First shown at the Geneva Auto Show in March, 1989,
the 500SL was the top of the entire Mercedes lineup.
The
new 129 body style replaced the older (and incredibly
popular) 107, and the 500SL featured the M119 V8 engine
with four valves per cylinder and four overhead camshafts
developing an eager 326 hp at 5,500 RPM. 0-100 km/h was
achieved in 6.2 seconds.
Fitted with an electro-hydraulically operated top as well
as a hard top, the vehicle also had an automatically operated
roll bar - activating within 0.3 seconds when a critical
situation registered.
The car had shock absorber strut independant front suspension
and multi-link independant rear suspension - a proven
system.
An adaptive damping system (ADS) with automatic
level adjustment and control was provided to insure improved
driving in any road conditions.
