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1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 320

Sold Price

£8,215

  • Mileage~129,800
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.2L
  • LocationLaunceston

SOLD

1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 320

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

Mercedes-Benz did it again with this generation of SL, the same basic roadster concept but full of modernisation for the 90s.

The epitome of '90s automobiles, the R129 Mercedes SL 320 almost took the accolade of car of the year at launch. Thorough engineering from Mercedes-Benz as ever. First introduced to the world in 1989 with production running until 2001, the boxy body and large alloys were a step change in the design from the R107 and hold their own place now, now considered an already matured modern classic.

This SL 320 has been owned by Phil for the last 3 years, and in that time he's only used the car for some long road trips and holidays around the continent. He is now looking for a likeminded enthusiast to take over ownership.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Phil the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Phil loves a sporty convertible and couldn't resist this '90s SL.

Phil likes his cars, and when he was in the market for a sporty convertible he came across this SL 320, it met all his needs and he bought it back in 2018.

After recently purchasing another convertible, the SL is surplus to requirements. The car has been dry stored in a poly tunnel, it's really helped maintain the condition of the bodywork and paint. Phil will be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

Phil
Vehicle Owner

Phil saved £1,440* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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Exterior

Boxy good looks, the R129 has a design that has matured well with age.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with Mercedes-Benz 16” Alamak forged alloys, they look in good condition. Finished with Firestone tyres that look excellent with lots of life left in them for the new owner.

As we walked round each wheel, we noticed some very minor corrosion around the centre of the alloys, with a little attention each wheel could look excellent. Please take a look at the videos and photography for a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

All the panel gaps look tight and correct when observing the car, and it comes with the hard top as pictured.

This generation often suffer from corrosion on the wheel arches, and where water sits in between panels. On this example, we didn't observe anything like that, and the underside looks in good condition too.

Please take a look at the detailed media for a closer view of the bodywork around the car.

Paint

This navy blue (Dunkelblau) colour looks excellent, it was a timeless choice that pairs well with the cream leather interior.

We did notice some very minor stone chips on the front bumper and bonnet but you'll have to get really close to notice them. The wing mirror appears to have a minor scratch and the rear nearside arch also appears to have a scratch from removing the hardtop roof. The driver's door also has some minor wear around the edge which could be touched up.

Overall the paint is even in finish and colour across all the panels please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

In line with the rest of the car for its age and mileage, all the glass looks great without any cracks, chips or marks.

The trim looks great too, the only thing to point out was some condensation observed inside the front nearside indicator housing. Please view the images and videos of the glass and trim to see in detail.

Interior

90's style, luxurious comfort and a classic cream leather finish.

Seats and Carpets

The cream leather seats look great for the mileage and age of the car, the seats exhibit minor creases as you would expect and would look excellent with some leather cleaner.

The back seats look great and the carpets around the car look good too, overall a smart interior which has been cared for over the years.

The carpets and door cards match the rest of the interior, with the multi-adjustable seat buttons beginning to show some minor wear. Please take a look at the rest of the interior photos and videos for a closer look.

Dashboard

As with the rest of the car, a really nice example. A clean and smart dash and instrument cluster, all the numbers are clean, clear and legible.

The dashboard is free from cracks or tears, please view the images to see the dashboard in more detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A classic 4-spoke Mercedes-Benz steering wheel that screams '90s. The large steering wheel adds minimal effort required to manoeuvre this sporty convertible.

Mechanics

3.2L straight six, more powerful than the later 3.2L V6 that replaced it.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.2L engine produces 228BHP, it might not be the big brawny V8, but it still packs more than enough of a punch through to the rear wheels for a great drive.

Phil reports both the engine and gearbox are smooth in operation, view the cold start video to see the car fire up first time. Phil has driven the car to Germany and back twice, without fault.

The car is currently SORN, and the last time Phil took the car out was for the MOT, yet he reports starting it weekly while cleaning to let it run up to temperature.

Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension in this SL 320 has independent damper struts whereas the rear suspension has an independent 5-arm multi-link. Phil assures us of a very smooth ride.

The brakes on this car also feature 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted wheel discs with ABS. It's reported to perform with plenty of stopping power when required.

The Drive

The SL 320 is all about the drive, luxurious cruising that will enable you to cross continents with little effort. With the power of a 3.2L Inline-6 at your fingertips simply sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Electrics and Other

A real leap from the R107, the cabin and technology was vastly updated with electrically adjustable memory seats, windows, ABS, soft top and anti-roll Wunderbar just to name a few.

Phil reports all the electrics on this car are working as they should to his knowledge.

History and Paperwork

Quickly becoming a rising star in the Mercedes-Benz "classic" line up, this UK RHD is ready for some summer fun.

The car come with pages and pages of receipts, MOT's and service history from the past 25 years. Phil reports having work carried out when required and it's yearly MOT to keep the car roadworthy.

Last year Phil replaced two tyres. The car has also gone through a few number plate changes, and the supporting V5's confirms this.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
18.11.2020 MOT 129,807
01.02.2020 Service
27.11.2019 MOT 128,009
03.12.2018 MOT 123,153
03.11.2017 MOT 119,906
24.11.2016 MOT 117,524
24.11.2016 Service 117,524
26.11.2015 MOT 115,091
26.11.2015 Service 115,091
27.11.2014 MOT 111,445
26.09.2013 Service 104,430
26.11.2013 MOT 104,430
26.11.2012 MOT 98,052
23.09.2011 Service
29.07.2011 MOT 93,545
05.10.2009 Service 87,254
21.01.2009 Service 82,698
27.07.2007 Service 76,077
15.11.2006 Service 74,060
21.02.2005 MOT 65,230
21.02.2005 Service 65,230
24.02.2004 MOT 62,926
10.01.2004 Service 58,214
28.04.2003 Service 54,819
Key Details
  • ModelSL 320 (R129)
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date07.02.1996
  • CC3,199
  • Mileage~129,800
  • HistoryExcellent
  • ColourDunkelblau (940U)
  • Interior ColourCream (265A)
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WDB1290632F134012
  • Engine #104991220196
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers7
  • Tyre TreadGreat
  • Tyre BrandFirestone
  • Security SysStandard
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned3 years
  • Key FeatureGreat Value Modern Classic







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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
20 Comments
kellydk
kellydk
3 years ago

The MOT history shows repeated advisories for corroded brake lines. Has any work been undertaken since the most recent MOT to address this fault?

Thanks

Martin
Martin
3 years ago

Hi
I was spot one rush place on passenger wing , can you confirm please, I try contact by eBay but not reply

Martin
Martin
  Martin
3 years ago

Sorry I mean rust

MilesJoseph
MilesJoseph
3 years ago

Hi Phil, does the car feature any of the following?
Alarm
Anti-Theft System
Central Locking
Immobiliser
Locking Wheel Nuts
Climate control
Heated seats?
Thanks, Miles

Maksim
Maksim
3 years ago

Dear Phil! What do you think, how is it suitable for everyday driving? As I noticed, by mileage, this car spent around 10000miles per year. What is the approximate cost of owning per year? Without the cost of buying this car and gasoline.  Thanks in advance! 

ChrisB
ChrisB
3 years ago

Hi Phil,

On the whole you care looks great.

I have a few questions for you please:

Do all the electrics work. Anything which doesn’t work or is flaky?
The car sounds like it starts and idles ok.
Are there any warning lights on the dash after start up?
When driving the car are there any lumps or knocks.
Does the gear box go through the gears smoothly? Any delays when changing gear?
Kick down works fine?
I notice that servicing starts at 54k then regular servicing. I know you have only had the car for 3 years but are you aware of why servicing only starts are 54k?
Are you aware of any crash damage which has been fixed?

Thanks

Chris

ChrisB
ChrisB
  Phil F
3 years ago

Thanks Phil.

The videos and photos are very comprehensive but can you confirm the condition of the wheel arches and sills. All in perfect condition?

Thanks again.

Chris

ChrisB
ChrisB
  Phil F
3 years ago

cheers

ChrisB
ChrisB
  ChrisB
3 years ago

Hi Phil,

One more question.

Are there signes of any oil leaks from the engine. Looking at the invoice dated Feb 2020 suggests that there is a leak from the head gasket? Was this fixed?

If not could you describe how much it is leaking. A drip every now and again or just oil sitting on the outside of the gasket / seal?

Thanks

ChrisB
ChrisB
  Phil F
3 years ago

Thanks for info Phil

Miles Joseph
Miles Joseph
3 years ago

Hi there, is there also a soft top? If so, what is its condition please? Thanks

Miles Joseph
Miles Joseph
  Phil F
3 years ago

Ah yes, thanks

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Vehicle Location

Launceston

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