MERCEDES-BENZ, The SL R129: From the 300SL to the SL73 AMG

This book was really great. I really liked that every model was shown in it and all the changes were put in one book.

This is a highly informative book that reads well and the author offers opinions which I found much more valuable than Taylor’s ‘Factory-Original Mercedes SL’ which I impulsively purchased at the same time. The Taylor book is a comprehensive history of SL’s and is a restatement of Mercedes literature whereas Berne Kohling’s Buyer’s Guide section is more of a working document that offers comparative views of each SL’s strengths and weaknesses and is certainly both an ‘SL500 bible as well as a fun read.‘Having recently purchased a 1998 SL500 through an online auction from what my research indicated wasp a reputable dealer, the book confirmed that having done my homework paid off. I wish I’d had the book beforehand.nichur

A well written and informative book about the Merc R129 roadster.

I found this book to be educational and informative regarding the history and variants of the Mercedes R129 SL. I particularly found the buyer’s guide section helpful. I have a much better understanding of my ‘97 SL’s legacy. Nicely done Bernd!

I wanted to know more about both the R129 and the R107 SL models so I bought both Volume 1 and Volume 2. Both are helpful with good pictures of the different engine and exterior and interior options. Both books also contain good information on the changes over the years with the engines and features. Very helpful information on the paint and option codes for the cars. Both also contain good reviews of the models from a potential purchase perspective. The books also list potential pitfalls when considering a purchase. I found them so helpful that I am now the proud owner of a 2000 SL500. Thank you for the great references.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book on the R129. I have a 1992 500SL and wanted to know more about this model and ran across this book. I found it to be very informative with chapters covering the development, various changes, up grades of the R129 plus technical data just to mention a few. Each chapter came with pictures to help the reader. What is helpful, the book also included a buyers guide, if someone was looking too purchase the R129. The book is very easy to read, well written and organized.

Owning an SL is fun, and if you have one or intend to buy one, this book is a nice asset. I wish it had a reference to where we could pick up a great deal on a supercharger, but even without that, it has some great tips. Places to look for rust are identified, and some danger flags are outlined---get one that has been taken care of. Looking at the book helped me identify the 1998 as the best year for me, and that by itself made the book worth it. Good info for owners and enthusiasts.

This book was invaluable to me in choosing exactly which variant (and model year) R129 SL to buy. Now I've bought, I'm so pleased with my 1996 SL500. Also, I've never seen anywhere else the detailed analysis of value changes over the years that the author has put into this book, which further cemented my choice of car. The English is a bit clunky, but anyway I highly recommend this book.