309 – Cup Holder 

  • 340 – Additional 3rd Stop Lamp 

  • 415 – Glass Roof (R129) 

  • 461 – Instrument with Miles Indicators and English Legend 

  • 494 – Version for USA 

  • 501 – Outside Rear View Mirror, Right, Heated (R.H.D.) 

  • 524 – Paintwork – Preservation 

  • 572O – Ruby Metallic 

  • 572U – Ruby Metallic 

  • 600 – Headlamp Wiper/Washer 

  • 740 – Black Soft Top Fabric 9001 

  • 810 – Sound System 

  • 873 – Seat Heater for Left and Right Front Seats 

• Leather wrapped steering wheel  

• Heated windshield washer jets  

• Convertible occupant rollover protection 

Known Imperfections 

• Scratch on the left bumper 

• Windshield washers are inoperable 

• Radio volume control inoperable 

• Rear view mirror cracked 

• SRS button comes on, believed to be an issue is with passenger seat belt

Included 

• Color-keyed Panoramic Glass Hardtop 

• Hard top stand 

• Factory tools  

• Owner’s manual  

• Original radio  

• Single “flat” key 

 Ownership History 

Built on 25 November 1997, the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this three owner 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 in Arizona, California, and since September 2016, Texas. It currently shows 70,776 miles from new. 

The consignor states maintenance under his ownership includes, “All top hydraulic cylinders refurbished by TopHydraulics in Oregon and installed by local Mercedes specialist in San Antonio (Autohaus).  I replaced three of the eight ignition coils, the center brake light on the trunk, and the top hydraulic pump in the trunk was also refurbished by TopHydraulics and installed by Texas International Motors in Houston Texas back in 2017, who also replaced the transmission shifter bushings.”