The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL-Class marked a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the long-reigning R107 SL-Class, which enjoyed an impressive production run from 1971 to 1989. So popular was the R107 that Mercedes continued its production until just before the R129’s highly anticipated debut. Finally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1989, the 1990 Sl Mercedes Benz, part of the R129 series, had enormous shoes to fill, tasked with surpassing the legendary status of the R107 as the quintessential SL.
The arrival of the 1990 SL Mercedes Benz models was met with considerable excitement, although the starting price points raised eyebrows. When sales commenced in 1990, the initial lineup featured the 300SL, 300SL-24, and the powerful 500SL. The 1990 300SL entered the market with a substantial MSRP of $73,500 – a notable increase compared to the $64,230 price tag of the outgoing 1989 560SL R107. The 1990 500SL commanded an even higher starting price of $83,500. Adjusted for inflation to 2022 dollars, these figures translate to approximately $164,400 for the 300SL and a staggering $186,700 for the 500SL. These premium prices firmly positioned the 1990 SL Mercedes Benz R129 Series as a true luxury vehicle from the outset.
1990 SL Mercedes Benz: Original MSRP and Model Variations
The 1990 model year marked the beginning of the R129 era, introducing several distinct models, each catering to different performance and price preferences. While 1990 specifically featured the 300SL, 300SL-24 and 500SL, the following years expanded the range. It’s insightful to examine the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) across the early years of the 1990s to understand the market positioning of these luxury roadsters.
| Year | 300SL | 500SL | 600SL | 320SL | SL320 | SL500 | SL600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | $73,500 | $83,500 | |||||
| 1991 | $78,500 | $89,300 | |||||
| 1992 | $83,500 | $97,500 | |||||
| 1993 | $83,300 | $98,500 | $119,500 | ||||
| 1994 | $99,500 | $120,100 | $85,200 | ||||
| 1995 | $89,500 | $120,100 | $78,300 | ||||
| 1996 | $78,300 | $89,900 | $123,200 | ||||
| 1997 | $79,600 | $89,900 | $123,200 | ||||
| 1998 | $79,900 | $125,000 | |||||
| 1999 | $81,100 | $126,900 | |||||
| 2000 | $82,600 | $128,950 | |||||
| 2001 | $83,800 | $128,950 | |||||
| 2002 | $83,800 | $128,950 |
Prices generally increased until the first facelift in 1995, after which a price adjustment occurred with the 1996 models. The table illustrates not only the initial cost but also the price evolution of the 1990 SL Mercedes Benz and its successors throughout the R129 generation.
Production Success of the R129 and the 1990 Models
The R129 SL-Class achieved remarkable production figures, especially when contrasted with the preceding R107 series. During its 12-year production run from 1990 to 2001, a total of 204,940 R129 vehicles were manufactured. While slightly less than the 237,287 units of the R107 produced over 18 years (1971-1989), the R129’s numbers are still impressive considering its shorter lifespan and initial premium positioning.
The SL500 variant emerged as the most popular within the R129 family, benefiting from a production period that spanned the entire R129 lifecycle. The 1990 SL Mercedes Benz models were the foundation of this success, establishing the R129 as a desirable luxury convertible.
| Model | Designation | Production Period | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL280 | R129 E28 | 1993-1998 | 10,319 |
| SL280* | R129 E28 | 1997-2001 | 1,704 |
| 300SL | R129 E30 | 1988-1993 | 12,020 |
| 300SL-24 | R129 E30 | 1988-1993 | 26,984 |
| SL320 | R129 E32 | 1993-1998 | 32,223 |
| SL320* | R129 E32 | 1997-2001 | 7,070 |
| 500SL | R129 E50 | 1988-1998 | 79,827 |
| 500SL** | R129 E50 | 1997-2001 | 23,704 |
| 600SL | R129 E60 | 1991-2001 | 11,089 |
| SL55 AMG | R129 E55 | 1999-2001 | *** |
| SL65 AMG | R129 E60 AMG | 1993-1998 | *** |
| SL73 AMG | R129 E73 | 1999-2001 | *** |
*Contains V6 Engine
**Contains M113 Engine
***Numbers not documented
The Modern Value of a 1990 SL Mercedes Benz
The 1990 SL Mercedes Benz, and the R129 series in general, has aged gracefully, becoming a sought-after classic. Exceptional examples, particularly special editions, can command surprisingly high prices in today’s market. A testament to this is the 2002 SL-600 Silver Arrow Edition which sold for an impressive $127,000 on Bring a Trailer, despite having only 270 miles. Originally priced at $136,195 MSRP, this sale underscores the enduring appeal of well-preserved, limited-edition R129s.
For a standard 1990 SL Mercedes Benz or other base model R129, the current market typically ranges from $10,000 to $35,000, according to Bring a Trailer. Factors influencing value include mileage, overall condition (interior and exterior), and regional climate. Vehicles from warmer, drier climates often hold higher values due to less exposure to rust and corrosion. While interior restoration is generally more straightforward, rust repair can significantly impact the vehicle’s desirability and price. Less influential factors like original paint and interior colors can still play a role, especially for rare or limited edition combinations.
Interior Colors of the 1990 SL Mercedes Benz and R129 Series
The interior of the 1990 SL Mercedes Benz and subsequent R129 models offered a range of sophisticated color options, allowing owners to personalize their luxury roadsters. Common interior colors for the R129 include Black and Mushroom, reflecting classic Mercedes elegance. Over time, and depending on environmental exposure, these interiors may exhibit fading or lightening. Variations in aging are common, highlighting the unique history of each vehicle. For owners looking to maintain or restore their R129 interiors, aftermarket products are available in a comprehensive palette mirroring the original OEM colors.
Determining the precise original interior color can sometimes be challenging with age. However, year and model-specific information can provide clues. For instance, a gray interior in a 1994 SL500 would likely be “Gray,” while a gray interior in a 2000 SL500 might be “Orion Gray.” Similarly, beige interiors could be “Mushroom” or “Java,” depending on the year and model. Consulting resources or contacting specialists can aid in accurate color identification.
Do you own a 1990 SL Mercedes Benz or another R129 SL-Class model? Share your experiences in the comments below! Tell us about your interior and exterior colors, and your driving enjoyment of this iconic Mercedes roadster.
