1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500
California Car, Service Records, New Top Hydraulics
This well-documented 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 has a long-term California history and just over 102,000 miles. Delivered new through Stead Motors of Walnut Creek, it is finished in Black over Black leather and powered by a 5.0-liter M119 V8 with a five-speed automatic. Equipment includes a power soft top, removable hardtop, heated power seats, automatic climate control, cruise control and alloy wheels. It includes its original books and manuals, stamped maintenance booklet, extensive service records, both sets of keys, clean CARFAX and clear California title.
The 5.0-liter M119 V8 starts readily, runs and idles smoothly, and delivers the strong, effortless power for which these SL500s are known. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly through the gears, while the power-assisted braking, steering, and fully independent suspension provide the solid, responsive road manners that make the R129 an exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable grand-touring roadster. The extensive accompanying records document regular maintenance throughout the car’s life, including scheduled services, oil and filter changes, brake and fluid services, belts, batteries, inspections, emissions testing, and other routine mechanical care. Most notably, in 2026 the convertible-top hydraulic ram system underwent an extensive refurbishment, including replacement or rebuilding of the hydraulic cylinders and associated system servicing, representing a significant recent investment in one of the R129’s most important and costly systems.
The Black finish has a deep shine and shows well, complementing the clean, timeless lines of the R129 roadster. The glass, exterior trim, lighting and emblems present nicely, and the black power convertible top and removable color-matched hardtop give the car an attractive appearance in either configuration. The body appears straight with good panel fit, showing normal age-related wear, minor chips and imperfections consistent with mileage and use. The factory 16-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 225/55R16 Toyo tires. The wheels present well and the tires show tread remaining; however, they are aged and should be replaced due to age. Overall, the exterior presents very well as a handsome, well-preserved California SL500.
The Black leather interior presents in very nice condition with attractive burl-wood trim, clean carpeting and well-preserved panels and dashboard. Amenities include heated power seats with three-position memory, automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, traction control, dual airbags, power-adjustable steering column, cupholders, Bose sound and a removable wind deflector. The original Mercedes-Benz cassette stereo remains but has a pixelated display and is inoperable. The leather shows normal age-related creasing and light bolster wear, while the rear storage area and carpeting remain clean and tidy.
This is a unique opportunity to own a well-preserved and exceptionally well-documented 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 with long-term California history. Complete with its original books, extensive service records, both sets of keys, clean CARFAX, clear California title, removable hardtop and recently refurbished convertible-top hydraulic system, this handsome R129 offers an appealing combination of classic Mercedes-Benz engineering, luxury and open-air motoring.
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