Chris Harris Drives His Mercedes-Benz R129 SL

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  • čas přidán 13. 07. 2022
  • Chris takes us around his Mercedes-Benz (R129) SL500 and explains why he prefers to spend £20k on this car as opposed to losing £20k in depreciation on a brand new car.
    Talking through his ownership experience, Chris recounts the reasons why he likes the R129 so much and then takes it for a drive in the English countryside.
    Let us know in the comments below if you like the R129 SL and whether you would buy one!
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Komentáře • 844

  • @howarddavies136
    @howarddavies136 Před 2 lety +686

    I love these videos when Chris turns full on car nerd. It's not made for a segment, or a story, or to sell issues - It's purely to share something he is passionate about and it shows. Fingers crossed for an Evo reunion!

    • @Akilois1001gs
      @Akilois1001gs Před 2 lety +6

      He didn’t know that they stopped using bio degradable wires in 95 and he called a w129. Big nerd

    • @ksm1985
      @ksm1985 Před 2 lety +2

      Get a room

    • @Xayuap
      @Xayuap Před 2 lety

      well said, we all sigma are all shady until passion kicks in.

    • @lebojay
      @lebojay Před 2 lety

      @@Akilois1001gs “Biodegradable” is hyperbole or literal?

    • @martijnkosters9024
      @martijnkosters9024 Před 2 lety +3

      @@lebojay literal. they would degrade because nobody figured that the environment (hot cold wet dry) might start eating away at things.

  • @user-qn6yt3zx3w
    @user-qn6yt3zx3w Před 2 lety +105

    He reads the forums on R129 hoods.
    THAT ladies and gentlemen is why Chris Harris is a car-guy and not just a Top Gear lead presenter…

  • @Thedmcke3
    @Thedmcke3 Před 2 lety +354

    "what the fuck is that fucking noise?!"
    The life of a classic car owner

    • @elt8rr
      @elt8rr Před 2 lety +4

      Actually you get used to new, strange noises pretty quickly xD

    • @craigdavies8099
      @craigdavies8099 Před 2 lety +28

      @@elt8rr Turn the radio up...!

    • @portuguesepetrolhead
      @portuguesepetrolhead Před 2 lety +16

      Join in "where is that oil coming from?"

    • @Schmitzelhaus
      @Schmitzelhaus Před 2 lety +8

      "Why the fuck will this damn bolt not come off!?"
      😆👌

    • @Sensekhmet
      @Sensekhmet Před rokem +7

      "Is this thing supposed to be like that or is it broken?"

  • @ChlorophilG
    @ChlorophilG Před 2 lety +269

    It's great to see Chris enjoying all the things he's slagged off over the years. Looking forward to his glowing MX-5 review in the next decade.

  • @elliotsimpson1148
    @elliotsimpson1148 Před 2 lety +94

    The last 30 seconds are perfect microism of owning old/classic cars. I love this thing so much to oh for fuck sake it’s fucking fallen off again. 😂😂

    • @jimtaylor431
      @jimtaylor431 Před 2 lety +3

      For me it's normally not a noise but a smell... sat in traffic or similar and you're just suddenly aware of that glycol smell of coolant, or something else and you're immediately thinking "sh!t.. I bet that's me.."

    • @elliotsimpson1148
      @elliotsimpson1148 Před 2 lety +5

      My last one was whiff of petrol not that uncommon. Then a cyclist went past in traffic said you know your leaking? Stuck my head out the door river of petrol…….. fuck fuck fuck. Happy wedding anniversary for my wife 😂

    • @jimtaylor431
      @jimtaylor431 Před 2 lety +10

      @@elliotsimpson1148 Do you also get that thing when you have either just acquired or done major work on your old car, that you have to build up the level of trust by doing shorter journeys before you commit to longer trips in it?

    • @apache1234657
      @apache1234657 Před 2 lety +1

      like my golf which died at the lights all the time and people thought i stalled it but it was an automatic

    • @ironmantooltime
      @ironmantooltime Před 2 lety +1

      @@elliotsimpson1148 must be some diesel on the road.. oh no my fuel line just split 😬

  • @BEGGARWOOD1
    @BEGGARWOOD1 Před 2 lety +99

    Having owned a r107 , r129, r230, r231 . I still have the r129, the rest have gone . I’ve just completed a 2700 mile drive through Europe to Tuscany and the the car did not miss a beat .

    • @ksm1985
      @ksm1985 Před 2 lety +6

      I had the r230 but the voltage regulator and alternator were past their best, resulting in overheating of the block resulting in Ringland failure resulting in major bills which cancelled my wedding. A tragic end to what had been an enjoyable ownership

    • @derin111
      @derin111 Před 2 lety +5

      Interesting.
      I’ve owned Pagoda 280SL, R107 500SL , R129 in 280, 320 and 500 forms and now own a R230 SL350 which I bought about 3 years ago with only 29K miles on the clock and have since put 10K miles on driving it from the UK as far touring northern Spain, southern France and up as far as Sweden via Germany and Denmark. And, I currently driving around Germany in it again.
      My experience ?
      Pagoda = very pretty to look at….only. Awful driving experience.
      R107 = also good looking, cramped with roof on (I’m 6’ 2”), not a very good drive either, thirsty for nothing 5.0L V8 because not very fast.
      R129 = handsome, very likeable, solid build quality feel to everything. Marred by scuttle shake if the hardtop isn’t on. It’s not terrible or as bad as the preceding two….but it was definitely there in all three that I owned and I hated that. I actually like the facelift SL320 that I the most.
      R230 = actually my favourite looking of all SLs, in my opinion! I know many won’t agree with me ! 😂 The price I paid for mine I could have bought a higher mileage R231 but I prefer the look of the R230. I feel no scuttle shake which is a big thing for me. The performance for me of the 350 has been easily “adequate” on this long touring type trips. I own quicker cars but for these trips I was a bit scared of the running costs of the 500. Particularly the potential cost of suspension repairs. Although, I’m sure the 500 is a much more competent car, I no longer have the means to own and drive a 5.0L V8!

    • @hudsonsigley947
      @hudsonsigley947 Před rokem

      Were you wearing your paper bag on your head driving through Europe

    • @BEGGARWOOD1
      @BEGGARWOOD1 Před rokem +1

      @@hudsonsigley947 I still feel some Brexit shame 😊

    • @derin111
      @derin111 Před rokem

      @@BEGGARWOOD1 I'm in Germany still in my R230.
      I (foolishly) complied with the new regulations about having 'UK ' on your registration plate rather than 'GB'. The UK sticker I put on has a Union Jack on it which just makes it doubly embarrassing! 🤦🏽‍♂️

  • @AutoTopnl
    @AutoTopnl Před 2 lety +87

    Love this SL! The new one has nothing to do with its predecessors

    • @spavatch
      @spavatch Před 2 lety

      It may be a sublime car in its own right but the real question is how much does THIS car have in common with its predecessors. What does 2000 kg curb weight have to do with Sport Leicht it stands for?

    • @diuco17
      @diuco17 Před rokem +3

      It would be amazing if you got your hands on a v12 one...

    • @that90sbenz
      @that90sbenz Před rokem +2

      @@spavatch I believe sport leicht means “sport-lite” as in “sporty, but not a sports car”. Not literally light weight

    • @RomeoKiloLimaWasTaken
      @RomeoKiloLimaWasTaken Před rokem +1

      @@that90sbenz it was discovered recently that SL originally meant “superleicht” and it was literal because the first SLs were race cars

    • @CarharttDADDY
      @CarharttDADDY Před rokem

      @@diuco17 I love my V12 R129.......so smooth

  • @jonathanrodger9717
    @jonathanrodger9717 Před 2 lety +41

    Thank you for a nice video. I have owned my r129 SL500 for 20 years and covered 307,000 miles. It has never failed me. It's still a fast car and it's great to drive a long way on real world roads.

  • @brianiswrong
    @brianiswrong Před 2 lety +206

    Sort of car you can't tell if the owner is a millionaire or running it on a shoe string and a prayer 👍

    • @coolguy_2997
      @coolguy_2997 Před 2 lety +22

      exactly, since a lot of really wealthy people still drive their 129SL' s due to its classy look and iconic status of being THE Mercedes of all time.

    • @josephtdi8764
      @josephtdi8764 Před rokem +4

      Love that

    • @charles-davidberube1174
      @charles-davidberube1174 Před 10 měsíci +2

      Check the paint and suspension state and you’ll know which they are

    • @waelshatila592
      @waelshatila592 Před 7 měsíci +1

      I have one, and I’m definitely not the first option

    • @dalaanibombina8822
      @dalaanibombina8822 Před 5 měsíci +1

      🤣

  • @detonator2112
    @detonator2112 Před 2 lety +42

    These Sacco designs are the best. W140 and R129 are the pinnacle of "modern era" Mercedes. Just phenomenal quality.

    • @shawndon7374
      @shawndon7374 Před rokem +4

      And w202 w124

    • @vinayak4859
      @vinayak4859 Před rokem

      @@shawndon7374 ya similar design and great cars but does have that oopmh of those two cars

    • @CharlieHustle-hd5ql
      @CharlieHustle-hd5ql Před 4 měsíci

      Well said can't forget about the designer

  • @RadToucan
    @RadToucan Před 2 lety +11

    I’m sitting here, in my R129, watching Chris Harris talk about his, and I love it. I agree 100%. Best purchase I’ve even made

  • @thatguy2227
    @thatguy2227 Před 2 lety +62

    It is quite remarkable that Chris can put so many miles on all his cars while having a job driving other cars as well.

  • @jjefferyworboys8138
    @jjefferyworboys8138 Před 2 lety +28

    I remember my next door neighbour buying one of the very first 500SL, in a light gold, for his 75th birthday at a cost of @£75,000.
    At the time the premium on these was huge and ads could be seen in Sunday Times for @ £120,000. The quality is exceptional. Great choice Chris.

  • @tedmoise1795
    @tedmoise1795 Před 2 lety +86

    I currently own a 1999 SL500. I can honestly say the R129 is beautifully engineered and remarkably reliable. I’ve now owned my SL for 3 years and I only have 34k miles on it. It rides like a dream!

    • @VegasShuffle
      @VegasShuffle Před 2 lety +6

      I too have a 1999 SL500 I’ve owned it for 4 years and currently have 202,000 miles and it’s an absolute dream to drive I often choose it over my Tesla’s even when gas is over 6 dollars a gallon.

    • @Felix-wp9fb
      @Felix-wp9fb Před 2 lety +4

      Me too. 1997 SL500. I've owned it for 2 years now and absolutely delighted with it. 302k miles and still runs perfectly...

    • @herrfister1477
      @herrfister1477 Před 2 lety +5

      @@VegasShuffle
      So fucking what mate.
      I often choose to drive my sl700 rather than any of my superyachts, and yeah my sl700 I mean my sl800 sometimes lets in water but I actually prefer it to my helicopters because I can fly it to the actual moon and yeah I can get to the moon quicker in one of my rockets but the stereo isn’t as good.

    • @ironmantooltime
      @ironmantooltime Před 2 lety +1

      I paid a shed load for low mileage sl600 that had been babied and kept in a heated humidity controlled garage for the last 30 years and it runs and drives sweet after I give it the annual main dealer full service. Like wow

    • @RoastLambShanks
      @RoastLambShanks Před rokem +7

      @@herrfister1477 I take it you cant afford an SL then?

  • @adamkightley
    @adamkightley Před 2 lety +11

    We have a 92 what was called 500SL bought in September 2017 for £6500 and has now done 148K miles and still passes every MOT and drives like a dream with no reliability problems

  • @RustyBonnet
    @RustyBonnet Před 2 lety +18

    Love a Harris Review. You sir are a legend...along with Mr Metcalfe.

  • @Petrospect
    @Petrospect Před 2 lety +67

    The last seconds capture exactly what it feels like to drive any 90s German car.
    If I recall from Chris's twitter he bought a really cheap 300? Probably wow-ed him enough to get a proper nice one. Impressive condition, this...eye-watering price.
    MORE OF THESE PLEASE! Best Harris content by far!

    • @claudiocatarino4909
      @claudiocatarino4909 Před 2 lety +3

      Any 90s car to be honest

    • @ahemgee9542
      @ahemgee9542 Před 2 lety +2

      I have a 96 SL500 , 60,000 miles no rattles at all. Wife's new CLA has more .

    • @finished6267
      @finished6267 Před rokem

      I have an 86 300te. 481000km. Super reliable, easy to work on. Cheapish parts. Goes like stink. Wants to cruise at 80-100kph. Love it.

    • @MagicAyrtonforever
      @MagicAyrtonforever Před rokem +1

      My 2010 Carrera had an annoying buzzing deep inside the dashboard and my 2009 Cayman had an annoying rattle at the back that even the Porsche centre could not find... 😞

  • @nk7144
    @nk7144 Před 2 lety +2

    Hello…I am from Greece and own the last 15 years a 1991 Mercedes R129 500 SL. It is amazing car and all time classic. The colour of it, is light blue with light grey interior. It is in a really good condition with 110000 miles. Whenever I go people looking at it and admire it. I love my SL.

  • @vitovitale9867
    @vitovitale9867 Před 2 lety +12

    Bruno Sacco's design is timeless just like the 2001 W210 E55 I had and the 1989 W126 500 SEC all great looking and fast appreciating cars.

  • @skindude9251
    @skindude9251 Před 2 lety +20

    You have gone up in my estimation Chris! As a man who owns a one owner (father to son) 1991 500 SL on 99, 990 odd miles , that has never really given me any major issues at all, I have to agree with you that it is one of the best motors Mercedes have ever made. I think It is a much under rated vehicle which for long distance touring purposes is very hard to beat. It has a massive boot and the rear child seats and back rest can easily be removed to create loads more luggage space. I am lucky enough to also own an SL 400 R231 and although its a class apart in how it puts down its power and chassis stiffness, it really has very little over the 25 year older 500 and way less luggage space either in the boot or the cabin. It’s a tough call when we go away as to which one to take. One thing you should have mentioned is that it still has the full hard top for winter, which arguably makes it an even better looking car.

  • @bsclifton
    @bsclifton Před 2 lety +20

    The R129 really is a special car - my personal favorite Mercedes-Benz. I love how you can have a hard top, a soft top, or no top. Just a great looking car too - interior, exterior. The roof hydraulics can definitely be a PITA as there are 11 or 12 cylinders and there's a roof module controlling the experience. But it's well documented now with folks like Top Hydraulics supporting rebuilds

  • @Joe_le-
    @Joe_le- Před 2 lety +1

    When my pal got his new Almondine red 500 in 91 we drove from London to Brighton & it was one of the best days of my life

  • @Druezy
    @Druezy Před 2 lety +10

    So happy to start seeing more and more from Chris directly from this channel.

  • @Andrew4181975
    @Andrew4181975 Před 2 lety +5

    I hear people joke about cars from the 80s & 90s a lot, but they were and are just better than the disposable crap being made now.

  • @desertwindauh
    @desertwindauh Před 2 lety +25

    I recently bought a 320 SL and discovered that it was much sweeter to drive than the more powerful 500 SL (having owned one till the engine detonated itself). The lower weight of the smaller engine makes it far more nimble and it gets better mileage. Still as solidly built as earlier Mercedes cars. Enjoy your car.

    • @geriatricmotorcars9516
      @geriatricmotorcars9516 Před 2 lety +2

      Agree totally, bought a new one in 93
      Very impressive at the time
      Still impressive today..

    • @christophervan6966
      @christophervan6966 Před 2 lety +2

      Agreed. I have the straight six 5 speed auto and it is absolutely fantastic.

    • @gmb7495
      @gmb7495 Před 2 lety +1

      Agreed. Having driven a 300sl 24v with the 5 speed manual I can confirm especially with the manual and lesser weight, the car is an absolute joy

    • @martinsvensson6884
      @martinsvensson6884 Před 2 lety +1

      Those engines never detonate "by themselves" :) You can also get the SL500 with the m113. I know that the w210 with the m113 V8 had better weight distribution than with the old 3.2 m104.

    • @davywatt9367
      @davywatt9367 Před 2 lety +2

      As a Merc tech all the straight sixes were better than the v engines early 129 with a 103 is the one for me

  • @shoticko
    @shoticko Před 2 lety +9

    Oh man how I love this host and now even more because of this car. Chris harris is favorite all around car guy, drives properly and really loves cars🙌 its a pleasure watching this guy drive and talkin cars

  • @bendenham4186
    @bendenham4186 Před 2 lety +4

    Chris is awesome! I love how he talks about the little details which we all notice but think no one else does!
    Here's an idea that simply can't fail... Get Chris, maybe a couple of others who are equally geeky and well spoken on cars, give them a TV slot, possibly an hour, and have them review new and old cars alike... Sounds like something I would watch! 😉

  • @GloveBunniesVideos
    @GloveBunniesVideos Před 2 lety +3

    I used to love to drive these back when I was a valet. Compared to the other cars out at the time, the SLs felt like they were carved out of granite. So solid, so sure-footed, just amazing.

  • @drivingwithambition149
    @drivingwithambition149 Před 2 lety +5

    Really enjoyed watching this Chris! Always wanted one myself, ended up with a white 1996 SL500 I paid $3,800 for 3 years ago for highway miles getting to the airport. Have since put 13k miles on it and love it so much, I couldn’t help myself when I found a second green 1994 SL500 pre-facelift early last year for $2,200… incredible amount of car for the money and a great story behind it. And, replacing the rear muffler and resonator with pipe make that M119 sound outright exotic…

  • @exotica550
    @exotica550 Před 2 lety +2

    I've owned nearly every Model Benz since 1978: W116 450SE,W124 300E,3 x R230 SL55's, all black,all perfect, and not a problem with anything. AMG at Afallterbach derestricted my second (UK Sourced) car and it did 286kmh in 4th gear near Stuttgart and 340 in top.In OZ I have a C200 1.8L SC Wagon,220,000 and never looks like wearing out, a 2010 C63 I bought new, now 50,000kms and a 5.5 Litre 500SL R230 update,2008 with now over 170,000 kms,and nary a problem.Oh, and Always owned a 911, from 1971 2.2 911T,through to a 3.8Litre MANUAL 997 Carrera S. Love 'em all,but Chris the SL500 is SYBARITIC. We met after our respective drives in the Nurburgring 24 Hour,and enjoyed a drink or twelve at Ursula Schmitz' (Sabine's Mother) Pistenklause Bar....

  • @elliotttalksf1825
    @elliotttalksf1825 Před 2 lety +1

    I’ll never be a fan of top gear post Clarkson and co but Chris talking about cars on his own is something I really like.

  • @phetogokgathi4217
    @phetogokgathi4217 Před 2 lety +3

    And the prices have just gone up
    Thank you Chris and thank you Mercedes 😌

  • @brentpowell7889
    @brentpowell7889 Před 2 lety +22

    Interesting enjoyable video, great to see you owning and enjoying some real world cars 👍

  • @roronoa92
    @roronoa92 Před rokem +1

    I'm 30 now, and owning a nice convertable from the 90's early 00's era is my DREAM car. I loved watching them as a kid on the highway. I hope one day I'll be able to :)

  • @Kissmyapex
    @Kissmyapex Před 2 lety +5

    Always been a huge fan of the SL500 they’ve aged extremely well!

  • @PCBetter
    @PCBetter Před 2 lety +2

    Just got my license right around the time of this car. The purple strosek SL was my dream car. Had a picture on my wall. Thing of beauty.

  • @carlosb6205
    @carlosb6205 Před rokem

    Thought I'd update. I finally got my SL500 and I absolutely LOVE it. I sometimes rewatch this because you state my feelings so well I could not have done better. Cheers!

  • @nnoddy8161
    @nnoddy8161 Před 2 lety

    Have not seen Chris Harris for a while...he has been in a good paddock!!!
    Love his reviews and especially the older German cars.

  • @vladimirkavalic3998
    @vladimirkavalic3998 Před rokem

    Have mine fore 15 years still love it

  • @wouterleenders
    @wouterleenders Před 2 lety

    I owned an 1995 SL500 in exactly the same color/interior configuration and with the optional ‘reisenrechner’. Fantastic cruiser and took it to the alps and Italy several times where it truly came into its element. Amazing piece of engineering the R120, as long as you keep a pot of money on the side for things that go wrong (and they will) Great video.

  • @shmac96
    @shmac96 Před 2 lety +1

    Congratulations on your nostalgic purchase and new set of problems! Love videos like these! Cheers!

  • @BenzAddiction
    @BenzAddiction Před 2 lety +1

    I have watched this video 5 times so far. Guess I am addicted to R129 😀, great video quality.

  • @and4263
    @and4263 Před rokem

    Loved mine, only 1 serious issue (ignition box + coils) in 4 years and got more than I paid when sold. Nothing since has felt as solid and properly thought out. Chuffed that Chris has one of these and loves it.

  • @inserstnamehere
    @inserstnamehere Před 2 lety +2

    I refuse to pay for a TV license, but I’d happily pay a monthly cost to watch good content from Harris.

  • @Willyfarns
    @Willyfarns Před 2 lety

    Yes yes YESSSS !!!! Soo happy you've done a video on this Chris & collecting cars ! Love the r129, total dream car for me 😍👍

  • @f308gtb1977
    @f308gtb1977 Před 2 lety

    Awesome car. Those were current when I got my license in the 90’s, and my dad worked for Benz in NJ (still does). Fell in love from the start.

  • @thomaschetwood6249
    @thomaschetwood6249 Před 2 lety

    Great vid, and I particularly like the way you articulated the incredible level of thought and design consideration that went into the interior. The design of Mercedes of this era was at a whole different level. My parents got a new W124 230TE in 1989 and my overwhelming impression of that was how brilliant the interior was - comfortable, capacious, durable, good to look at, incredibly easy to use and everything worked perfectly until Mum sold it after seven years and 195,000 miles.

  • @leosheepman
    @leosheepman Před 2 lety

    Best Chris Harris video in ages! Been waiting for this one

  • @wightangel
    @wightangel Před 2 lety +1

    That is a beautiful convertible Chris. Good call & great video. Thank you & God bless.

  • @Hal_T151
    @Hal_T151 Před 2 lety +4

    IMHO, Sacco's finest design and Mercedes' engineers finest hour.

    • @print-master
      @print-master Před 2 lety +2

      they were given unlimited time and budget

  • @douglasthompson9482
    @douglasthompson9482 Před rokem

    I love mine too … 1990 300sl. Solid and gorgeous blue color.
    Keeping the dream alive.

  • @andrewpercival1427
    @andrewpercival1427 Před 2 lety +2

    Owned a 1994 pre facelift one of these about 7 years now and apart from the roof and wiring loom(I've had no issues with mine) really not bad at all to run and repair , most parts are relatively cheap other than body panels , a wheel bearing is £20 for instance and a really good 2nd hand market for parts aswell, undervalued at the moment and highly recommended.

  • @jaysmartin
    @jaysmartin Před rokem

    A boss of mine about 10 years ago who was a car nut bought one of these .. but i think it was a 350 rather than a 500 as he couldnt find a good one. He loved it said the nose lifted like a boat when you got on the throttle and it made him smile ear to ear every time.
    I had a mk2f polo breadvan at the time that i had restored and he always complimented on its design. Great era for cars, congrats on your purchase!

  • @nicholaswatson3896
    @nicholaswatson3896 Před 2 lety

    Wasn't a big fan in Chris's early work, but absolutely love watching his content now. His reporting style is far more relaxed and natural nowadays.

  • @8cervezas648
    @8cervezas648 Před 2 lety +4

    I’d pat the steering wheel when the roof went up if that was mine. Awesome machine. Back in proper PH circa 2013 territory there Chris!

  • @that90sbenz
    @that90sbenz Před rokem

    Great video Chris. I’ve fallen in love with 90s Mercedes and it’s all I’ve driven ever since I learned to drive. The “cliched” bits like the over engineering are what make these cars still appealing to me, 20 something years later.
    Great color combo on yours

  • @channeltv6595
    @channeltv6595 Před 2 lety +6

    I feel like this shape SL was designed to go hand in hand with the S-Class W140. They came with the same wheel range, same dash board style along with clusters, same looking front seats in terms of leather and pattern. And both over engineered as you said. Great cars and probably a peak in its own class for both cars

  • @rboeken6376
    @rboeken6376 Před rokem

    I bought one in 2007, 11 year old at the time, still drive it and love it

  • @wozmac771
    @wozmac771 Před rokem

    Finally got the SL600. Drove it through light snow and heavy cross winds, with 285 cross section rear tires; steady as a rock!

  • @hamzehomari
    @hamzehomari Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks Chris for another fine review, i am fortunate to drive an R129 SL600 V12 Sport amg black on black, you are welcome to drive it if you fancy Southern California driving along State Route 1.

  • @donchillada8316
    @donchillada8316 Před 2 lety +1

    I bought a '97 R129 SL600 2 years ago with 60k miles and couldn't be happier with it. It is the same color that Chris has in the video (i think) Black Opal. It looks green during the day, has some purple come through at dusk, and black at night. The V12 SINGS after I straight-piped it and is quiet as can be low in the revs. Despite the value on this beast rising all of the sudden, I enjoy it far too much and couldn't imagine parting with it.

  • @optimusprimevil1646
    @optimusprimevil1646 Před 2 lety +17

    now at 37 i'm starting to appreciate the early mercedes benz philosophy, it's about packaging, ergonomics, comfort, ease of use. i discounted them due to being poor driver's cars, but on the autobahn on a rainy evening when don't care about driving and just want to get home it will get you there in comfort with cruise control set to 200kph whilst listening to kraftwerk, there was nothing else for it until the late 90's bmw golden era, where cars like the e38 e39 and e46 were able to compete in that arena but also be superb driver's cars, but still in 50% of situations i'd rather be in a w220 s320 cdi with air ride and massage seats listening to fleetwood mack with tan leather driving gloves manning the rudder with cruise set to indicated 80mph at 50mpg.

    • @detonater1348
      @detonater1348 Před 2 lety +1

      I agree with everything u said, except the W220 part. That is by far the worst S class ever made and doest even deserve the Merc badge.

    • @mrkruger5108
      @mrkruger5108 Před 2 lety

      @@detonater1348 it was a great car. Just a pity about the air suspension

  • @BigBodyRacing
    @BigBodyRacing Před 2 lety

    Always enjoyed the styling. Definitely feel old myself been watching Chris Harris when he still had his hair. This is why he's one of the top automotive journalist. Great taste as always Chris, too bad these are a pain to smog in my neck of the woods.

  • @africanotomotiv
    @africanotomotiv Před 2 lety

    This is video is Chris Harris gold!
    Thank you.

  • @dpvbischoff
    @dpvbischoff Před 2 měsíci +1

    My 2001 looks and works like new, and it attracts a crowd. I did chrome the AMG staggered 18" wheels, which looks great with its all black color, and I lowered it slightly
    With H&R springs and Billstein shocks. It looks fantastic, and has cost me very little to maintain. I bought it when it was 8 years old for a sixth of its initial price and it would sell for more than i paid, now 15 years later.

  • @shaywhelan1
    @shaywhelan1 Před 2 lety +7

    I'd agree with everything he says. I'm on my second R129. They are truly special

    • @aabidamn
      @aabidamn Před 2 lety

      What happened with the first one?

    • @shaywhelan1
      @shaywhelan1 Před 2 lety

      @@aabidamn my sons outgrew the back seats so I got an A124 for a. Couple of years. Now they have their own cars so I was able to go back to an R129

    • @aabidamn
      @aabidamn Před 2 lety +4

      @@shaywhelan1 Should've sold the kids instead. I heard that they're very expensive to maintain.

  • @angusking9881
    @angusking9881 Před 2 lety +6

    My man maths put me into a mk1 3.0 Z4 this summer.

    • @antiochiaadtaurum3786
      @antiochiaadtaurum3786 Před 2 lety +1

      Lovely, is that the m54 engine?

    • @angusking9881
      @angusking9881 Před 2 lety

      @@antiochiaadtaurum3786 Yes, 2003 model. It has not rained much this summer in Scotland so roof down and enjoying the sound of the engine and the scenery all the time.

  • @sleepeatdrive7619
    @sleepeatdrive7619 Před 2 lety

    Loved this type of video!

  • @coutopraze
    @coutopraze Před 2 lety +6

    You legend, Ive always wanted one of these because, much like yourself, I find losing money through depreciation something quite stupid. I just haven't convinced myself yet to get one of these..

  • @Onidax
    @Onidax Před 2 lety

    Lovely car. I bought a 91 500SL just before COVID. Happily completed a 1,800 mile roadtrip in France last week. They're wonderful cars to drive and great value

  • @simianmoonstudios
    @simianmoonstudios Před rokem

    Thank you for this Chris.

  • @ArthurCampbell1
    @ArthurCampbell1 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the video, Chris. I bought one very similar a couple of years ago for the dog (allegedly). It was a massive change from my old Cayman (no room for dog) but I love it just as much for different reasons. We are in France right now and having the nicest time wafting about but always knowing when you want to get a move on there’s that magnificent 5 litre V8 to call on. I feel old, too but old enough not to care!

  • @edudoffi
    @edudoffi Před 2 lety

    Im in love with this generation of SL, timeless beauty

  • @edmi4816
    @edmi4816 Před 2 lety

    Great video Chris!! This used to be my favourite Merc when i was young……yours still looks gorgeous !!

  • @shawnl1155
    @shawnl1155 Před 2 lety

    Absolutely love this Chris. I can relate to every part, especially the end. haha

  • @benfearnhead9851
    @benfearnhead9851 Před 2 lety

    Friend of my dads got the 300SL version in about 1990 (when I was 9 going on 10) in burgundy over burgundy leather and although clearly not as quick as the 500 my god did it turn heads and look like nothing else on the road. He took us for a spin - made an impression on me that's never left and probably a big part of why I love cars. I remember him pulling away at a roundabout and seeing a bloke who gave-way to him just mouthing the word 'WOW' through his window.

  • @PoleApart1
    @PoleApart1 Před rokem

    I've owned a 96 SL 500 like Chris' since 2016 and these 9 minutes were like listening to myself talking in the mirror. Chris has absolutely nailed it why you want one of these. The sequence of listening to all the clunks and bangs of the roof opening and closing... all that's missing is "Greaaaat success" in your best Borat voice every time it completes the sequence.

  • @NJRD977
    @NJRD977 Před 2 lety

    the final 30 second meltdown made a great video fantastic

  • @Mithrandir42
    @Mithrandir42 Před 2 lety

    Oh, that was funny! A calm and collected review of a wonderful piece of German engineering, a bit of a talk about how much of a nerd he is and a demonstration of the auto roof. End it on a beautiful shot of the car driving down the road.
    And then him swearing at an unknown rattle. That was bloody hilarious! Well done. Also, please do a video like this on Chris Harris' M5 CS.

  • @Siiilent
    @Siiilent Před 2 lety

    I liked the bonnet-outside-towards-driver action camera angle!!

  • @5ebra1
    @5ebra1 Před 2 lety

    Enjoyed the review. Great to see your enthusiasm.

  • @Suprahampton
    @Suprahampton Před 2 lety +18

    The R129 is a fantastic bit of kit but you cannot deny the R107s presence

    • @ahemgee9542
      @ahemgee9542 Před 2 lety

      The R107 doesn't have the same great proportions as the R129, nor has it aged as well as this or the Pagoda.

    • @Suprahampton
      @Suprahampton Před 2 lety +1

      @@ahemgee9542 I agree that it's not as good looking but the 107 is just classy & was the last of the properly engineered Mercs

    • @ahemgee9542
      @ahemgee9542 Před 2 lety

      @@Suprahampton disagree, the W124, R129 and W140 are much better engineered than the R107, ( wiring loom issues on 92-95 taken into account) . 107s did not have much new technology even for the time and tend to rust much more as well.

    • @neildempster2827
      @neildempster2827 Před 2 lety

      Spot on.

  • @Rodolfobia
    @Rodolfobia Před 2 lety

    Glad to see Chris Harris again, really miss the content they did for Drive TV.

  • @mr.carguy654
    @mr.carguy654 Před 2 lety +1

    The funny thing about all this mercedes quality is that an 80s East German Trabant 601 had a longer expected lifespan than the supposably indestructible 80s E-class mercs. It's not really relevant to this video but it's a fact that just makes me smile!

  • @swiper1818
    @swiper1818 Před 2 lety

    Owned one of these years ago - brilliant cars although extremely complex...great video

  • @wessel82
    @wessel82 Před 2 lety +2

    Was watching this video just after driving my new 500SL 1989 home. Bought from the first owner and my driveway goals have been achieved. I love the idea of looking like I just won the lottery 30 years ago. So driveway no has a 964 and 500SL and old Range Rover

  • @plev10
    @plev10 Před 2 lety

    You're a lucky bugger! I was fortunate to be a copywriter in the States for Mercedes before this came out. It was an incredibly important car for the marque because it was the first new SL in over a decade. (Model changes moved at a glacial pace back then.) So I had the pleasure of flying to Sindelfigen to see how this beauty was manufactured. Then I got to drive it on the Nurburgring. Only time in my life I got a car up to 150 mph and I enjoyed every second of it.
    Unfortunately they never paid me enough to afford one of these but I'm thrilled to see you enjoying yours more than a quarter century after it was built.

  • @SJR313
    @SJR313 Před 2 lety

    Brilliant Chris….full geek and proud 👍 Keep them coming…. (Love the bloopers) 🤣

  • @hkrsescort
    @hkrsescort Před 2 lety

    I love Chris Harris whenever he's being himself and not the person he's not on top gear, he's such a natural person he doesn't need to change himself

  • @johntearle
    @johntearle Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you for the video. Quality, as always.
    I agree with that 'man-maths'. I did the same myself and ended up with a convertible as well.

  • @francescosalvioli
    @francescosalvioli Před rokem

    this is my daily driver and i love it for short and long distance commute!!! so comfortable, so reliable so heads turner!!

  • @raygt6370
    @raygt6370 Před 2 lety

    9 minutes and 19 seconds of Harris telling us he’s feeling older 😄. However he never disappoints in delivering us a story that is 100% BS free ;-) and full of character. Go on Harris! Thanks for this one.

  • @ManxAndy
    @ManxAndy Před 2 lety

    Love you’re passion for cars, I know what you mean, it doesn’t have to be the best car in the world, it just has to push the right buttons for the person who wants one…..Thankyou for being a car nut…..👍🇮🇲

  • @BurtSampson
    @BurtSampson Před 2 lety +1

    These are the most gangster Mercedes ever made. THey always make me think of 90's era rap videos.

  • @Faust64
    @Faust64 Před 2 lety

    Great video, thanks Chris 👍

  • @BenzinioB
    @BenzinioB Před 2 lety

    Still one of my all time dream garage!

  • @benpenagonzales6014
    @benpenagonzales6014 Před 2 lety +1

    Yes! I've been saying a few years now, these are still one of the best value modern classics. And who doesn't love a bit of carpet on the dash! - #luxury. And kid seats too.

  • @mowerplus
    @mowerplus Před 2 lety

    I bought a 2001 SL500 in 2016. I love it!
    I found a 2000 SL 500 on EBay, I rebuilt all 11 or 12 top cylinders and installed a new top on it, my mom now owns it.

  • @cliffordfearnley3409
    @cliffordfearnley3409 Před 2 lety

    I’ve a 2000 SL320 in the exact same colour combination as this. I love it, I always think what if I’d bought this new on launch in 1989, It’d have been like I’d bought a spaceship. They’re also a lot easier to work on than you’d think, have the right (STAR) diagnostics and you’re half way there. I did a full gearbox service 2 weeks ago, I only needed three tools, they’re made with the mechanic in mind.

  • @4g5y
    @4g5y Před 2 lety

    wow! what a dashboard! and buttons! how I miss them in the current cars!!