I got a Great deal on a r129

[menesesjesse]

Wow I just dove in for the 2nd time with the r129.  I just got a 1995 with 140k on it for under 5k.  Whats wrong with it? Well it needs a top and some ac work but it is clean and the interior is like new which tells me the car spent alot of time on the highway.  Any pointers on what I should know about?  Everything works now and a tuneup was done 25k ago.  With the caps and rotors at over 300.00 I was hoping to get another 25k on them.  Anyone have some info on these parts?  Thanks
Jesse

[badali]

Which engine do you have? 6, V8 or V12?  I would think you could get quite a bit more life from the parts.  If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[menesesjesse]

I got the 500 SL so it is the V8 which has been around for some time now.  I believe the injection system was updated and it uses electrical injectors vs the mechanical ones on I had on my 1992.  I am not sure if the early electronic injection has gremlins but I know the mechanical one did.  Thanks

[glenn]

Am looking at a '87 560SL.  Is it much different than a 500SL??

[menesesjesse]

Totally different.  The 87 body resembles the pagoda in some kind of way but the 90-2002 is the r129 body and usually comes with a 300+ hp engine.  MB went techy with this car and it is fun but hard to repair by yourself.
Regards
Jesse

[treedoc]

Two major issues with the R129's in the biodegradable wiring harnesses in the early to mid 90's cars, any sign of cracking of the insulation the harness should be replaced immediately as if it shorts out the wrong way it can take the injection control module with it.
The other biggest issue are those cars fitted with the electro hydraulic suspensions, ie some, maybe all US and Australian delivered V8's and probably all V12 sl's, overly complicated and very, very expensive to have repaired at the major big city dealers and just about impossible else where.
Last Christmas holidays I replaced the whole system with conventional gas shocks, springs and rubbers, "Shoey" might be able to tell the difference I can't
I would not recommend anyone try replacing the springs, high risk of them jumping out of the spring compressor, best leave that to a professional 

[menesesjesse]

Great insight. Thanks.  I am worried about the harness as the car has 148k on it. I am hoping it was caught and replaced before I got it but I think I will have to take a look.  I hear these things are big bucks. 

[hauser]

The W124 also had harness issues.  These were replaced by MB at no charge.  If this is the same type of problem that plagued the W124 a MB dealer could pull the history on the car and tell you if there was indeed an issue and if it has been replaced.

[menesesjesse]

Thanks I will do that.  I am going to stop in for parts after the new year and I will ask about this.  My first job is the instument cluster and the dead bulbs behind the odometer.  5 bucks for the bulbs 20 for the tool go figure.  So far the car is good other then the expected repairs of a car with this miliage.  I need to change rotors, front bearings, and the serpintine belt to pass MD inspection.  AutohausAZ was very good to me for these parts.