Mercedes 129 titivation

[Zonergem]

So that's what a brake bleeder looks like... oh, you meant something else.

If it's a big battle between Benz and bugle then I hope the former triumphs, maybe by a short head or perhaps a nose.

[langtounlad]

And a reasonable price for the MOT!

[r129sl]

Here we are late last night going to the aid of a chum whose 300 CE-24 keeps conking out. Sweaty distributor cap, inevitably. An opportunity to enjoy my car all the same.

Edited by r129sl on Saturday 5th May 16:33

[S100HP]

Looks so classy. Love it.

[dbdb]

A handsome car indeed.

[Zonergem]

Hereward said:

He's got a genuine shuttle?!!! That will be worth more than the car before too long

This one was on for ages at 2k. Now £1500. S'not worth it though.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-R129-Shuttle-H...

[dbdb]

My next door neighbour once said he has some kind of crane for lifting the top from his r129 (a low mileage 500SL in genuinely superb condition - and rarely seen). Presumably it's one of these.

[Percy.]

Travelling down the A167 this morning, I noticed a 129 gracefully heading towards me.

As it got closer I saw the number plate 'S5 JJR' and recognised it. Needless to say, in the current North East sun, your car looks superb.

[r129sl]

The car is driving really well. I recommend a suspension refresh: you could do most of the work I did for half the price. I spent a lot on brakes and clips and nick-nacks. Moving on, the new-to-me diff arrived from Germany today so I carried it over to Baister's for inspection. It is like new. Not a spec of corrosion on it. No real sign of having ever been on the bottom of a car. Baister is favourably impressed. No workshop space until 30 May, unfortunately.

Well-packed and in the back of the 124:



Unwrapped. Looks clean and fresh:





Under inspection by Terry and Baister's Spawn:



Some snaps from Baister's lair (not an original idea):

[Paracetamol]

Hope the diff isnt a warranty return from 15 years ago!

[r129sl]

Bored senseless and dodging childcare responsibilities, I did a bit of under-bonnet detailing:

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Remind me never to lift my bonnet in your presence, your head will explode.

Yours, on the other hand, looks jolly nice.

[r129sl]

A few more for you, then. Addictive this polishing malarkey.








There is a bit of corrosion around the suspension turret tops and also around various grommets. The metal is about an inch thick, so I don't suppose it is anything much to worry about.

[chris333]

Zonergem said:

Hereward said:

He's got a genuine shuttle?!!! That will be worth more than the car before too long

This one was on for ages at 2k. Now £1500. S'not worth it though.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-R129-Shuttle-H...

wow. got mine for about £400 IIRC. Well worth the money. When I bought my SL500, I wasn't too worried about the hardtop, but it really changes the car having it on. Glad I can easily swap between the two.

[r129sl]

No updates. Car's running well but need to sort the worn bearing-type noise from the driveline. The alignment is also still not right. Here we are parked up in town the other day:

[r129sl]

MB Newcastle serviced the car this week, but just an oil and filter. I did the air filters tonight. It looks like they haven't been done in a while. The filters themselves were filthy and the airbox had a lot of particles in it. The Mann filter is the exact same part as the genuine MB item.

[alabbasi]

I just recently dismantled a 99 SL500 in that very same color scheme here in Texas. The car had a bad head gasket and I bought it to use the hood, bumper and lights for my 98 that was damaged in a wreck. It had 130k miles and the interior was in great shape. I got $90 for the shell at the scrap yard and it was completely rust free. It hurts to know I scrapped such a good body when I see all this rust repair. I still have a door, soft top, dash, trunk lid and rear bumper.

If you can find an affordable way to ship them from Texas, I'll cut you a hell of a deal on the parts.

[r129sl]

MB Newcastle today fitted a new prop shaft carrier bearing and bush and that has cured the worn bearing-type noise from the driveline. Cost £348. Ouch. However, it is delightful to be free of the low howl. I think the new air filter has improved matters, too. Previously it felt breathless when accelerating at very high speeds, slower than the E430, but now it feels good again.

[r129sl]

After a long day at work yesterday, I had a fine drive home in the late evening. I am really enjoying the car at the moment.

[Paracetamol]

Did you replace the diff in the end?