Any word on a new SL? or am I a bit behind on the news?

Chuck

Last I heard the R129's were selling well enough to keep them in showrooms and delay the release of the R230 (I think thats the number).

Lee

I think production is scheduled to start next spring/summer. It should arrive in the U.S. as an '02 model.

Check out this site http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/5350/r230.htm

I read the next SL will have the airmatic suspension combined with the ABC active body control system.

I spoke to my dealership on Thursday re: the new SL. They are expected in showrooms this time next year...However, we also talked about how the new car might be received. Of course the jury is still out on this, BUT, if the new car is a slow mover, the demand for the R129 and value will keep pace a possibly rise. From the photos I have seen, the new SL has the look of a CLK only shorter. I like the idea of the SLK roof, (no soft top and all metal), but am not sure if I like the LOOK of the hard top. As always, things look better in person and we'll just wait and see. Any opinions on the new top design??? I would like to hear what everyone thinks of this?? :D

We can't rely on spy pics too much, but from what I have seen it looks very nice.

Too bad they decided to do away with the soft top. Very few people would think of having a SL is like having three cars. I like having my choice to match the seasons and my moods.

95 R129
98 W163

I totally agree. I feel by doing away with the soft top, they have lost part of the SL Panache! :(

I think the SLK roof is better as having a soft and hardtop.
We have several SL's and the biggest problem is getting rid of the hardtops somewhere without a possible chance to damage them.
The softtop suffers a lot when it is packed in it's trunk; the cheap plastic rear screen gets worn very quick when the car is driven a lot with the hardtop on.

I must say that I like my mother's SLK's easy cabrio top a lot!!! It is VERY easy to put down/up and does not leave you with an impossible sized hardtop to stack or with a softtop to maintain.

It is just great...(I think)...

greetingz,

You certaily have many valid points....especailly the rear plastic window. I had a Triumph Spitfire some years ago and it had a zipper out rear window and this was really great! I know the rear window certainly has a short lifespan and have wondered if this piece is able to be replaced, or does the entire top????? I have several terrific canvas shops in the area that do this type of work, but have never approached them about the replacement of a rear window. So far, my window is perfect, but I know the time will come for a decision....Anyone with any thoughts on the reaplacement plastic windows?????? Thanks..:D

Mercedes made it possible for the (R129) SL to exchange only the rear part of the soft top when the rear screen is blind.
The soft top exists out of two different parts; the back part with the screens can be renewed separately (for a reasonable price).

I think that it is possible as well to have the rear screen renewed by a specialized (camping) shop as well, but...I don't know whether I would like that.

greetingz,

Thanks for the info. I was unaware of that this was possible.:D