Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, 1989-2001): Books - History

Mercedes SLs (1989-1994) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Mercedes SL (R129) models from the years 1989-1994. Describes the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, 500SL, 600SL, 300SL-24 and AMG SL60.

• The 28 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Information

Details:	140 pages, 27 x 20 x 1 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:	400 photos
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1995)
ISBN:	9781855202689

More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Mercedes-Benz SL - R129 Series (1989-2001) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Tempted by the effortless performance and surprisingly affordable prices of Mercedes' R129 series SL, but unsure where to start looking? Take this book with you and follow its expert guidance. Choose the right model for your needs, and learn how to assess a promising car like a professional. Buy the right car at the right price!

With prices for the older Mercedes-Benz models, such as the 'Pagoda' and W107 SLs heading ever higher, many enthusiasts are now starting to look at the R129 series SL. Produced from 1989-2001, it combined timeless elegance, luxury and effortless performance, with V12 engines available for the first time. The R129 was the last SL with a detachable hardtop and - for many Mercedes fans - the last to be built to the marque's legendary standards of construction.

With that sophistication came new levels of equipment and unprecedented complexity. For would-be buyers today, there are more points than ever to watch out for. The cars' weight also puts strain on components such as the brakes and suspension. Choosing a good R129 demands care.

This buyer's guide will help you do just that. Learn about the differences between models, and what to look for when buying. What are the true running costs, and what issues - with the mechanicals, body or interior - should you be wary of? Find the answers to these questions and information about the clubs and specialists who can help look after your R129 today.

Covers all models from launch to final facelift. Includes six, eight and twelve-cylinder engines.

Information

Author:	Julian Parish
Details:	64 pages, 19.5 x 14 x 0.6 cm / 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.24 in, paperback
Illustrations:	100 colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2016)
Series:	The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:	9781845848989

Mercedes-Benz SL R129 - From the 300 SL to the SL 73 AMG

Discover the Mercedes SL R129. Updated in Feb. 2018, this 230-page guide tells you everything about the car's history. It explains in detail chassis number and data card and offers a comprehensive buyer's guide. All this is accompanied by great recent non-Daimler AG photos, including pictures of the suspension.

These are some of the topics covered:
- Development of the R129
- The 500SL and 300SL-24
- The V12 arrives
- The 1995 facelift
- The 1998 facelift
- The navigation system
- The AMG models, from the SL36 to the SL72
- The special editions, from the 1995 Mille Miglia to the 2000 UK Heritage and Silver Arrow
- The tuning scene, from Brabus to RENNtech
- The Middelhauve and Karman R129 Gullwing
- The VIN/FIN explained
- The data card explained
- R129 buyer's guide
- Technical specifications and production figures.

Information

Author:	Bernd S. Koehling
Details:	230 pages, 28 x 21.5 cm / 11 x 8.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:	200 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Bernd S. Koehling (D, 2015)
ISBN:	9781517414542

Faszination SL: Mercedes-Benz R 129

Sensationally safe, powerful and sporty and elegant - when Mercedes-Benz presented its latest creation with the magical SL abbreviation in March 1989, the engineers and designers had succeeded in creating another masterpiece. The SL of the R 129 series sets standards in terms of safety, sportiness and, last but not least, driving pleasure. Today, it is considered a modern classic and continues to enjoy great popularity.

This volume describes the development of the model series, describes the numerous technical innovations and the entire range of models including the special series. There is also information about a very special "gullwing" model and a "drive-by-wire" technology model based on the R 129.

Information

Details:	128 pages, 31.5 x 22.5 cm / 12.4 x 8.9 in, hardback
Illustrations:	160 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2006)
ISBN:	9783898805568

Mercedes-Benz SL - Die Baureihe R 129

In 1989, the SL of the R 129 series replaced its predecessor, the R 107, which had been built for almost 20 years. As was to be expected, the Swabians continued the decades-long tradition with the new model.
Open and two-seater, the SL had always been the roadster for the highest demands, simply a dream car that set standards in terms of safety, comfort and technology.

This revised and extensively supplemented documentation from the legendary SL book series by author Günter Engelen shows for the first time the complete history of the R 129 from its beginnings to its last year of production in 2001.

Information

Author:	Günter Engelen
Details:	352 pages, 26.5 x 23 cm / 10.4 x 9.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:	156 b&w and 307 colour photos, 30 drawings
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2014)
ISBN:	9783613036895

Mercedes-Benz SL (R 129) (Schrader Typen Chronik)

In 1989, the SL of the R 129 series replaced its predecessor, the R 107, which had been built for 18 years. As was to be expected, the Swabians continued the decades-long tradition with the new model.
Open and two-seater, the SL was always the roadster for the highest demands, simply a dream car that set standards in terms of safety, comfort and technology.

Michael Allner tells the story of the R 129 from its beginnings to its last year of production in 2001 and garnishes it with many photos and illustrations of the advertising campaigns of that time.

Information

Author:	Michael Allner
Details:	96 pages, 22 x 24 cm / 8.7 x 9 in, hardback
Illustrations:	115 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2018)
Series:	Schrader Typen Chronik
ISBN:	9783613041011

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129): Alle Modelle (1989-2001) - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

The fifth SL generation, the R 129 series, introduced in 1989, was the successor to a real long-seller. The predecessor, the R/C 107, had been built for a sensational 18 years. Not an easy legacy - and Mercedes-Benz has done a lot differently with the new model.
Head stylist Bruno Sacco designed a full-fledged roadster, free of chrome in keeping with the spirit of the times, with a comparatively solid appearance and a sporty yet timelessly elegant appearance. As is usual with the company's top series, the R 129 was a technology carrier that set the standard, especially in terms of safety. It was the first car in the world to have a roll bar that shot up in 0.3 seconds if the car was about to roll over.
A wide range of engines, from silky smooth inline six-cylinder to beefy six-liter V12, meets every requirement, and the large range of colors and equipment still ensures a wide selection today. Low entry-level prices are also attractive.

This is the book for buying a Mercedes R 129. This handy guide is your best companion on the way to the big star. Here are everything you need to know about the elegant roadster in a compact and clear format.
You will receive valuable tips on the different versions, models and engines. You will learn about the weak points and what work you might have to do. This makes it easier to negotiate so that you get the right car at a fair price. Because one thing is certain: well-preserved 129s have long since passed their price low!

Information

Author:	Tobias Zoporowski
Details:	64 pages, 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 x 5.9 in, paperback
Illustrations:	numerous colour photos
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
Series:	Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf
ISBN:	9783958433571