Mercedes-Benz SL by Brian Long

Author:Brian Long
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Transportation / Automotive / General
Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd
Published: 2019-10-16T16:00:00+00:00

Overhead view of the new SL in North American specification, giving a rare view of the carpeted rear compartment and the stainless steel treadplates.

Dashboard of an early American 500SL. Note the 160mph speedometer, the different gear selector used on US cars, the (optional) heated seat switches, the lack of a release button for the glovebox due to the passenger airbag, a few subtle differences in switchgear labelling, and the Mercedes-Benz badge on the radio, with no mention of Becker.

While turbo-diesel saloons (promoted to enhance CAFE fleet fuel economy figures) were just as likely to leave the showrooms, and the SEL and SEC continued with the older 560 engine into 1991 (the beautiful SEC even limped into the 1992 season until the new big coupes were introduced), the two SL models offered in America certainly generated more than their fair share of excitement. With no base three-litre car offered across the pond, the 300SL-24 was known simply as the ‘300SL’ in the States, while the 500SL remained badged as such.

Following the press preview in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, the new SL was launched as a 1990 model, with the 300SL-24 priced at $72,500 in five-speed manual guise (with a dog-leg first, although a five-speed automatic was available as an option), and the 500SL (four-speed automatic only) listed at $83,500. It was sold as a two-seater only, with no chance to convert the vehicle into a 2+2 in the States.

All US-bound R129 SLs came standard with alloy wheels, ABS brakes, PAS (with leather-wrapped steering wheel), self-levelling rear suspension, a headlight wash/wipe system, foglights, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, dual airbags (a passenger-side airbag became optional on several US models at this time, but being standard on the SLs signified a faster adoption for the two-seater than other cars in the Benz range), power windows with tinted glass, power adjustment on leather-trimmed seats (with the memory function extending to the tilt steering and mirrors), remote central locking with extended coverage on interior storage compartments, an outside temperature gauge, alarm, first aid kit, and a Becker Grand Prix-based 100W radio/cassette with six speakers and an automatic antenna.

Apart from the 5AT for the 300SL, about the only other options in the States at this time were heated seats, orthopedic padding, and the windblocker. Metallic paint was a no-cost option (NCO), so doesn’t really count.

Bob Nagy of Motor Trend observed: “A cross-country drive is generally the acid test for any vehicle. Having spent three-and-a-half days of virtual non-stop motoring, we can enthusiastically confirm the new SL as being a pur sang long-distance runner.”

Nagy attributed a lot of the cruising pleasure to the seats, and found only a few minor niggles after his extended test, like the occasional stray reflection on the plastic instrument cover and the awkward sunvisors. He was also less than happy with the stereo, particularly the unit’s ergonomics.

However, the R129 was a well-balanced package at the end of the day. Road & Track called the 500SL: “A very sophisticated car with all the

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