Description
1998 Mercedes-Benz R129 SL320
Brilliant Silver | Black Leather Interior
Registered: October 1998
Mileage: 157, 417 miles
MOT Until: July 2025
6 Previous Owners (Last owner: 6 years)
Phenomenal Service History (16 Stamps/ Invoices)
HPI Clear
Finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic with a Black Leather interior, this SL320 has covered 157, 417 miles and has MOT until July 2025, meaning it’s ready to be driven and enjoyed straight away.
This is a genuine, well-kept example of the R129 generation, a model that’s steadily increasing in value. Unlike many that have been sitting unused for years, this one has always been driven, maintained above and beyond, and kept in a roadworthy condition by careful owners, the last of whom had it for six years.
Engine & Gearbox
Under the bonnet, you’ve got the 3. 2-litre straight-six M104 engine, paired with the 5-speed automatic gearbox. It starts up well from both hot and cold, selects gears correctly without hesitation or clunks, and pulls away as it should.
Driving
On the road, it drives very well for its age and mileage. The steering is tight, the suspension feels as it should, and the gearbox shifts smoothly. Like any classic of this era, there are always improvements that could be made. The brake discs and pads were an advisory on the last MOT, so I’d recommend replacing them in the near future.
Exterior
The electro-hydraulic roof system works properly, raising and lowering without issue. The plastic rear windows have been replaced and are clear, though some stitching has come away in places. That said, the hood material itself is in very good condition, so it still presents well.
The Brilliant Silver paintwork has held up well for a car of this age, with only the expected age-related marks. It’s not a garage queen, but it looks great and turns heads. If you're after an SL you can actually use, rather than being scared to take it out in case it picks up a stone chip, this is a great option.
Interior
Inside, you’ve got the classic Mercedes build quality, with black leather seats that have held up well. There’s some wear as expected for the mileage, but nothing out of place for a car that’s been enjoyed properly.
All electrics work, including the windows, mirrors, and seat adjustments. The air conditioning blows hot/ cold correctly, and the dashboard is free from any warning lights. It’s comfortable, solid, and exactly what you’d expect from a properly used and maintained R129.
Wheels
The Mercedes-Benz ‘Monkar’ alloy wheels are in presentable condition, though there are a few minor kerb marks. The tyres all have good tread, but they are older and could benefit from being refreshed in the future, depending on how fussy you are.
Paperwork & Ownership
The car comes with its V5C logbook, book packs, and service book, along with one key. It has had six previous owners, with the last keeping it for six years.
Service history is present, though not full Mercedes main dealer—this has been a car that’s actually been used and maintained, rather than one sitting in a collection with stamped books but no real road time.
Recorded Services:
08/ 04/ 1999 - 11, 091 Miles - Mercedes Benz
19/ 01/ 2000 - 24, 335 Miles - Mercedes-Benz Portsmouth
17/ 12/ 2000 - 36, 019 Miles - Mercedes-Benz Portsmouth
29/ 10/ 2001 - 51, 107 Miles - Mercedes-Benz Pantagon Ltd
04/ 07/ 2003 - 69, 799 Miles - Mercedes-Benz Independent (Wembley)
03/ 07/ 2004 - 82, 688 Miles - Mercedes-Benz Independent (Wembley)
03/ 06/ 2006 - 99, 188 Miles - Mercedes-Benz Independent
13/ 08/ 2012 - 112, 148 Miles - Silchester Garage Ltd
09/ 05/ 2013 - 118, 269 Miles - Spratley’s of Mortimer
07/ 02/ 2014 - 127, 280 Miles - John Griffiths Ltd (Reading)
29/ 10/ 2014 - 136, 030 Miles - Spratley’s of Mortimer
01/ 07/ 2016 - 145, 435 Miles - Pro-Tech Kingsclere Ltd
02/ 07/ 2018 - 151, 137 Miles - Pro-Tech Kingsclere Ltd
03/ 07/ 2020 - 154, 986 Miles - Pro-Tech Kingsclere Ltd
28/ 07/ 2022 - 155, 910 Miles - Pro-Tech Kingsclere Ltd
05/ 07/ 2024 - 157, 141 Miles - Pro-Tech Kingsclere Ltd
This is a great opportunity to pick up an R129 SL320 that’s ready to use and enjoy, without paying a fortune for a low-mileage, show-standard example that you’ll be scared to drive. It’s a car that’s on the road, with an MOT, and can be improved over time, but it’s also one you can jump in and drive today.
** There is no hard top for this vehicle**
If you’re interested, I highly recommend coming to see it in person. I’ve described it as honestly as possible, but nothing beats having a look yourself.
