Just came across this video. I’ve owned my 1991 SL for 16 years now. Convinced my wife that we needed one when I turned 50. Put a lot of maintenance money into the car to keep it in as new condition. Definitely worth the money spent. Currently have 71K of enjoyment on the odometer. Still runs like a Mercedes. Anyone looking at purchasing one make sure you have a good mechanic that knows the car. Nothing major but the usual maintenance items can be pricey. They did make great cars back then.
It was one of the most advanced and powerful cars in the world back then, a super car for those who are in charge and don't need to impress anyone other than themselves; not a car for showy playboys. Variable valve timing made it silent at idle and like a race car at high RPMs.see SL500.TV
If I had to own a German automobile, this is probably the one I'd select: an R129 SL500 from the late 1990s-early 2000s. The R129 is simply just right as a roadster. It's modern without being overkill, yet it's a classic that isn't dated. It is one of the best looking cars that anybody has ever made.
The SL500 was extremely advanced for its era too. The German cars could be considered trailblazers for what is almost standard for all automobiles manufactured today
I am so glad someone finally uploaded this. I watched this many times as a young teen. Years later I was lucky to enjoy driving one of the 1st 500SLs in the US. Wow does this bring back memories! Love the music, the scenery etc.
I have a 1999 SL 500. Bought it a bit over 10 years ago (so it was already 10 years old when I bought it). Hasn't given me too many problems except for 1 major repair just recently (about $750 repair costs at dealership). I sometimes think I should sell it now and get some of the money back.... but whenever I drive it, it just makes me happy, so I think I'll keep it until it just doesn't run anymore.
That sounds like the legendary Peter Thomas who narrated the "Forensic Files". He was one of the greats! On another note, the R129 was my favourite Merc when I was a kid. I remember Princess Diana had a beautiful maroon one. The Merc's of today just don't come close; they are all so sterile looking!
The time where everyone sat and read about the product they just purchased. Today, you can't turn your phone on, you run straight to the forums complain how the product sucks. Like " all you had to do was unbox, charge and simply turn it on"
Hi,I am looking to possibly buy this exact model(White&Grey 189,000mi)What are some Pros and Cons(Maintenance Issues?) or Favorite Things about it?Also I thought I recognized his voice from somewhere lol
This wasn’t the only Mercedes related video Peter Thomas narrated. He also narrated the history of the company for Mercedes Salesmen training videos and also a promo vid for the Lincoln Navigator SUV.
This is the best setup for turning on headlights and fog lights. I drove a new bmw and couldn’t figure out what all the light buttons did for at least the first few days
Minha sl favorita... uma verdadeira e tão só Mercedes, bem antes dessa moda de AMG pra cá e para lá, como se a preparadora viesse antes da marca em si..como é tão comum hoje em dia.
NIGHTMARE_VON Hell of a way to add to the conversation... When I got my '94 SL500 in December of 1993 that was a really cool feature. I still own that car, and although I've only put 30,000 miles on it, I appreciate it for the OVER-ENGINEERING!
NIGHTMARE_VON Tomorrow I shall reply... LMAO Too tired tonight, buddy. Have a good evening and hit me up tomorrow. I've probably got some things you'd like to see. Best...
Well, you actually HAVE to push the hood down if you want it to close tightly. I have been owning this beautiful car since 14 years now and I truly love every single part of it.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have maybe gone for an older SL when I bought my SLK... then I watched the 2 people struggle with the hardtop in the video and realize I made the right choice. BTW- I love how the top switch in this car (and mine too) is shaped like a little roof. :)
+Luke DeMartini Thank you for mentioning that. Many Mercedes master technicians and people in the organization have agreed that 1996 was the end of an era for Mercedes Benz. The cars built before 1996 were of exceptional build quality and used only the finest mechanical components. The new SL400 might look nice, have cleaner emissions and better fuel economy but I can assure it you it cost far less to manufacture due to less hand craftsmanship and cheaper components that are now sourced globally from places like Mexico, Canada and Asia. My older W124 and W201 area testament to this.
Tony Chavez this statement is very true. But you forgot to mention the real reason this change took place around 1996. Actually in 1995, Mercedes Benz was doing an internal audit of its production costs of its vehicles. These accounts, or bean counters, as they were known, decided OVER the engineers that they were spending way too much over-engineering the cars. Up until that time, the engineers were using 6 bolts instead of the normal 3 or 4 bolts in applications for increased durability and using fasteners made of higher quality steel rather than cheap pot metal or plastics. Once the accountant convinced the board that they needed to save money by using cheaper materials, Mercedes Benz quality was no longer. If you don't believe me, check an old issue of consumer reports magazine from 1996 and 1997. In the back of their annual April automotive issue, you can see the quality of their cars went from far above average to the lowest level, far below average around the 1996 year. The changes took about 1 year to filler through the entire carline and has never returned. In that brief 2 year period they went from #1 to #15 all because the accountants got their way over the dedicated engineers. It's really a sad story.
Back in the early-mid 90s there was a show on A&E that did a documentary on the Mercedes SL. I remember it very distinctly bc when they got to the R129 it was a very dramatic and beautiful shot. That is what got me hooked on this model forever, I'll never forget it. Does anyone remember this show or episode. I know it is pretty vague but by chance...
Most people don't know those facts either. That's why if you're shopping for one of these cars, you'll often find the center rear view motor function to be inoperable. 2nd and 3rd owners unaware of this feature would just grab the mirror and try to move it manually, breaking the motorized part of the mirror. I can't tell you how many of these mirrors I find broken because of the lack of knowledge about them being motorized.
@@angelg2638 It's so funny how you just replied to my comment now. I was a newly uploaded video of this exact car on Bill's Curious car's RUclips channel. You talk about perfect timing! Wow
Ok these random RUclips recs need to stop. Today I’ve learned how to be a 1980s Mercedes salesman, learned a little more about my 2000 S class, and now I’m ready to dive into this convertible here…
As demonstrated in the video, closing the soft top on the front locks may require pulling down on the handle and guiding the locks into place. This is what I’m currently doing. I did not have to do this before. The top bounces somewhat and will not sit and lock unless I pull it down. Has anyone experienced and repaired this problem? Thanks for your help . 1998 SL500 R129 Sport edition.
German cars were spectacular in the 1980s compared to its peers, especially American cars. In 1991 this was still true though Japan was already on a rocket ship to the top, pound-for-pound.
compu85 need a manual for my 1997 e420 v8. Help! Download or anything on ignition tumbler assembly problem. Replacement. Etc..nothing helpful on youtube on this car.
Авто/Мото
Just came across this video. I’ve owned my 1991 SL for 16 years now. Convinced my wife that we needed one when I turned 50. Put a lot of maintenance money into the car to keep it in as new condition. Definitely worth the money spent. Currently have 71K of enjoyment on the odometer. Still runs like a Mercedes. Anyone looking at purchasing one make sure you have a good mechanic that knows the car. Nothing major but the usual maintenance items can be pricey. They did make great cars back then.
It must have felt incredible to buy a 500SL in 91 and watch this. It's not the sportiest car in the world, but as cruiser it was unbeatable.
It was one of the most advanced and powerful cars in the world back then, a super car for those who are in charge and don't need to impress anyone other than themselves; not a car for showy playboys. Variable valve timing made it silent at idle and like a race car at high RPMs.see SL500.TV
An SL meant you have arrived and were one of the lucky ones to own such an advanced and luxurious grand tourer.
@@KenRockwellTV u hhwwwwgwwwwwwwjjwghjjjjjjjjjjjjjjutwwtttttttttttttttttwtwwtwtwtttttwttttwtwtwwwwtttwtwtwtwttttwwwwtwwtwtwwwwwwtwwtwwwwtwtwwi
Back in the day when Mercedes Benz included a complimentary bag of coke in the glove box with every purchase.
HAHAHAHAHA MADE MY NIGHT
That wasn't coke it was speed. ;
I could listen to Peter Thomas narrate all day. One of the great voices ever.
Something very relaxing about this old VHS 90's luxury car and video!
Mostly because of classical music in the background.
it felt like watching Forensic Files without a crime being committed
Yes I 100% I found out it is the guy's voice
Sounds like the same narrator lol.
Peter Thomas does a lot of voice work,
😂😂😂
It's amazing what technologies and features MB had in their cars 30 years ago.
Any one else played this because they got this awesome car in 2019 ?
Got mine in 2017......
2020 😊
Got mine in 2020 with only 66,000 miles in mint shape.
@@robertglover8819 nice
@@robertglover8819 what colour
If I had to own a German automobile, this is probably the one I'd select: an R129 SL500 from the late 1990s-early 2000s.
The R129 is simply just right as a roadster. It's modern without being overkill, yet it's a classic that isn't dated. It is one of the best looking cars that anybody has ever made.
i just love that pure royal feeling they give u with these old school vids 😂
"Engineered Like No Other Car In The World"
M Lee so said Clint Eastwood in the rookie!
This mercedes benz era really had a fineness and class in his models They really had a pedigree... Today's mercedes don't look or feel the same
The SL500 was extremely advanced for its era too. The German cars could be considered trailblazers for what is almost standard for all automobiles manufactured today
What an incredible car for its time!
Hard to believe most cars don’t even have half of these features 33 years later.
I have 1992 Model SL500
It's sweetheart
Same here 😃
Where do you buy the parts for this car?
@@chocolatier9597 Its a reliable,or a problematic car?
Kimbala 1995
Depends on the condition before you make a purchase. Do your research before you put down any money.
I am so glad someone finally uploaded this. I watched this many times as a young teen. Years later I was lucky to enjoy driving one of the 1st 500SLs in the US. Wow does this bring back memories! Love the music, the scenery etc.
I have a 1999 SL 500. Bought it a bit over 10 years ago (so it was already 10 years old when I bought it). Hasn't given me too many problems except for 1 major repair just recently (about $750 repair costs at dealership). I sometimes think I should sell it now and get some of the money back.... but whenever I drive it, it just makes me happy, so I think I'll keep it until it just doesn't run anymore.
this video has been amazing .I use it all the time learning about my new SL thank you for uploading this
Get out the VCR! The fact that I'm old enough to clearly remember when the R129 came out (it was a stunner) makes me feel old.
refreshing to see someone using this quote as an actuality 😅 usually it‘s like 17/18 yr olds describing something five yrs ago 😝
That sounds like the legendary Peter Thomas who narrated the "Forensic Files". He was one of the greats! On another note, the R129 was my favourite Merc when I was a kid. I remember Princess Diana had a beautiful maroon one. The Merc's of today just don't come close; they are all so sterile looking!
Pretty cool. This is my favourite car ever. Still on occasions considering getting one.
Thanks for posting. There were functions I never knew existed!
Amazing video quality for VHS. I don't remember it being this good on the VCR.
I love the music at the beginning! The Mercedes SL always was a beautiful car!
The time where everyone sat and read about the product they just purchased. Today, you can't turn your phone on, you run straight to the forums complain how the product sucks. Like " all you had to do was unbox, charge and simply turn it on"
I can't believe Peter Thomas narrated this! I guess it was before his days as the narrator of the Forensics Files Show! I love my SL!!
Hi,I am looking to possibly buy this exact model(White&Grey 189,000mi)What are some Pros and Cons(Maintenance Issues?) or Favorite Things about it?Also I thought I recognized his voice from somewhere lol
VILLAIN RACER pink floid
This wasn’t the only Mercedes related video Peter Thomas narrated. He also narrated the history of the company for Mercedes Salesmen training videos and also a promo vid for the Lincoln Navigator SUV.
aina voi löytyä jotakin uutta . kiitos filmistä !
Very nice. Thanks for sharing! ;)
What a time to be alive
The most beautiful SL
How apt to be comment no 107 as I have a 500SL of the R107 variety. Enjoyable video thank you for posting.
Have a 500sl 92 model in rare colour beryl blue better to drive than any modern car I have owned and always makes me and others smile 😊
Amazing. Love this.
This is the best gen of s class in my opinion.
SL class. ;)
This is the best setup for turning on headlights and fog lights. I drove a new bmw and couldn’t figure out what all the light buttons did for at least the first few days
thanks a million
truly a classic. probably the last one from mb.
I love that car!!!
Its interesting watching these old videos. I just bought one, nowadays therse areactually an investment and appreciating
beautiful car of art
Minha sl favorita... uma verdadeira e tão só Mercedes, bem antes dessa moda de AMG pra cá e para lá, como se a preparadora viesse antes da marca em si..como é tão comum hoje em dia.
I am here because of the dude cutting ham and roast beef at a buffet.
Thank you very much! Have a 500sl for years and I didn't know about one could close the windows from the outside :/
NIGHTMARE_VON Hell of a way to add to the conversation... When I got my '94 SL500 in December of 1993 that was a really cool feature. I still own that car, and although I've only put 30,000 miles on it, I appreciate it for the OVER-ENGINEERING!
NIGHTMARE_VON Tomorrow I shall reply... LMAO
Too tired tonight, buddy. Have a good evening and hit me up tomorrow. I've probably got some things you'd like to see. Best...
NIGHTMARE_VON Point the IR remote at either door or the trunk and simply hold down the button. Mine start going up after about 3 seconds...
Well, you actually HAVE to push the hood down if you want it to close tightly. I have been owning this beautiful car since 14 years now and I truly love every single part of it.
I just purchased a 1993 500SL , Even as old as it is it’s beautiful
The car of my youth! So Nostalgic to me
Car Connoisseur u had a 90k car when u were in youth?
My favorite Mercedes from the 90s has got to be the W140 chasis (S Class) S500
Still The King of the S Klasse.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have maybe gone for an older SL when I bought my SLK... then I watched the 2 people struggle with the hardtop in the video and realize I made the right choice. BTW- I love how the top switch in this car (and mine too) is shaped like a little roof. :)
loving My SL
In these days if you had a 500 SL you had arrived! They were close to $100K around 1991
In 2015 it would be $174k, twice as much as an Sl 400 that has more stuff.
+Luke DeMartini Thank you for mentioning that. Many Mercedes master technicians and people in the organization have agreed that 1996 was the end of an era for Mercedes Benz. The cars built before 1996 were of exceptional build quality and used only the finest mechanical components. The new SL400 might look nice, have cleaner emissions and better fuel economy but I can assure it you it cost far less to manufacture due to less hand craftsmanship and cheaper components that are now sourced globally from places like Mexico, Canada and Asia. My older W124 and W201 area testament to this.
That's because Bruno Sacco was the greatest car designer who said a Mercedes must look like a Mercedes.
I agree, the Sacco designed R129 and W124's were the pinnacle of Mercedes Benz styling.
Tony Chavez this statement is very true. But you forgot to mention the real reason this change took place around 1996. Actually in 1995, Mercedes Benz was doing an internal audit of its production costs of its vehicles. These accounts, or bean counters, as they were known, decided OVER the engineers that they were spending way too much over-engineering the cars. Up until that time, the engineers were using 6 bolts instead of the normal 3 or 4 bolts in applications for increased durability and using fasteners made of higher quality steel rather than cheap pot metal or plastics. Once the accountant convinced the board that they needed to save money by using cheaper materials, Mercedes Benz quality was no longer. If you don't believe me, check an old issue of consumer reports magazine from 1996 and 1997. In the back of their annual April automotive issue, you can see the quality of their cars went from far above average to the lowest level, far below average around the 1996 year. The changes took about 1 year to filler through the entire carline and has never returned. In that brief 2 year period they went from #1 to #15 all because the accountants got their way over the dedicated engineers. It's really a sad story.
You can adjust the rear mirror view from a button !!!! WoooooW not any car do that even now
Back in the early-mid 90s there was a show on A&E that did a documentary on the Mercedes SL. I remember it very distinctly bc when they got to the R129 it was a very dramatic and beautiful shot. That is what got me hooked on this model forever, I'll never forget it. Does anyone remember this show or episode. I know it is pretty vague but by chance...
I have it on VHS! I believe it was History Channel. See link, you may be able to buy it on Amazon.
www.amazon.com/Automobiles-Mercedes-Benz-SL-Sl/dp/B001KZVQDO
Thanks man, I'll check it out
matt k
Hey there,
Did you find the video for the R129?
The above link is for SL300.
I wish seats were still this comfy
Oh of course they get the forensics show guy to do the voiceover....
Devin Tariel I noticed the narrators voice about 1 second into it. It's now officially a creepy video.
legendary!
very interesting...did not know the centre detent in the wing mirrors adjusted the internal mirror! or that the rear seats lifted for more storage!
Most people don't know those facts either. That's why if you're shopping for one of these cars, you'll often find the center rear view motor function to be inoperable. 2nd and 3rd owners unaware of this feature would just grab the mirror and try to move it manually, breaking the motorized part of the mirror. I can't tell you how many of these mirrors I find broken because of the lack of knowledge about them being motorized.
@@klwthe3rd Just one of the technologies that STILL hasn't trickled down to cars 30yrs LATER!
@@angelg2638 It's so funny how you just replied to my comment now. I was a newly uploaded video of this exact car on Bill's Curious car's RUclips channel. You talk about perfect timing! Wow
Yes thank you very much...
The best SL after the 1955 model
how fancy, even for a 1991 model in a 2020 world of cruise control, airbags, and some other junky techs stuffs.
Almost 3 decades later, most cars still don't even have some of these features.
Good car, good times...
SO PEOPLE...DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A NEW MERCEDES...BUY ONE OF THESE!
Lovely
Wunderbarr
Now that's a true Mercedes....
Not a Kia made in Germany...
Or a Mercedes Made in Tennessee
i have 195 model i love my car. thankufor urgreat vedio i earn coupleof things.
Ok these random RUclips recs need to stop. Today I’ve learned how to be a 1980s Mercedes salesman, learned a little more about my 2000 S class, and now I’m ready to dive into this convertible here…
Is the narrator in this owner's video the same as the narrator in Forensics Files?
Sounds like I'm watching Forensic Files
He has a very good voice. Authoritative and soothing.
Why am I still watching this
Hello, I would like to know where I can order the 1992 Mercedes Benz R129 SL Manual. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
I love the fuel economy gauge and their numbers they have listed for it.
Great
i love my ABC suspension haha
new price 150,000$ on craigslist now for 4000$.
Hi Alex
I have together problem with my SL
What made you know your for it to work again
Mvh Casper Tygesen
Dk
Will be buying a 300 or 500 SL in couple of days. F all these plastic made cars these days
As demonstrated in the video, closing the soft top on the front locks may require pulling down on the handle and guiding the locks into place. This is what I’m currently doing. I did not have to do this before. The top bounces somewhat and will not sit and lock unless I pull it down. Has anyone experienced and repaired this problem?
Thanks for your help .
1998 SL500 R129 Sport edition.
An analog clock in 1991? That's surprising. It must have been an aesthetic choice.
damn, no side airbags. 91 was wild
Wait...isn’t this the narrator from Forensic Files?
The self-righteous fart sniffing of these videos is unparalleled.
IT'S THE GUY FROM FORENSIC FILES!!!!!!
Holyshit 31min for a 91 wonder how long will it be for a 2020 model with all the screen stuff
now all i need is the car lol
German cars were spectacular in the 1980s compared to its peers, especially American cars. In 1991 this was still true though Japan was already on a rocket ship to the top, pound-for-pound.
Is this the forensic files guy??
great video, great car but disappointed that the narrator isn't british lol
If u owned this in 1991 u were a stud
Tacky
Are we advancing at all anymore?
wow
Anybody know what the music is?
you need a merc diploma to love this car!
Hyvin Horst asentelee😊
Did the 96 BMW Z3 come with an owner's video? Chrischan is selling Bob's Z3
0:24 What is the name of the music?
I found it. It's recorded by Graham De Wilde in 1984
Album: "Kpm 1000 Series: Classical Fusion 2"
Song title: "Classical Period"
Are there any more videos like this that Mercedes made?
I'm sure there are! I'm always on the lookout for more tapes, I've uploaded most of the ones that I have.
Where do you find these? eBay and the like?
Yes: eBay, forum members, and friends.
compu85 need a manual for my 1997 e420 v8. Help! Download or anything on ignition tumbler assembly problem. Replacement. Etc..nothing helpful on youtube on this car.
Watch in 2018
what if you lock your keys in the car and the convertible top is down?
The car would NOT lock with the keys inside. It will also NOT start, or turn off, if the shifter is in any gear.