Mercedes-Benz SL IV (R129) photos

1989 — 2001 · convertible

photos

specifications

188–518

4.8 s

best 0–100

Photos

Mercedes-Benz SL IV (R129), roadster, black, side view — photo 4419

SL-Class W129 A black two-seater open-top convertible with a light interior, photographed in a direct side profile view on a reflective platform.

108

SL500

About this generation

The technologically advanced fourth-generation R129 roadster was manufactured from 1989 to 2001, introducing pop-up rollbar safety.

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989. Styled under Bruno Sacco, the wedge-shaped roadster was based on a modified short-wheelbase W124 chassis. The R129 was a milestone in automotive safety and luxury, debuting an automatically deploying sensor-controlled rollbar that popped up in 0.3 seconds during a rollover risk, as well as a fully automatic electro-hydraulic soft top and a lightweight aluminum hardtop.

Engines ranged from 3.0L and 3.2L inline-sixes to 5.0-liter V8s (500 SL) and the flagship 600 SL featuring a 6.0-liter V12 producing 394 hp. Mechanical revisions in 1995 and 1998 introduced new modular V6 and V8 engines (M112 and M113 families) and 5-speed electronic automatic transmissions. High-end AMG variants included the SL 60 AMG, SL 70 AMG, and the rare SL 73 AMG with a 7.3-liter V12 engine that later powered the Pagani Zonda hypercar.

Specifications

4470 mm176.0 in

Length

1810 mm71.3 in

Width

1285 mm50.6 in

Height

2515 mm99.0 in

Wheelbase

260 l9.2 cu ft

Trunk

Petrol

300 SL

188hp(140 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1989–1993

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 228 km/h (142 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M103.984
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1650 kg (3638 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

300 SL

188hp(140 kW)

3.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.8 s

1989–1993

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 223 km/h (139 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M103.984
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1670 kg (3682 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

300 SL

188hp(140 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.8 s

1989–1993

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 223 km/h (139 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M103.984
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1690 kg (3726 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 280

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.2 s

1993–1998

Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft)
Top speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement: 2799 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.943
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1760 kg (3880 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 280

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.6 s

1993–1995

Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft)
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 2799 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.943
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1780 kg (3924 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 280

190hp(142 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.2 s

1993–1998

Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft)
Top speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement: 2799 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.943
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1780 kg (3924 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 280

201hp(150 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1998–2001

Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft)
Top speed: 232 km/h (144 mph)
Displacement: 2799 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M112.925
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1810 kg (3990 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.5 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 274 g/km (NEDC)

SL 320

221hp(165 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.4 s

1998–2001

Torque: 315 Nm (232 lb-ft)
Top speed: 238 km/h (148 mph)
Displacement: 3199 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M112.943
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1810 kg (3990 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.5 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 275 g/km (NEDC)

300 SL-24

228hp(170 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.4 s

1989–1993

Torque: 265 Nm (195 lb-ft)
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.981
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1690 kg (3726 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

300 SL-24

228hp(170 kW)

3.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.6 s

1989–1993

Torque: 265 Nm (195 lb-ft)
Top speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.981
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1710 kg (3770 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

300 SL-24

228hp(170 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.4 s

1989–1993

Torque: 265 Nm (195 lb-ft)
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.981
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1730 kg (3814 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 320

228hp(170 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.4 s

1993–1998

Torque: 315 Nm (232 lb-ft)
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Displacement: 3199 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.991
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1780 kg (3924 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 320

228hp(170 kW)

3.2 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.6 s

1993–1995

Torque: 315 Nm (232 lb-ft)
Top speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement: 3199 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M104.991
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1760 kg (3880 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 500

302hp(225 kW)

5.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.5 s

1998–2001

Torque: 460 Nm (339 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4966 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M113.961
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1890 kg (4167 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.7 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 303 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

500 SL

315hp(235 kW)

5.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.5 s

1992–1993

Torque: 470 Nm (347 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4973 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M119.972
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1800 kg (3968 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 500

315hp(235 kW)

5.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.5 s

1993–1995

Torque: 470 Nm (347 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4973 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M119.972
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1800 kg (3968 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 500

315hp(235 kW)

5.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.5 s

1995–1998

Torque: 470 Nm (347 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4973 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M119.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1850 kg (4079 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.9 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 284 g/km (NEDC)

500 SL

322hp(240 kW)

5.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.2 s

1989–1992

Torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4973 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M119.960
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1770 kg (3902 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 55 AMG

349hp(260 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 5.9 s

1999–2001

Torque: 530 Nm (391 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5439 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M113.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1890 kg (4167 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

500 SL 6.0 AMG

375hp(280 kW)

6.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 5.6 s

1991–1993

Torque: 580 Nm (428 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5956 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M119 E60
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1800 kg (3968 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 60 AMG

375hp(280 kW)

6.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 5.6 s

1993–1995

Torque: 580 Nm (428 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5956 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M119 E60
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1800 kg (3968 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 60 AMG

375hp(280 kW)

6.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 5.6 s

1995–1998

Torque: 580 Nm (428 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5956 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M119 E60
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1850 kg (4079 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

600 SL

389hp(290 kW)

6.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.1 s

1992–1993

Torque: 580 Nm (428 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5987 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M120.981
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1980 kg (4365 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 600

389hp(290 kW)

6.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.1 s

1993–1995

Torque: 580 Nm (428 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5987 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M120.981
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1980 kg (4365 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 600

389hp(290 kW)

6.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.1 s

1995–2001

Torque: 570 Nm (420 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 5987 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M120.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2020 kg (4453 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 15.8 l/100 km (15 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 376 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 3

SL 70 AMG

489hp(365 kW)

7.1 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 5.0 s

1996–1998

Torque: 720 Nm (531 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 7055 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M120 E70
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2020 kg (4453 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 72 AMG

518hp(386 kW)

7.2 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 4.8 s

1995–1995

Torque: 740 Nm (546 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 7206 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M120 E72
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2020 kg (4453 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

SL 73 AMG

518hp(386 kW)

7.3 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 4.8 s

1999–2001

Torque: 750 Nm (553 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 7291 cc
Cylinders: 12
Engine: M120 E73
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2050 kg (4519 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

Tap a card to see all specs

News

Mercedes-Benz news

All Mercedes-Benz news

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Output Climbs to 577 HP With New Plug-in Hybrid System

Mercedes-AMG updated the 2027 GLE 53 with a 577-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 553 lb-ft of torque and 45 miles of electric range. The electrified setup cuts the 0-60 mph sprint to 4.1 seconds and supports 60-kW DC fast charging.

15.Oct.2026

Mercedes-Benz Updates 2027 GLS With Superscreen Display and Engines Up to 530 HP

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the refreshed 2027 GLS-Class, introducing the new MB.OS software architecture, a three-panel Superscreen dashboard, and refined powertrains. The full-size luxury SUV offers a 375-hp inline-six and a 530-hp twin-turbo V-8 alongside predictive cloud-connected air suspension.

11.Oct.2026

Mercedes-Benz Opens US Orders for 2027 G 580 Electric with Native NACS Port

Mercedes-Benz has opened US order books for the updated 2027 G 580 Electric, priced from $165,200 with destination included. The electric SUV features native NACS and J1772 charging ports for direct Supercharger access, a reduced 10-to-80-percent DC charging time of 29 minutes, and an increased EPA range of 249 miles.

30.Sep.2026

Mercedes-AMG electric GT SUV will debut on October 17, 2026

Mercedes-AMG is scheduled to unveil its first independently developed electric GT SUV on October 17, 2026, during The 140 Festival in Stuttgart. Built on the dedicated AMG.EA platform with YASA axial-flux electric motors, the high-performance model is slated to begin customer deliveries in early 2027.

17.Sep.2026