The SL-Class R129 celebrated its world premiere at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show. Compared to its predecessor models (R107), it featured numerous innovations, particularly in safety and comfort technology. A central component was the automatic roll-over bar, which was used for the first time in automotive engineering and ensured passenger protection in the event of a rollover. In addition, light-alloy hardtops, new integral seats and improved suspension components were integrated for greater safety and comfort.
The standard electro-hydraulic convertible top and the wind deflector provided increased comfort. The vehicle offered numerous technical innovations such as adaptive damping, a new suspension system and powerful brakes. The engine range combined familiar and new powerplants, including the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and the 5.0-liter V8 in the 500 SL, which produced 326 hp. From 1992, a 6.0-liter V12 engine was also available.
Production of the models was relocated to Bremen, and in 1993 the models were given new designation numbers. The first facelift in 1995 brought design changes, improved technology such as xenon headlights and a new transmission. In addition, the ESP electronic stability program was introduced. A second facelift followed in 1998 with new engines and design adjustments.
The more powerful AMG models SL 55 AMG and SL 73 AMG came onto the market in 1999. The SL 500 was replaced by the R230 series in 2001, after 204,940 units of the R129 had been produced.
The 3-way retrofit system
To counteract the slowly diminishing speakers in the Mercedes SL, JEHNERT has developed exactly fitting retrofit systems.
The retrofit system is available in two versions, one for the original Mercedes system and the other for the original Bose system of the vehicle. A JEHNERT XE26 tweeter is installed at the factory installation position of the tweeter,
which increases the efficiency of the tweeter even further due to the angled desk housing.
An XE165 woofer is also installed in the doors of the vehicle at the factory installation position, which fits exactly into the factory plastic holder.
The premium 3-way sound system
The door system consists of a stable GRP module. A 200mm neodymium woofer with fiberglass membrane and aluminum pressure chassis is mounted stably. Above is a XE80 midrange speaker in a defined housing. The JEHNERT tweeter XE26 is installed under the original cover in the dashboard using an angled bracket. This ensures that there is enough power to have sufficient sound reserves even with the top down.
The rear system for the rear area
The two-way rear system is equipped with a high-quality 80 mm high-end midrange driver and two 26 mm neodymium soft dome tweeters on each side, making it the ideal addition to surround sound.
To ensure the rear system is integrated harmoniously, it is installed in the side panels behind the storage compartment for a precise fit.
The system can be integrated harmoniously into the ceiling using 4mm ABS adapter plates covered with acoustic fabric. The acoustic fabric is available in four different colors: black, gray, blue and beige.
The Subwoofer
Vehicle-specific subwoofer in the original design behind the driver’s seat in the storage compartment.
This fiberglass-reinforced plastic enclosure with a net volume of 14.5 liters can accommodate two different performance classes of subwoofers:
