🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Code:

R129

Year:

1999

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (R129)

Chassis Code:

R129

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Roadster

Target Audience:

Owners and independent repair shops seeking detailed, factory-accurate information for maintaining and repairing the R129 SL-Class.

Manual Advantage:

Vehicle-specific, technician-level content directly mirroring dealership resources, offering superior accuracy and depth compared to generic guides.

Content Quality:

Factory-sourced, highly detailed, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics.

Format Benefit:

Single, easy-to-use PDF; printable pages for workshop convenience; digital format protects original documentation.

📋 Manual Details

All Repairs:

A-Z

Models Covered:

All 1999 SL-Class (R129) variants

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (digital, printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, intake systems, ignition, starting, charging, automatic transmission

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, parking), wheels, tires

Electrical:

Wiring schematics, lighting, instruments, audio/visual, horn, wipers, washers, power windows, locks, mirrors, multiplex/CAN communication

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, convertible top mechanism

Comfort And Safety:

Air conditioning, climate control, supplemental restraint system (SRS) / airbags, seat belts, cruise control, engine immobilizer

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Repair:

Component removal, installation, adjustment, overhaul, rebuild procedures

Technical Data:

Specifications, tolerances, torque values, fluid capacities, electrical diagrams

Depth:

Comprehensive, technician-level detail covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Readability:

Searchable text, zoomable images and diagrams

Printability:

All pages printable, allows for enlarged printing of diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format, user prints as needed)

PDF Reader:

Adobe PDF Reader (free)

Unzip Utility:

Winzip or equivalent (free online options available)

Operating Systems:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac OS

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Likely V8 (e.g., M119 E42/E50 or M113 E50/E55 for 1999 models), potentially V12 (M120)

Displacement:

Commonly 4.2L (4196cc), 5.0L (4973cc), or 6.0L (5987cc) depending on specific SL model (e.g., SL420, SL500, SL600)

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) with sequential port injection (SPI)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 275 HP (for 4.2L V8) to 322 HP (for 5.0L V8) and 389 HP (for 6.0L V12), figures vary by specific engine and market.

Torque Range:

Approx. 295 lb-ft (for 4.2L V8) to 354 lb-ft (for 5.0L V8) and 420 lb-ft (for 6.0L V12), figures vary by specific engine and market.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (e.g., 4G-TRONIC, 722.3/722.4) for early R129, later models may feature 5-speed automatic (e.g., 5G-TRONIC, 722.6)

Transmission Type:

N/A for R129 SL-Class; exclusively automatic transmissions were offered.

Electronic Control:

Later models (especially with 5G-TRONIC) feature electronic control for shift points and performance characteristics.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB Approved Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., MB 236.1, 236.6, or 236.10/236.12 for newer transmissions), check specific manual for correct type.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,470 - 4,570 mm (176.0 - 179.9 in) depending on specific model variant.

Width:

Approx. 1,812 mm (71.3 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,290 - 1,305 mm (50.8 - 51.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,700 - 1,900 kg (3,748 - 4,189 lbs) depending on engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

As a 1999 vehicle, official comprehensive crash ratings from NHTSA/IIHS may be limited or unavailable in modern formats. However, the R129 was renowned for its robust construction and safety features for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Often included Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) or Electronic Traction Control System (ETS) on higher-performance models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, often side-impact airbags (standard on later models or as an option).

Rollover Protection:

Automatic pop-up roll bar system activated in potential rollover situations.

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioning seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically premium audio systems with cassette player and AM/FM radio. CD changer integration was common. Later models may have had basic digital displays.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation systems (e.g., Becker Traffic Pilot) were available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Automatic Climate Control:

Advanced automatic climate control system with temperature and fan speed regulation.

Multiplex Communication:

Early implementation of multiplex communication (CAN bus) for various control modules, detailed in the electrical schematics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.

Major Service Interval:

Major services often recommended at 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000 miles, involving more comprehensive checks and replacements.

Engine Oil Type:

MB Approved Synthetic Engine Oil, viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-40 (e.g., MB 229.1, 229.3, or 229.5 spec). Check specific engine for exact requirements.

Coolant Type:

MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 specification, usually a long-life silicate-free formula).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Wiring Harness Degradation:

Common issue with older Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era, particularly the engine wiring harness, leading to various electrical faults.

Hydraulic Systems:

Potential leaks or failures in the hydraulic system for the convertible top, self-leveling suspension (if equipped), and central locking.

Mass Air Flow Sensor:

Can become faulty, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.

Interior Component Wear:

Wear on leather, wood trim, and plastic components over time.

Ignition System:

Coil packs and spark plug wires can degrade, leading to misfires.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Connection:

The SL-Class represents Mercedes-Benz's long tradition of producing luxurious, high-performance grand tourers and roadsters, succeeding the iconic 107 SL.

R129 Introduction:

The R129 chassis was introduced in 1989 as a successor to the R107 SL.

1999 Updates:

The 1999 model year represents a late iteration of the R129 generation, benefiting from several updates and refinements throughout its production run. Notably, the 5.0L V8 (M113) and 6.0L V12 (M120) engines were prevalent. The 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6) was becoming standard on many models.

Production Period:

1989 - 2001

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

Consistently praised for its build quality, driving dynamics, and enduring design. Often cited as one of the best roadsters of its era.

Specialized Reviews:

Frequently featured in automotive enthusiast publications for its performance, luxury, and technological advancements at the time of its release.

Certification Standards:

Meets or exceeds all German TUV and European automotive safety and emissions standards for its production period.