1. A rocky start for a dream car

2. Pricing and market position

3. Demand, deliveries, and speculation

4. Tempting options and customization

5. Engineering tweaks and new tech

6. 1990 price updates and final touches

A rocky start for a dream car

When Mercedes introduced the R129 SL at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, the world was still reeling from the financial aftermath of Black Monday. The timing might have seemed unfortunate to launch a luxury roadster, but the excitement around this stunning new model was unstoppable. Even before deliveries began, demand far exceeded expectations — despite a backdrop of economic uncertainty.

Pricing and market position

Upon release, domestic pricing reflected the R129’s ambition to be a cut above. The 300SL started at DM 89,490, the 300SL-24 came in at DM 99,180, and the range-topping 500SL demanded DM 125,400. While this was considerably more expensive than the outgoing R107 series, it was in line with high-end sports cars of the time — for comparison, a 911 Carrera 4 cost DM 114,500.

Despite high prices, Mercedes built the R129 up to a standard, not down to a price. The combination of prestige, innovative technology, and robust German engineering ensured that the SL was worth every Deutschmark.

Demand, deliveries, and speculation

Initial production was targeted at 20,000 units per year, but even this wasn’t enough. Waiting lists stretched across multiple countries — up to four years in the UK — and some opportunistic buyers flipped their cars immediately for a 10% markup. Mercedes could barely keep up as demand for this luxury two-seater skyrocketed.

All domestic models came well-equipped as standard, with features like alloy wheels, ABS, electric windows, fog lights, and key-operated central locking. The car’s solid engineering showed in its weight — starting at 1700 kg for the 300SL and going up to 1800 kg for the 500SL — and that was before adding options.

Tempting options and customization

Buyers could enhance their SL with an expansive and tempting list of Sonderausstattungen (optional extras). Highlights included:

• Automatic Transmission: Standard on the 500SL, optional (DM 2,570) on six-cylinder models.

• Cruise Control (Tempopilot): DM 590.

• Traction Control (ASR) and Limited Slip Differential (ASD): For enhanced driving stability.

• Air Conditioning: Either standard manual or fully automatic (DM 4,590).

• Leather Interiors, Heated Seats, Rear Seat Option: Offered in various trim levels and prices.

Entertainment was also top-tier for the time, with multiple Becker audio systems and CD options, automatic antennas, and even upgraded speaker packages.

Engineering tweaks and new tech

Mercedes didn’t wait for model year updates — the R129 evolved rapidly. By late 1989, the five-speed automatic transmission (Type 722.5) became available for the 300SL-24, improving fuel efficiency by 10% while maintaining acceleration. Engineering refinements followed, such as quieter rear axle mounts and stronger driveshafts.

The Adaptive Damping System (ADS), a cutting-edge active suspension, finally reached production at the end of 1989. It allowed automatic ride-leveling and greater comfort at speed — another step forward in Mercedes’ relentless pursuit of perfection.

1990 price updates and final touches

By January 1990, base prices rose by nearly 5%. Several options also saw price increases — including climate control, ASR, and the automatic gearbox — though others, like airbags and radios, stayed constant.

New features were introduced, such as Mercedes-Benz telephone packages, new aerial/speaker combinations, and all-weather tires. Even accessories like the fire extinguisher, memory seat functions, and laminated glass were fine-tuned to offer maximum comfort, convenience, and safety.

As Mercedes refined the SL through the end of the 1980s and into the early ’90s, the R129 established itself not just as a status symbol, but as a benchmark of technology, build quality, and timeless design.

Are you already a proud owner of a Mercedes R129? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mercedes-benz/r129

 

Photos sources: Pinterest, autoevolution.com