by "mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
Published 05/17/2017 at 15:26
by "mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
Published 05/17/2017 at 15:26
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STARS: 2
These are really aging well, looks wise. How are they as a platform? How are they for reliability?
"runnersp, formerly known as t_s" (runnersp)
05/17/2017 at 15:33, STARS: 1
"fintail" (fintail)
05/17/2017 at 15:44, STARS: 1
Those anachronistic wheels irk me a bit.
Earlier ones will be in the running for wiring harness replacement - most should have been done already, but one would definitely want to be sure.
IIRC, I have read some enthusiasts say 1997 is the best year. Certainly a lot of car for the money, just get a PPI first, and tread lightly around V12 models. Myself, I would take a later car with the pano roof option, or maybe an early two tone car just for the MB aesthetic (with the W126 steering wheel and wheels of similar style).
"syaieya" (syaieya)
05/17/2017 at 16:16, STARS: 1
Confidence is the name of the game in the 129. The way they settle and go on the road is just solid feeling. The parts they share with the sister 124 model are all pretty battle tested, work well and are reasonably reliable. Sl specific parts though are 100 dollars minimum for second hand bits and bobs. Suprisingly most of the money being in that front end so avoid ones with damaged hoods. Soft tops will most need to be reworked and maybe reskinned by now.
They were updated here and there through their whole run, mfi to efi, basic air con to climate control, traction control becoming standard, hydraulic to electronic control transmissions. But just about every year had its fans. Pano roofs are a later option and are very expensive and heavy but the look from inside is one to see.
I like mine, its a ragamuffin though. A fresher set of rims, a new steering wheel, and a top though and itll really come into its own.
"syaieya" (syaieya)
05/17/2017 at 16:44, STARS: 0
Theyre really hard to quantify. Theyre not fast but you dont feel needing on power, little changes spring them 10 years in style. The colors you see them in are almost always pleasing.
Its a well aged design and as long as youre thinking grand tourer two seater instead of sports 2+2 (us models didnt get the jumper seats in the back anyhow, only a parcel shelf) itll still hold its ground to cars 10 years its junior