Does not look like the venerable SL (W129) will be replaced for MY 2001. Wonder why MBZ has been so slow to upgrade the roadster? It is so dated! MBZ has cut other models (like C-Class) to a six year production run!

Don't forget that the 107 (129's predecessor) lasted 17 years, so the 129 going for 11 years is pretty short in comparison. :)

Perhaps the roadsters are more "timeless" in design...

Also, the W126 S-Class lasts about 11 years, too. MB cuts back the production years for every model in order to compete with Japanese mades, which has an average model year of 3....

Andy Kuo

How could anyone not like the W129 body? It is a very timeless design, same goes for the W201, W124 and W140 body designs as well. As a matter of fact, I absolutely love and admire them--heck, I'd prefer a 94-95 E-class over the 96-present models. To me, the W124 body epitomizes the "sedan look." I admire the business-like, stoic expressions of it. With the new E-class, I really miss the two-tone color scheme of the old MBs. Bring that back! I understand that MB is trying to reach a younger customer base by making their cars friendlier-looking and designing bodies that are contemporary in look--but heck, I'm a college student, and I prefer the edgy, somber look of the designs of old. Anyway, I really like the current SLs, minus the huge ostentatious star on the grill.

Not to mention the 500E still holds the crown (vs the upstart E55) as the fastest benz as of the last "Running of the Benzes". j/k The new cars have many improvements but what bothers me most about them is not any kind of subjective stying, but the ever increasing amount of niggling quality issues. Not to mention the new paint looks nowhere near as good as the older stuff. (compare a well cared for 040 black 300E vs a showroom fresh W220 or W210 of the same 040 color) I do realize that the *market adjusted* and overall price drops have to come out somewhere but... For a good blend of the new and old the W202 is a pretty good compromise though it is closer in character to the "new" than the "old guard".

Just my opinion...Lee

we have a prototype of the R230 at the technical training center. i've only seen it a couple of times. the reason why we haven't gone ahead with the new chassis is because the R129 is selling like hot cakes. people doesn't seem to like the new design because it looks kind of like a CL. most likely it will be a 2003 model.

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Just a MBUSA employee

So I'm killing time reading OLD posts...
You're now got your new SL chassis. What do you think?
I did not think the 4th gen SL was tired, but the 5th looks very exciting to me.

Damn, my post is two years old?

Really Love the new R230 especially the upcoming SL55AMG. My dealer just had their official R230 SL roadster debut this past Sunday with a free champagne brunch - French Toast, Omelette, open bar, German Beers - the works.

Cossie, you have taste. I wish everyone did, including the latest car designers. Too bad there isn't enough to go around.

Kevin, how do you like your new E55?

el presidente, do you really have to ask?:D Great so far! To date only driven it 100 miles. 877 miles to go before break-in. Have not had time to have fun. Fun time are coming.

Enjoy the ride.....

p.s. If need some assitance in adding miles to get up to 1000, let me know. My services are at your disposal:D :D :D