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MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) 1995-1998 Photos, engines & full specs

Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) 1995-1998 7 Photos
MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) (1995-1998)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) (1995-1998)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) (1995-1998)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) (1995-1998)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) (1995-1998)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) (1995-1998)MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) (1995-1998)

Mercedes-Benz introduced the fourth generation of the SL in 1989 and planned to keep it long enough on the market with several upgrades and facelifts, and the 1995 model year was just the first refresh for the famous German roadster.

After six years on the market, the money-maker R129 had to offer something back to its customers, and that came in the same shape but with different features and amenities that made the roadster even more appealing than its non-facelifted sibling.

The redesigned front fascia with clear turn signals instead of the amber ones from its launch model. Moreover, the lower bumper and apron looked like they paid a visit to the wind tunnel and were enhanced with additional air scoops. In addition, the bumpers, along with the side moldings, were body-color painted. At the back, also, the amber turn signals were replaced by red ones.

Inside the car, there were also several other modifications. Even though there were two seats in the back, those were suitable only for small bags. On the other hand, at the front, the dashboard was heavily modified and featured new vents and controls, a new sound system, and, depending on the options, a new steering wheel. Seats were also improved with an option for higher bolstered areas.

But from the technical point of view, Mercedes-Benz really struggled to get the best out of its inventory. For starters, there was a new steering system that proved to be more comfortable, even though it didn't provide the best feedback on the road. Then, there was a new, more fuel-efficient engine with a 2.8-liter displacement under the hood.

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
  4 gasoline engines
  • 280 V6 5MT (193 HP)
  • 320 V6 5AT (231 HP)
  • 500 V8 5AT (320 HP)
  • 600 V12 5AT (394 HP)

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129)
280 V6 5MT (193 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 280 V6 5MT (193 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:2799 cm3
Power:142 KW @ 5500 RPM
193 HP @ 5500 RPM
190 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:199 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
270 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:21.1 gallons (79.9 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:143 mph (230 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.3 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/55 R16Z
DIMENSIONS
Length:176 in (4470 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:50.8 in (1290 mm)
Front/rear Track:60.2/59.8 in (1,529/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase:99.2 in (2520 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.9 cuFT (252 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3814 lbs (1730 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4740 lbs (2150 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:13.6 mpg US (17.3 L/100Km)
Highway:26.4 mpg US (8.9 L/100Km)
Combined:19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:286 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129)
320 V6 5AT (231 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 320 V6 5AT (231 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:3199 cm3
Power:170 KW @ 5600 RPM
231 HP @ 5600 RPM
228 BHP @ 5600 RPM
Torque:232 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
315 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:21.1 gallons (79.9 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:149 mph (240 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.4 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/55 R16Z
DIMENSIONS
Length:176 in (4470 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:50.8 in (1290 mm)
Front/rear Track:60.2/59.8 in (1,529/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase:99.2 in (2520 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.9 cuFT (252 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3858 lbs (1750 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4784 lbs (2170 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:13 mpg US (18.1 L/100Km)
Highway:25.6 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km)
Combined:18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:297 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129)
500 V8 5AT (320 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 500 V8 5AT (320 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:4973 cm3
Power:235 KW @ 5600 RPM
320 HP @ 5600 RPM
315 BHP @ 5600 RPM
Torque:347 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM
470 Nm @ 3900 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:21.1 gallons (79.9 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:155.3 mph (250 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):6.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/55 R16Z
DIMENSIONS
Length:176 in (4470 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:50.8 in (1290 mm)
Front/rear Track:60.2/59.8 in (1,529/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase:99.2 in (2520 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.9 cuFT (252 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3902 lbs (1770 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4828 lbs (2190 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:10.8 mpg US (21.8 L/100Km)
Highway:23.8 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km)
Combined:16.5 mpg US (14.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:338 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ SL (R129)
600 V12 5AT (394 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 600 V12 5AT (394 HP)
Cylinders:V12
Displacement:5987 cm3
Power:290 KW @ 5200 RPM
394 HP @ 5200 RPM
389 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:420 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM
570 Nm @ 3800 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:21.1 gallons (79.9 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:155 mph (249 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):6.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:245/45 R17Z
DIMENSIONS
Length:176 in (4470 mm)
Width:71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height:50.8 in (1290 mm)
Front/rear Track:60.2/59.8 in (1,529/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase:99.2 in (2520 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.9 cuFT (252 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4299 lbs (1950 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5115 lbs (2320 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:10.1 mpg US (23.3 L/100Km)
Highway:21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km)
Combined:15.2 mpg US (15.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:368 g/km
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