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Mercedes-Benz SL R129, facelift 1998 SL 320 V6 (224 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 1998 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, facelift 1998). With 315 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1755 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.4 s). The top speed reaches 238 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
SL 320 V6 (224 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for relaxed cruising, but not designed for spirited driving or rapid acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a luxury roadster of its size and era, making it a more practical choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Exceptional build quality and robust construction
- • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines, including rare V12s
- • High levels of comfort and luxury for grand touring
- • Becoming a desirable classic, holding its value well
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 and V12 models
- • Expensive maintenance and parts, particularly for complex systems
- • Heavy for a roadster, impacting agility compared to pure sports cars
- • Complex electronics can lead to age-related issues
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R129, facelift 1995: June, 1996 - June, 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R129, facelift 1998 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 320 V6 (224 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | June, 1998 |
| End of production: | July, 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 224 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 70 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 315 Nm @ 3000-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 112.943 More details about the engine M 112.943 |
| Engine displacement: | 3199 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 11.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 16.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 238 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 127.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.6 kg/Nm, 179.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1755 |
| Max. weight: | 2130 |
| Max load: | 375 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 265 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4499 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1812 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1300 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2515 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1535 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1525 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 | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/45 R 17 W |
| Wheel rims size | 8.25 J x 17 H 2 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!