2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 320 R129

This fine example of the R129 oeuvre hails from the last model year before its replacement by the R230. The car has been used and enjoyed by five previous owners and quite moderately compared to many R129’s of a similar vintage. The car’s indicated mileage of 99,500 represents a shade over 4,000 miles per year on average. This example is complete with its desirable, optional “Panoramadach.” An aluminium hardtop that incorporates a curved and tinted, full width and length glass panel. Only around 10% - 15% of R129’s were specified with this option with it adding almost £6,000 (roughly 10%) to the car’s cost in 2001. 

Current keeper, Rohan, acquired the SL 320 in February 2020. At that time the R129 was thought to have covered around 95,000 miles. With today’s indicated total standing at 99,284 miles it is clear that Rohan’s use of the Mercedes has been moderate but regular.

The SL 320 looks both fetching and period correct in equal measure in its black livery – a seemingly and refreshingly less common hue for the R129. Its smooth protective panels along its flanks and over its bumpers, the so called “Sacco” panels after our friend Bruno, are finished in a matching hue and feature the post-facelift double vents behind the front wheels. The overall effect appears both impressive and eye-catching. 

Upon close inspection, and perhaps unsurprisingly for a 24 year old car, there are some areas of imperfection noted. This is mainly in the form of bubbles of early corrosion beneath the paint. This is present around the leading edge of the bonnet, behind and above the rear number plate and to a varying degree around the wheel arches. A scuff is noted to the front bumper cover, a scratch on the A pillar and the nearside wing mirror cover is reportedly loose. 

The design of the R129 was quite a departure from the somewhat conservative R107 and instantly cut a modern and contemporary dash in direct comparison. Much of this was down the almost complete absence of brightwork with only the grill finisher providing a modicum of chromium bling. This SL dates from a period when huge wheels were yet to be commonplace. As a result, the SL sits on its modest but seemingly original 5-hole, 17-inch alloy wheels. These appear to be in decent fettle all round with just some minor lacquer deterioration and the odd scrape and scuff noted. These are fitted with a matching set of quality Michelin Crossclimate tyres.

This SL features a robustly engineered removeable aluminium framed hard top which anchors firmly and securely atop the car once the fabric hood is safely stowed under the electrically operated hard tonneau. As mentioned this is of the deeply desirable panoramic glass variety. The folding black fabric hood looks to be in great overall condition and there is no apparent cracking or fogging to the rear windows. 

The interior of the SL 320 is an object lesson in premium sports car cabins with few equals – certainly in 2001. The interiors of this period were as impeccably screwed together as the exterior with a fit and finish that few could match. 

In this context our SL doesn’t disappoint one bit. The seats are finished in the later un-perforated leather in a Java shade. Both front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and featuring the first production appearance of seatbelts built into the seat backs. Just one of those 20 patented parts and features. The token rear seats are trimmed in matching leather and fold forward to provide additional carpeted storage for bags and other paraphernalia. The condition of all seats is good and commensurate with the car’s age and mileage overall.

The complementary, light hued carpets seem to have been protected by carpet, over-mats as they present in excellent condition throughout. The dashboard is finished in a mushroom coloured top roll and the familiar VDO gauge set sits behind the stitched leather and wood veneer steering wheel. The large centre console is finished with more dark wood veneer and houses a period-look Continental head unit.

The cream headlining of the soft tops looks to be in a fine, unmarked condition and the panoramically glazed hard top features a pair of original, retractable sun blinds. It’s a totally original interior and befitting of a luxury GT of this stature. The well-shaped boot is trimmed with its original light carpet and trim pieces, and the spare wheel and tool set are housed under the floor.

This ultimate sports tourer is fitted with the well-proven M112.943 E32 3.2L V6 petrol engine. This was the first V6 engine built and used by Mercedes-Benz. This unit has become well known as a proven and advanced unit featuring two spark plugs and three valves per cylinder, sequential fuel injection, forged steel connecting rods and magnesium intake manifold. It is popular in R129 circles as providing a winning blend of power, torque and reasonable economy. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a smooth changing five speed automatic gearbox.

The under-bonnet presentation is generally very good and seemingly highly original. Even the textured under-bonnet insulation – so often a victim of wear and tear – appears in fine order. Our consignment team did notice a minor oil leak from the nearside front of the engine. What can be seen of the underside of the car looks straight and clean and appropriate to the age and mileage of the car.

For our accompanying video the SL started well, idled cleanly and revved smoothly and sweetly. R129’s are known to achieve very significant mileages if regularly maintained and at 99,500 miles one could expect this example to have many years of loyal service left ahead of it.

This SL comes with an instructive paperwork archive providing some valuable provenance. This includes the current V5 and hard copy MoT valid until May 2026. There are numerous previous MoTs on hand too, documenting the linear mileage progression.

There are a number of invoices present covering the car’s history. The most recent of these dates from June 2024 and relates to the replacement of a steering angle sensor by renowned specialists the SL Shop. Another dates from 2019 at around 92,000 miles when a full service was undertaken together with the replacement of the rear discs and pads, both front suspension legs and the steering damper.

If ever there was a classic somewhat in waiting, then the R129 must surely be it. It follows a long line of illustrious forebears that are already highly desirable and becoming increasingly valuable. In this context he R129 still represents incredible value which will likely correspond to a future of increasing sale prices as the supply of good cars inevitably dwindles over time.

This is a lovely example which is both original and honest in equal measure. It has covered modest miles, for an R129, and seems to have been regularly and diligently maintained. The condition is good overall with only a few of the usual areas that could be further improved if the next owner sees fit. And, of course, these cars are built to last, and how! This is your opportunity to become a proud R129 custodian whilst their value proposition remains so impressive. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £6,000 - £9,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.