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Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1999, 2000, 2001

MERCEDES BENZ SL 55 AMG (R129) 1999-2001 3 Photos
MERCEDES BENZ SL 55 AMG (R129) (1999-2001)MERCEDES BENZ SL 55 AMG (R129) (1999-2001)MERCEDES BENZ SL 55 AMG (R129) (1999-2001)

In 1998, at the Turin Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the updated SL range: the R129 series. One year later, one of the best versions, the SL55 AMG was unveiled.

The times when a bigger engine meant a faster car were almost gone in 1999. The European customers didn't look only for higher output. They required a better handling and a smoother ride. For these aspects, the SL55 AMG was considered by many as a better car than the more powerful SL73 AMG. While the lesser version featured a V8, the latter was fitted with a V12 unit, and the car was 160 kg (351.7 lbs) heavier.

From the outside, the SL55 AMG featured a narrow front grille with horizontal slats. The new, rectangular, headlights were fitted with integrated turn-signals on their outer side. On the front fenders, behind the wheels, the AMG installed a specific air-vent to release the air from the front wheel-wells.

Inside, the car featured a luxurious interior with leather upholstery and wood grain on the dashboard, center stack, and console. The five-dial instrument cluster offered information about six car parameters and an elegant analog clock. A small LCD was installed on the bottom of the centrally mounted speedometer.

Power came from a 5.4-liter V8 engine with three valves per cylinder. It was mated to a standard 5-speed automatic gearbox.

MERCEDES BENZ SL 55 AMG (R129) 1999, 2000, 2001
  1 gasoline engine
  • 5.4L V8 5AT (354 HP)

MERCEDES BENZ SL 55 AMG (R129)
5.4L V8 5AT (354 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 5.4L V8 5AT (354 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:5439 cm3
Power:260 KW @ 5500 RPM
354 HP @ 5500 RPM
349 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:391 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM
530 Nm @ 3000 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:155.3 mph (250 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):5.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:245/40 ZR18 (Front) - 275/35 ZR18 (Rear)
DIMENSIONS
Length:177.1 in (4498 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:51.2 in (1300 mm)
Front/rear Track:61.1/60.8 in (1,552/1,544 mm)
Wheelbase:99 in (2515 mm)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4166 lbs (1890 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4872 lbs (2210 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:12.7 mpg US (18.5 L/100Km)
Highway:24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km)
Combined:18.4 mpg US (12.8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:304 g/km
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