The Mercedes-Benz R129 models were introduced in 1989 to replace the long-running and obsolete R107. The R129 was available in many versions, including the 500 SL, as a two-door, two-seat roadster with an automatic soft top and a color-matched aluminum removable hardtop. AMG continued to provide several engine performance packages for customers who wanted more power. However, in 1990, AMG and Mercedes-Benz formed a co-operation agreement that allowed AMG upgrades to be sold in Mercedes-Benz dealerships. As a result, the R129 was the first Mercedes-Benz to be available in official AMG trim levels.
The Mercedes-AMG collaboration has produced some of the finest automobiles the world has ever seen. The 500 SL 6.0 was one of the vehicles that came out roaring and established the collaboration as one of the best automobile partnerships the world has ever seen.
A Stylish Convertible Design
The 500 SL was a two-door, two-seat roadster with a shell-like, color-matched tonneau cover and an automatic electro-hydraulic folding cloth roof. A detachable aluminum hardtop was standard on all R129s, which was installed by folding the canvas roof down and manually attaching the hardtop.
The automobile featured a monocoque structure with crumple zones at the front and back. Independent damper struts with separate coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, triangular lower control arms with anti-dive geometry, and a stabilizer bar made up the front suspension. The rear suspension featured an independent 5-arm multi-link with separate single-tube gas-pressurized shock absorbers and coil springs, anti-lift, anti-squat, and alignment control geometry, and a stabilizer bar.
The 500 SL was equipped with steel-belted tires and aluminum alloy wheels. Two-circuit hydraulic power-assisted disc brakes with vented front discs and solid rear discs provided braking force. The braking system additionally included an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The 500 SL had a 99-inch wheelbase and a curb weight of 4167 pounds, up from 4,145 pounds in 1989. The automobile had a large boot with a capacity of 7.9 cubic feet.
There was a power-adjustable exterior rearview mirror on the sides rain-sensing wipers on the windshield, with adjustable headlights upfront associated with fog lights.
The Mercedes-AMG 500 SL 6.0 Had A Classy Interior
The passengers were welcomed with glossy wooden trim interior design, which runs the length of the cabin on the door panels, center console, and instrument panel. Analog gauges were used with the Rack and Pinion steering wheel on the driving console. The two seats were upholstered in high-end leather. It had a CD/DVD player and changer with Radio connected to the front and rear speakers for entertainment. Other convenience options included adjustable power steering and power front windows, automatic climate control, and air quality control.
The two-passenger interior of the car was quite spacious, with 957 mm headroom and 226 mm legroom. To commemorate the 1930s Silver Arrow race car, a unique Silver Arrow variant of the 2002 SL 500 was produced. The inside was two-toned, with leather on the steering wheel and seats and special wheels.
The Mercedes-AMG 500 SL 6.0 Has A Powerful V8 Engine
The 500 SL 6.0 was powered by a 5461 cc M119 V8 engine with DOHC 4 valve per cylinder. The engine powered up the rear through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The engine developed 380 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque.
The car was equipped with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and had an average fuel economy of 22 MPG. It had a top speed of 155 MPH with an acceleration rate of 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62 MPH. The 2016 version of the 500 SL sported a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 449 horsepower. Other modifications in the powertrain included a new 9G-Tronic nine-speed gearbox, plus upgrades to the Dynamic Select driving modes and Active Body Control.
The Advanced Safety Features Of The Mercedes-AMG 500 SL 6.0
The Mercedes-AMG 500 SL 6.0 was equipped with many advanced security features of its time. Mercedes kept on upgrading its security features till the last model. Some standard security features in the car were Anti-Lock Braking System and braking assist to provide better control and stopping power. Further, the 500 SL was featured with Central Locking, Power Door Locks, Child Safety Locks, and Anti-Theft Alarm to protect the car and its occupants.
Passenger safety was prioritized in an impact situation by adding Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, and Front Side Airbag. Additional safety was provided by front and side-impact beams that increased the car's structural rigidity. Besides, the car also had a Vehicle Stability Control System and Crash Sensor.
The Mercedes-AMG 500 SL 6.0 is a rare machine, with just 50 pre-merger 6.0s made. It was a highly reliable car with various convenience features. Launched in 1989, the 500 SL 6.0 was in production until 2001. Within this period, the car received several upgrades. Owing to its marvelous styling and dashing performance, it remains in the upper tier of the desirability list of enthusiasts.