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Mercedes-Benz SL R129, facelift 1995 SL 500 V8 (320 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SL:
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War....(Read more on Wikipedia)
R129, facelift 1995 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, facelift 1995). With 470 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1835 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
SL 500 V8 (320 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A superb blend of strong V8 power and refinement, providing brisk acceleration and a classic Mercedes driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is higher than the six-cylinder models but acceptable given its V8 performance, suitable for a luxury cruiser.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant design with classic appeal
- • Exceptional build quality and robust engineering
- • High levels of comfort and refinement for grand touring
- • Powerful and smooth engine options, especially V8 and V12
- • Good investment potential as a modern classic
- • Advanced safety features for its era (e.g., automatic roll-bar)
Cons:
- • High running costs, including fuel, maintenance, and parts
- • Complex electronics and hydraulic systems can be costly to repair
- • Heavy vehicle, not as agile as dedicated sports cars
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space
- • Older technology compared to modern vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R129: September, 1993 - December, 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R129, facelift 1995 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 500 V8 (320 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | September, 1995 |
| End of production: | June, 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 320 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.3 Hp/l [29mm more] |
| Torque: | 470 Nm @ 3900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 119.972 More details about the engine M 119.972 |
| Engine displacement: | 4973 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 15 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.7 kg/Hp, 174.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 256.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1835 |
| Max. weight: | 2230 |
| Max load: | 395 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 265 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4499 mm mm [29mm more] |
| Width: | 1812 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1303 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2515 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1535 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1523 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 ZR 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 8 J x 16 H 2 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz SL!