R129 - Desirable upgrades
Discussion
Hi all,
I am now the proud owner of a 1998 320SL - one of the last of the straight 6s with the 5sp gearbox.
It's a lovely car with a great service history and the panoramic roof, but the car itself is a little tired, having been left outside and used seldom (300 miles) over the last 9 months.
I am now considering where to start with bringing her back up to worthy condition - my first thoughts were a polish to the paintwork and a set of AMG Monoblock alloys... I was staggered (no pun intended) to see that these alloys sell for £1,000 a set!!
My question is - do you think its worth it? Would you expect to get the money back on the car? Although the car has the pano, it isn't a top spec as it doesn't have heated seats or headlight washers (it has wood wheel, CD changer etc so probably middle rung 320).
Any other upgrade suggestions much appreciated! I have some electrical gripes to sort first and foremost (just bulbs out and third brake light disconnected)
Thanks.
I am now the proud owner of a 1998 320SL - one of the last of the straight 6s with the 5sp gearbox.
It's a lovely car with a great service history and the panoramic roof, but the car itself is a little tired, having been left outside and used seldom (300 miles) over the last 9 months.
I am now considering where to start with bringing her back up to worthy condition - my first thoughts were a polish to the paintwork and a set of AMG Monoblock alloys... I was staggered (no pun intended) to see that these alloys sell for £1,000 a set!!
My question is - do you think its worth it? Would you expect to get the money back on the car? Although the car has the pano, it isn't a top spec as it doesn't have heated seats or headlight washers (it has wood wheel, CD changer etc so probably middle rung 320).
Any other upgrade suggestions much appreciated! I have some electrical gripes to sort first and foremost (just bulbs out and third brake light disconnected)
Thanks.
I think these cars are best left standard, they were thoroughly engineered and offer a great daily proposition. I'm not a fan of AMG wheels either and would actively avoid buying a car with them- that's just personal taste though. Spend your cash getting it in good working order rather than blowing it on a set of alloys.
truck71 said:
I think these cars are best left standard, they were thoroughly engineered and offer a great daily proposition. I'm not a fan of AMG wheels either and would actively avoid buying a car with them- that's just personal taste though. Spend your cash getting it in good working order rather than blowing it on a set of alloys.
Thanks - the alloys need a refurb, so i saw little point sinking money into alloys i didn't like.Very fair point though, will be sorting the niggles out prior to buying a set of alloys!
If yours has the center console tape holders, you can replace them with a Merc console bin or drinks holder, interior lights to LEDs, Bilstein shocks and coils, suspension polybush replacement, steering damper OEM replacement (cheap and well worth it), Anti rolls bar polybush replacement.
There are some ideas here, along with maintenance items.
http://www.mercedes.gen.in/WP35/post-index/
If you search on pH, there is a great write up by PHer R129 on them. Worth a read.
There are some ideas here, along with maintenance items.
http://www.mercedes.gen.in/WP35/post-index/
If you search on pH, there is a great write up by PHer R129 on them. Worth a read.
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Tuesday 24th November 11:16
truck71 said:
I think these cars are best left standard, they were thoroughly engineered and offer a great daily proposition. I'm not a fan of AMG wheels either and would actively avoid buying a car with them- that's just personal taste though. Spend your cash getting it in good working order rather than blowing it on a set of alloys.
This.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^The best thing you can do is give the car a full service all fluids/filters etc, inspect everything, and then put the into regular use. They like to be used it'll pay dividends.
If my experience is anything to go by (my car had been doing 2k pa prior to my ownership) Plenty of maintenance/niggles and general unexpected stuff will just happen, depleting your war chest. For what it's worth I put my car onto 16" alloys, I prefer the ride and handling.
I thought they all came with headlight wash-wipe? Some people remove them, no big loss, I wouldn't bother replacing them.
While you're servicing the car check the flex discs. One of mine failed while on a French autoroute, I was lucky not to have too much damage but I wouldn't want a repeat.
A buddy of mine had a ball joint fail and the suspension collapse making a right mess, so worth checking these too. Top mounts can crack, easy to check and replace if they look suspect. Due to the front suspension design, play in the ball joints is hard to pick up. Often this goes undetected @ MOTs and servicing. I only found mine were shot when changing the shocks.
If your not DIYing find a decent MB indy, pay for a full inspection and then decide how/when money gets spent. They'll know stuff that'll have general garages scratching their heads.
Well done, enjoy and post some photos.
Spend money on the substance before the style. In this order:
Priority: change all fluids and filters (especially the transmission)
Biggest rewards:
(1) replace front anti-roll bar bushes (circa £5 in parts)
(2) consider replacing the tyres for something new and high quality
(3) replace steering damper (£25)
(4) replace rear sub-frame bushes (£75)
(5) replace steering idler bush, centre link, track rods (maybe £125)
(6) replace other suspension bushes/links/arms
(7) replace shocks
(8) replace engine and transmission mounts
You could do all this including labour for not much more than the cost of a good set of wheels; less if you'd be fitting big tyres to those wheels. You will have a car which is safe and a joy to use. Where you go from here depends on your car. Nut what you need to remember is that the car's original specification is likely far superior to anything you can find in the aftermarket. Things like wheels: those AMG wheels are expensive because they are so good. The 17" and 18" AMG split rims were a £4,000 option when new...
Priority: change all fluids and filters (especially the transmission)
Biggest rewards:
(1) replace front anti-roll bar bushes (circa £5 in parts)
(2) consider replacing the tyres for something new and high quality
(3) replace steering damper (£25)
(4) replace rear sub-frame bushes (£75)
(5) replace steering idler bush, centre link, track rods (maybe £125)
(6) replace other suspension bushes/links/arms
(7) replace shocks
(8) replace engine and transmission mounts
You could do all this including labour for not much more than the cost of a good set of wheels; less if you'd be fitting big tyres to those wheels. You will have a car which is safe and a joy to use. Where you go from here depends on your car. Nut what you need to remember is that the car's original specification is likely far superior to anything you can find in the aftermarket. Things like wheels: those AMG wheels are expensive because they are so good. The 17" and 18" AMG split rims were a £4,000 option when new...
r129sl said:
Spend money on the substance before the style. In this order:
Priority: change all fluids and filters (especially the transmission)
Biggest rewards:
(1) replace front anti-roll bar bushes (circa £5 in parts)
(2) consider replacing the tyres for something new and high quality
(3) replace steering damper (£25)
(4) replace rear sub-frame bushes (£75)
(5) replace steering idler bush, centre link, track rods (maybe £125)
(6) replace other suspension bushes/links/arms
(7) replace shocks
(8) replace engine and transmission mounts
You could do all this including labour for not much more than the cost of a good set of wheels; less if you'd be fitting big tyres to those wheels. You will have a car which is safe and a joy to use. Where you go from here depends on your car. Nut what you need to remember is that the car's original specification is likely far superior to anything you can find in the aftermarket. Things like wheels: those AMG wheels are expensive because they are so good. The 17" and 18" AMG split rims were a £4,000 option when new...
Where would you recommend to source that lot? It may be time...Priority: change all fluids and filters (especially the transmission)
Biggest rewards:
(1) replace front anti-roll bar bushes (circa £5 in parts)
(2) consider replacing the tyres for something new and high quality
(3) replace steering damper (£25)
(4) replace rear sub-frame bushes (£75)
(5) replace steering idler bush, centre link, track rods (maybe £125)
(6) replace other suspension bushes/links/arms
(7) replace shocks
(8) replace engine and transmission mounts
You could do all this including labour for not much more than the cost of a good set of wheels; less if you'd be fitting big tyres to those wheels. You will have a car which is safe and a joy to use. Where you go from here depends on your car. Nut what you need to remember is that the car's original specification is likely far superior to anything you can find in the aftermarket. Things like wheels: those AMG wheels are expensive because they are so good. The 17" and 18" AMG split rims were a £4,000 option when new...
I've found SKS car parts very competitive
Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
truck71 said:
Where would you recommend to source that lot? It may be time...
For a 1997 129.067 (other models may vary):(1) outer front anti-roll bar bushes, Lemförder 11214 02, £2.12 each here (you need 2): https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/car-parts/LEMFOeRD...
(2)
(3) steering damper, MB A0004635332, £21.28 here http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk/index.php?opt...
(4) rear sub-frame front bushes: Lemförder 26602 01, £18.30 each here (you need 2): https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/car-parts/LEMFOeRD...
(5) Track rod (R), Lemförder 10735 01, £34.45 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle-arms-li...
Track rod (L), Lemförder 10736 01, £34.40 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle-arms-li...
Centre link, Lemförder 10737 01, £54.97 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle/arms-li...
Idler arm bush kit, Lemförder 12358 01, crazy money here £84.98: http://www.sparepartstore24.co.uk/7158593-lemforde...
(6) Rear suspension link kit, Lemförder 33500 01, £143.70 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle-arms-li...
(7) Front shocks, Sachs 200 047, £72.17 each here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/suspension-shock-abso...
Rear shocks, Sachs 200 048, £39.80 each here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/suspension-shock-abso...
(8) Engine mounts, Lemförder 10850 01, £49.78 each here (you need 2): http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/engine-fuel-engine-mo...
Thanks for the replies - those shocks look like fantastic value for money!
The car was actually serviced by MB&B about 600 miles ago, with an oil / filter change. The other fluids are likely in need of a change (Coolant, brake fluid looks to only have been done once etc)
Task for the weekend is to address the non-illuminated air con unit (looks quite straightforward) and the more painful third brake light wiring that no longer works (i've heard this is a common problem)
Ollie.
The car was actually serviced by MB&B about 600 miles ago, with an oil / filter change. The other fluids are likely in need of a change (Coolant, brake fluid looks to only have been done once etc)
Task for the weekend is to address the non-illuminated air con unit (looks quite straightforward) and the more painful third brake light wiring that no longer works (i've heard this is a common problem)
Ollie.
r129sl said:
truck71 said:
Where would you recommend to source that lot? It may be time...
For a 1997 129.067 (other models may vary):(1) outer front anti-roll bar bushes, Lemförder 11214 02, £2.12 each here (you need 2): https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/car-parts/LEMFOeRD...
(2)
(3) steering damper, MB A0004635332, £21.28 here http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk/index.php?opt...
(4) rear sub-frame front bushes: Lemförder 26602 01, £18.30 each here (you need 2): https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/car-parts/LEMFOeRD...
(5) Track rod (R), Lemförder 10735 01, £34.45 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle-arms-li...
Track rod (L), Lemförder 10736 01, £34.40 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle-arms-li...
Centre link, Lemförder 10737 01, £54.97 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle/arms-li...
Idler arm bush kit, Lemförder 12358 01, crazy money here £84.98: http://www.sparepartstore24.co.uk/7158593-lemforde...
(6) Rear suspension link kit, Lemförder 33500 01, £143.70 here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/steering-axle-arms-li...
(7) Front shocks, Sachs 200 047, £72.17 each here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/suspension-shock-abso...
Rear shocks, Sachs 200 048, £39.80 each here: http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/suspension-shock-abso...
(8) Engine mounts, Lemförder 10850 01, £49.78 each here (you need 2): http://www.skscarparts.co.uk/engine-fuel-engine-mo...
PositronicRay said:
I've found SKS car parts very competitive
Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
Thanks for the heads up re SKS, not heard of them before.Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
truck71 said:
PositronicRay said:
I've found SKS car parts very competitive
Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
Thanks for the heads up re SKS, not heard of them before.Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
ras62 said:
Rear LED brake light is likely a wire break inside the rubber flex cover where the wiring goes into the body.
Heated seats working? Nice in the winter months. Forget the rear window demister as they are useless, never had mine working well so I rely on the AC.
exactly right - i can see the disconnected wire in the rubber housing, i fear i may need to cut the housing to find the other half of the wire...Heated seats working? Nice in the winter months. Forget the rear window demister as they are useless, never had mine working well so I rely on the AC.
PositronicRay said:
truck71 said:
PositronicRay said:
I've found SKS car parts very competitive
Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
Thanks for the heads up re SKS, not heard of them before.Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
r129sl said:
PositronicRay said:
truck71 said:
PositronicRay said:
I've found SKS car parts very competitive
Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
Thanks for the heads up re SKS, not heard of them before.Sachs shocks £75 front £50 rear
Lemforder control arms £100
Top mounts £50
I plan on doing the rear arms etc in the spring, followed by steering links. I replaced a knackered steering shock (cheap to do) but didn't notice any difference.
SKS don't have the Idler bush but I notice The SL shop have these for £40 (not sure of the brand though)
Did a gearbox adaption on mine today and its altered the responsiveness quite noticeably, much quicker to select 2nd when it would normally use 3rd for example. Procedure is key into ignition and fully depress the pedal, turn ignition to Posn2 (warning lights on dash light up) wait 5 seconds the turn key to posn 1. Release pedal and wait 2 minutes.
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