Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, facelift 1998) SL 600 V12 (394 hp) Automatic

Gasoline engine with 394 hp (290 kW) and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm), built 1998–2001, roadster body, rear-wheel drive. The Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, facelift 1998) has 1 more powerful gasoline version.

Mercedes-Benz SL (illustrative photo) Enlarge
Power394 hp (290 kW)
Torque420 lb-ft (570 Nm)
0–62 mph6.1 s
Top speed155 mph (250 km/h, Electronically limited)
FuelGasoline

Specifications

Engine

Engine versionSL 600 V12 (394 hp) Automatic
Engine codeM 120.981
Displacement6.0 L (5,987 cm³)
Cylinders12
Cylinder layoutV-engine
Engine positionFront, Longitudinal
Valves per cylinder4
ValvetrainDOHC
Fuel systemMulti-point indirect injection
Compression ratio10
Bore89 mm
Stroke80.2 mm
Engine oil capacity10.6 qt (10 l)

Performance

Power394 hp (290 kW) @ 5200 rpm
Torque420 lb-ft (570 Nm) @ 3800 rpm
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)6.1 s
Top speed155 mph (250 km/h, Electronically limited)

Fuel economy and emissions

FuelGasoline
City10 mpg (23.3 l/100 km)
Highway15 mpg (15.5 l/100 km)
CO₂ emissions595 g/mi (370 g/km)
Emission standardEuro 3
Fuel tank21.1 gal (80 l)

Body, dimensions and weight

Body styleRoadster
Doors2
Length177.1 in (4,499 mm)
Width71.3 in (1,812 mm)
Height51.0 in (1,296 mm)
Curb weight4,354 lb (1,975 kg)
Gross vehicle weight5,115 lb (2,320 kg)
Cargo volume9.4 cu ft (265 l)
Drag coefficient0.32-0.40

Drivetrain and chassis

DriveRear-wheel drive
SteeringHydraulic power steering
Front suspensionCoil spring, hydropneumatic, wishbone, stabilizer bar
Rear suspensionCoil spring, hydropneumatic, stabilizer bar, independent multi-link
Tires245/45 R 17 W
Wheels8.25 J x 17 H 2
Driver assistanceABS (Anti-lock braking system)

What to check on a Mercedes-Benz SL with this engine

  • On a gasoline engine, check the oil consumption, the timing chain or belt and, on turbo engines, the turbocharger.
  • Test the clutch or the automatic transmission from a cold start and in the low gears.
  • Compare the odometer with the readings in the service records and in the VIN history report: a big gap means the mileage was rolled back.

Other Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, facelift 1998) engines

EngineFuelPowerCombined
SL 280 V6 (204 hp)Gasoline204 hp (150 kW)
SL 280 V6 (204 hp) AutomaticGasoline204 hp (150 kW)
SL 320 V6 (224 hp) AutomaticGasoline224 hp (165 kW)
SL 500 V8 (306 hp) AutomaticGasoline306 hp (225 kW)
AMG SL 55 V8 (354 hp) AutomaticGasoline354 hp (260 kW)
AMG SL 73 V12 (525 hp) AutomaticGasoline525 hp (386 kW)

← All Mercedes-Benz SL (R129, facelift 1998) engines

Decode the VIN

We send the VIN to carVertical (our partner). The full history report is paid.

carVertical report illustration with a damaged car
carVertical discount via DecodeThatVIN

Extra −20% on the history report

Without the discount $19.99$15.99/ report

in the 3-report package · $47.98 total

Get the discount

The discount applies automatically through the DecodeThatVIN link. Prices checked on October 30, 2026; the final price is shown on carVertical.