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

Looking for a book on Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, 1989-2001) sports cars? Discover here the best illustrated books on the history, types and construction of Mercedes-Benz sports cars.

Mercedes SLs (1989-1994) - Brooklands Portfolio

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

  • The 28 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
  • Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:140 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.39 in (27 x 20 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:400 photos
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1995)
ISBN:9781855202689
Cover of the book: Mercedes SLs (1989-1994)

Mercedes SLs (1989-1994)

Language: English

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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 achieved 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 has long been 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" and a "drive-by-wire" technology carrier based on the R 129.

Product details

Details:128 pages, 12.4 x 8.9 in (31.5 x 22.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:160 b&w and color photos
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2006)
ISBN:9783898805568
Cover of the book: Faszination SL: Mercedes-Benz R 129

Faszination SL: Mercedes-Benz R 129

Language: English + German

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

Looking for a good Mercedes-Benz SL (R129 series)? This Essential Buyer's Guide, written by a brand expert, is full of practical advice for buying this sports car.

Years: 1989-2001.

This Essential Buyer's Guide to the Mercedes-Benz SL will help you find the right car at the right price and will answer the following questions:

  • Stay or walk away? Initial evaluation of a Mercedes-Benz SL.
  • What is the right price? Valuation with a unique scoring system.
  • How to check authenticity?
  • Which models are most suitable?
  • What are known defects?
  • What are the possibilities and impact of a restoration?
  • What are the maintenance costs?

Product details

Author:Julian Parish
Details:64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.24 in (19.5 x 14 x 0.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:100 color photos
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2016)
Series:The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:9781845848989
Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL - R129 Series (1989-2001) | The Essential Buyer's Guide

Mercedes-Benz SL - R129 Series (1989-2001)

Language: English

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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.

Product details

Author:Bernd S. Koehling
Details:230 pages, 11 x 8.5 in (28 x 21.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:200 b&w and color photos
Publisher:Bernd S. Koehling (D, 2015)
ISBN:9781517414542
Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL R129 - From the 300 SL to the SL 73 AMG

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

Language: English

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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.

Pages of the book Mercedes-Benz SL - Die Baureihe R 129 (1)

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.

Pages of the book Mercedes-Benz SL - Die Baureihe R 129 (2)

Product details

Author:Günter Engelen
Details:352 pages, 10.4 x 9.1 in (26.5 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:156 b&w and 307 color photos, 30 drawings
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2014)
ISBN:9783613036895
Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL - Die Baureihe R 129

Mercedes-Benz SL - Die Baureihe R 129

Language: German

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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.

Pages of the book Mercedes-Benz SL (R 129) (1)

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.

Pages of the book Mercedes-Benz SL (R 129) (2)

Product details

Author:Michael Allner
Details:96 pages, 8.7 x 9 in (22 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:115 b&w and color photos
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2018)
Series:Schrader Typen Chronik
ISBN:9783613041011
Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL (R 129) | Schrader Typen Chronik

Mercedes-Benz SL (R 129)

Language: German

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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.

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!

Product details

Author:Tobias Zoporowski
Details:64 pages, 8.25 x 5.9 in (21 x 15 cm), paperback
Illustrations:many color photos
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
Series:Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf
ISBN:9783958433571
Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL (R129): Alle Modelle (1989-2001) | Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

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

Language: German

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Mythos SL: R129 - Der lange Weg zum perfekten Design

NEW

With the elegantly designed R 129, Mercedes-Benz brought its renowned SL series into the modern age. The roadster also served as a technological pioneer for an entire generation of Mercedes vehicles.
Car designer Prof. Johann Tomforde - one of the creators of the R 129 - together with acclaimed photographer René Staud, unlocks the long-closed archive and presents previously unreleased documents about the development process.
The volume is richly illustrated: high-quality photographs depict the design and launch phases, atmospheric studio shots, and selected owner stories. A well-founded work for enthusiasts of this model and of Mercedes-Benz.

Product details

Author:René Staud, Johann Tomforde, Eberhard Kittler
Details:240 pages, 12.4 x 10 x 0.98 in (31.5 x 25.5 x 2.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:200 b&w and color photos
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2025)
ISBN:9783613045828
Cover of the book: Mythos SL: R129 - Der lange Weg zum perfekten Design

Mythos SL: R129 - Der lange Weg zum perfekten Design

Language: German

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Related Titles:

Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL : R230 Series 2001 to 2011

Mercedes-Benz SL : R230 Series 2001 to 2011

Brian Long | English | hardback | 208 p. | 2015

Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL R230 - From the SL 280 to the SL 65 AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz SL R230 - From the SL 280 to the SL 65 AMG Black Series

Bernd S. Koehling | English | paperback | 242 p. | 2015

Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL - Entwicklung und Technik (ATZ/MTZ-Typenbuch 2013)

Mercedes-Benz SL - Entwicklung und Technik (ATZ/MTZ-Typenbuch 2013)

Uwe Ernstberger, Jürgen Weissinger, Jürgen Frank | German | hardback | 314 p. | 2012

Years covered: 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001