Parts Spotlight: Mercedes-Benz R129 SL

Parts Spotlight: Mercedes-Benz R129 SL

5th Jul 2023

For the 129ers out there - we’ve picked a selection of popular parts for the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL and provided some background information, so you can stay on top of your machine's maintenance. What's better, as R129 specialists, The R129 Co is always sourcing, stocking and selling the parts you see in this list. So let's go!


1. Mercedes R129 SL Workshop Manual: Maintenance & Service (1990-2002) (link)




An absolute must for DIYers. These workshop manuals cover all the basics, with our diagnostic manuals covering more specific areas and systems of the car. You can find our full range of workshop manuals here: Workshop Manuals.



2. Mercedes 1298001772 Roof Cylinder Ram | R129 SL (link)




A wonderful piece of hydraulic engineering with a caveat - the microswitches on these rams need precise adjustment in order for the roof control module to receive the correct switch position and continue the sequence.




3. Mercedes 2028301485 Climate Control Unit | R129 SL (link)




These fit some W202 C Class models and so will need configuring to match your car. This may at times require STAR diagnostics.




4. Mercedes 1298000272 Roof Main Ram Hydraulic Cylinder | R129 SL (link)




This is a very common leak area on the R129 SL as this is the ram that works the hardest. The bottom pin is located deep inside the car and can be notoriously difficult to remove and relocate.




5. Mercedes 1298260943 Indicator Lens Clear | R129 SL (link)




The rule of thumb is always buy OEM if you can. Other pattern options available on the market tend to be a poor fit and sometimes even need grinding down into the correct shape for the aperture.




6. Mercedes 1298840000 Mud Flaps Guards Set x4 Front/Rear | R129 SL (link)




A rare find, it's very difficult to get genuine mud flaps for these cars - Mercedes don’t make them any more, luckily we managed to find the OE supplier, though stocks are finite.




7. Mercedes 1298207442 1298207342 Door Window Motor | R129 SL (link)




Early window motors have two connectors (later types have an additional plug) and are are valid to chassis F 113842. It’s fairly common for the teeth to wear on these or for the motor to seize. These motors are integral to the R129s roof system - if a motor fails, the roof cannot start its sequence.




8. Mercedes (Exchange) 1405400732 1405406932 Engine Wiring Harness | R129 SL (link)




Biodegradable wiring insulation - everybody's favourite gripe when it comes to 90s Mercs! Fortunately we can rebuild these. Our refurbished wiring looms are of the highest possible quality and come with a lifetime warranty. We can rebuild more or less any type of wiring, so even if you have a wiring harness that is unlisted on our website feel free to contact us and we will assist you.




9. Mercedes 1295420004 Fuel Tank Gauge - Sender Unit | R129 SL (link)




Unfortunately these are no longer available from Mercedes, so global supplies are scarce. They can fail and when that happens your best option is to buy a used one from us, tested and guaranteed of course.




10. Mercedes 1298205026 1298203926 ECU Roof Control Unit | R129 SL (link)




Occasionally the most crucial element of the R129s roof system needs replacing. If you are unsure on your diagnosis we can test your control unit, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.




11. Mercedes 1297901240 Hardtop Roof Panoramic Glass | R129 SL (link)




Possibly the best upgrade for a late R129 SL along with a wood leather steering wheel. The already sublime cabin is elevated to the next level, at the expense of a little extra weight - not that that’s a big concern for the already rather porky tourer! Portugal here we come.




12. Mercedes 1298000448 Door Central Locking Vacuum Pump | R129 SL (link)




Any leaks in your vacuum pipework can cause the motor to overheat and fail. If your pump is noisy or consistently runs for more than 10-15 seconds then you may want to investigate. This is another prevalent area of our expertise, so feel free to get in touch for some assistance in diagnosing your fault, we will do what we can or at times invite you to bring the car to us if that’s a viable option.



13. Mercedes 1294700201 Fuel Tank | R129 SL (link)




It’s not much fun to replace your R129s fuel tank, but when rust steps in there is no other option. You will need to drop the rear subframe to remove the tank and preserve the pipework beneath it.




14. Mercedes 1298202842 Windscreen Wiper Motor - 5 Pin | R129 SL (link)




It’s a 5 pin plug on these windscreen wiper motors for R129s until chassis F 125157. These are no longer available from Mercedes for right hand drive vehicles, so get in touch and we will assist you.




15. Mercedes 1295450732 ECU Throttle Accelerator EGAS Module | R129 SL (link)




A failed EGAS module can cause a variety of running issues, including misfires and rich running. Diagnosis can be tricky, particularly on early R129s.




16. Mercedes 1298201026 Relay - Multi Function Indicator Hazard Flasher | R129 SL (link)




Typically, the symptom to look out for here is the indicators or hazards stuck on. Always check the fuses before replacing this relay.




17. Mercedes 1298200501 Interior Overhead Dome Light | R129 SL (link)




The small rocker switches are available separately but it’s very common for the housing to crack either during use or upon removal.




18. Mercedes 0125452032 0125452132 Ignition Amplifier EZL | W124 R129 (link)




If you suspect you have a faulty EZL module, watch out for these symptoms: the car starts when cold, the engine then cuts out within a few miles, and then will not restart for several hours or until the next day. The control unit fails once hot.




The R129 Co is a UK-based team of auto enthusiasts selling parts and products for Mercedes-Benz sports cars and luxury vehicles. Cars that we ourselves love and drive everyday.

We strive to make buying pre-owned feel like buying new, so our stock is inspected, tested, cleaned, photographed honestly and stored professionally; then our online listings are catalogued accurately. When dispatching, we pack our orders securely with good padding and correct labelling. And our warranty and returns policies are simple and robust for peace of mind.

As an R129 specialist and parts supplier we can diagnose your R129 issue and supply your R129 parts for you. Get in touch today.


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