1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

SL500 Convertible

8 Cylinder 5.0 Liter

Automatic

WDBFA67F2VF147606

Gasoline

Power Windows

Rare chance to get the one of the best R129-SL500s in the USA. Selling to fund new project. 1997 year model considered optimal by Ken Rockwell. M119 engine http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/index.htm Car has been enhanced and reconditioned extensively. AMG Bodied car. Two-tone Gray & Black Seats. BOSE Stereo system. Color is Brilliant Silver Metallic. UPGRADES: HID 3500 Calvin headlights for great night vision Silver/Chrome 3-Vane Sport Grill for modern update Hollow Aluminum strut brace/bar for better handling Alloy intakes with Foam air filters for better airflow and more power! 18" Staggered(8.5in. & 10in.)Carlsson 2-piece 2/6 wheels with Nankang Tires for better grip Chrome exhaust tips for a more sporty look Burl Walnut Shift Knob to match interior MECHANICAL WORK: 8/2007 - Bought car from local Chicagoland dealer. Was a Florida car so no heated seats which I have found is no big deal on this car. Perforated leather works well in Winter or Summer. SL heater is incredible as well. Had local mechanic change a few sensors, change all the fluids-oil, antifreeze, transmission, brake. Had a new hood insulation pad installed. Rear brakes were done. Installed a new windshield as it was not clear enough for my likings. 12/2007 - Had M-B dealer install a new serpentine belt, fix the rear parking brake, and fix an oil leak on the O-rings. 5/2008 - Power steering gear box was leaking so had it replaced. Installed the HID headlights. Had the power seat mechanism on the drivers seat fixed so the seat would raise. Had all new spark plugs and plug boots installed. Wiper blade replaced. 6/2008 - Dealer cracked badly my front bumper by catching a curb and backing up! Had it replaced with Mercedes/OEM bumper by Gerber Collision. Replaced crakshaft position sensors and another seal to cure misfire. Wheel alignment performed. 8/2008 - Mass air sensor and intake hoses replaced as idle still jumping(common SL problem). Had new spark plugs installed again as May installation was faulty. Had a few ignition coils changed as well as dealer said were failing. 1/2009 - Bought additional ignition key as original still works fine but plastic cracking. 2 keys for car now. 3/2009 - New transmission cooling lines installed as originals leaking. Front brake job performed. Front strut brace installed, Amsoil synthetic oil change, reconditioned/polished headlight lenses, and replaced headlight washer pump and one nozzle. Wiper blade rubber on headlights replaced. Windscreen wiper blade rubber replaced. 4/2009 - Steering was a bit loose so had dealer replace Tie Rods and Idler Arms. Also right main lift hydraulic cylinder for soft top replaced as leaking. 8/2009 - Car failed State Emissions test so had Purge Valve replaced and Check Engine Light fixed. Car has idled and run great ever since! Emissions Facility manager knows Mercedes! 12/2009 - Power Steering Pump replaced as was leaking. Different than previous power steering gearbox I was told. 4/2010 - Bought Carlsson wheels and had them reconditioned to new by WheelsAmerica. Bought new Nankang tires. Bought Carlsson OEM laser-etched aluminum center caps. 7/2010 - Mobil One 5W40 synthetic oil change. Oil special to M-B cars. 9/2010 - Pressure tested top hydraulic system with No Leak. Refurbished and replaced both main hydraulic lift cylinders for the soft top, right rear tonneau lift and right rear lock cylinders and driver side bow lift cylinder. No soft top hydraulic leaks now. Thoroughly shampooed and cleaned interior. Clayed paint and buffed out with Griot Garage products. Cleaned soft top with Autosol cleaner and used Autosol top impregnating agent as directed. Fabricated and installed real carbon fiber grommets for where soft top attaches as mine were cracked. TOTAL INVESTED IS $34,000 which includes the cost of the vehicle. Car runs perfectly and has great torque especially in 3rd and 4th gears. Greater airflow to engine noticable when driving. Grip from tires is excellent and ride quality good as well. Wheels are easy to clean and weigh a bit less than stock. Paint is in great shape. A few touch-ups here and there but nothing horrible. Soft top is OK. No leaks. The plastic windows are clear although I used too much polishing agent one time as noted in pictures. Interior is good. Wood is all nice. I have redyed the seats and conditioned them with Connolly leather cream. Glove box in dash is new and stays closed! Driver-side visor is new but dark blue as my German is not too good. Not very noticeable unless in bright sun light. NOTE: SOLD HARDTOP, ORIGINAL GRILL AND AMG WHEELS. Hardtop a complete pain in my opinion and unnecessary. Car only driven occasionally in Winter to keep up engine, battery and fluids. Driven about 14,000 miles since I bought it in August 2007. Spare is 12-spoke OEM wheel with 16" Pirelli P600 tire. WARNING: DO NOT BUY ANY SL-R129 WITHOUT PRICE ADJUSTMENT IF THE CAR HAS NOT HAD ITS SOFT TOP CYLINDERS RECONDITIONED AND REPLACED. MINIMUM COST IS $500 IF DIY. OTHERWISE YOU WILL SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPLACING THE LEAKING CYLINDERS AS THEY ARE GOOD FOR 10 YEARS AT THE BEST. HYDRAULIC FLUID EATS AWAY AT THE SEALS. THE ONE THE DEALER REPLACED IN 4/2009 AT $900 WAS NO GOOD AND I REBUILT IT WITH THE OTHERS THIS MONTH. NEW CYLINDERS ARE NOT THE ANSWER AS IF THEY SIT ON A PARTS SHELF THEY MAY BE NO GOOD. GET THEM REBUILT WITH NEW MODERN SEALS. http://www.leftcoastparts.com On Oct-09-10 at 20:42:08 PDT, seller added the following information: When I bought the car my CarFax showed I was the third owner. First was original FL owner/Lessee. Second was IL dealer and third was me. Maybe the 7 number EbayMotors is showing is for auction titles. But only 3 users from my search. No matter. I fixed all the major issues on the car. Runs great.