Mercedes SL320 R129 - Part 2
Discussion
I am wondering if this car is at the wind up!
Around Oct 2019, the BAS/ESP light was coming on at some point during every journey over a 6 week period.
After several weeks trying various solutions I admitted defeat and booked it into the local indy specialist.
On the way there, the light did not come on. They took it for a run and the light never came on.
It has never come on since.
Something similar has happened.
At the end of 2020 I started noticing an occasional smell of burning oil when stopped at traffic lights. I couldn't smell it outside the car.
A bit of internet searching and investigation led me to the cam cover crankcase ventilation covers. It seemed to be more of a weep than a running leak but it was the only thing I could see.
I gathered together the necessary parts.
Internet wisdom advised that the hoses would be hard and liable to split when removed so I ordered them along with the cam cover gaskets from MB.
I had the correct Loctite number for the sealant for the breather covers but when I tried to order them from MB the parts guy asked me if that was just the black engine sealant. That did not fill me with confidence so I actually got that from a BMW/Mini dealer.
I got two tubes as I did not want to run out mid job. One was plenty.
The engine internals look pleasingly clean.
Cleaning up the cam covers and breather covers took ages, a horrible messy job, particularly removing the old sealant.
Typical MB, the fit and finish of the parts and the new gasket were excellent. The gasket is pushed into a groove in the cam covers and stays in place while the cover is refitted to the engine.
I'm probably losing my grip, but found the sealant quite hard to force out of the tube.
Covers refitted with new bolts in the breather covers.
The only other problem I came across was when refitting the bolts retaining the coil packs.
I nipped them up by hand using only the socket extension and when I tried to tighten the 1st one with the torque wrench I didn't feel any resistance. I'm pretty sure it must have already been stripped.
For now, I cleaned out the hole and the bolt and refitted it with some epoxy adhesive.
I have never used a helicoil and I'm not sure if there is enough material in the casting to allow that but it is probably the best option.
Going back to the car being at the wind up - it's about a 30 mile round trip to the dealer and after I had been there to get the parts I realised that at no point on the journey had I noticed the smell of oil .......... and I didn't notice it on any subsequent trips before I did the work ..... spooky!
However, as you can see from the pictures, it needed done.
After a few more runs I'll take of the air filter and check that it's all good. At that point I might have a closer look at the coil pack fixing holes to see if there is room for a helicoil.
Around Oct 2019, the BAS/ESP light was coming on at some point during every journey over a 6 week period.
After several weeks trying various solutions I admitted defeat and booked it into the local indy specialist.
On the way there, the light did not come on. They took it for a run and the light never came on.
It has never come on since.
Something similar has happened.
At the end of 2020 I started noticing an occasional smell of burning oil when stopped at traffic lights. I couldn't smell it outside the car.
A bit of internet searching and investigation led me to the cam cover crankcase ventilation covers. It seemed to be more of a weep than a running leak but it was the only thing I could see.
I gathered together the necessary parts.
Internet wisdom advised that the hoses would be hard and liable to split when removed so I ordered them along with the cam cover gaskets from MB.
I had the correct Loctite number for the sealant for the breather covers but when I tried to order them from MB the parts guy asked me if that was just the black engine sealant. That did not fill me with confidence so I actually got that from a BMW/Mini dealer.
I got two tubes as I did not want to run out mid job. One was plenty.
The engine internals look pleasingly clean.
Cleaning up the cam covers and breather covers took ages, a horrible messy job, particularly removing the old sealant.
Typical MB, the fit and finish of the parts and the new gasket were excellent. The gasket is pushed into a groove in the cam covers and stays in place while the cover is refitted to the engine.
I'm probably losing my grip, but found the sealant quite hard to force out of the tube.
Covers refitted with new bolts in the breather covers.
The only other problem I came across was when refitting the bolts retaining the coil packs.
I nipped them up by hand using only the socket extension and when I tried to tighten the 1st one with the torque wrench I didn't feel any resistance. I'm pretty sure it must have already been stripped.
For now, I cleaned out the hole and the bolt and refitted it with some epoxy adhesive.
I have never used a helicoil and I'm not sure if there is enough material in the casting to allow that but it is probably the best option.
Going back to the car being at the wind up - it's about a 30 mile round trip to the dealer and after I had been there to get the parts I realised that at no point on the journey had I noticed the smell of oil .......... and I didn't notice it on any subsequent trips before I did the work ..... spooky!
However, as you can see from the pictures, it needed done.
After a few more runs I'll take of the air filter and check that it's all good. At that point I might have a closer look at the coil pack fixing holes to see if there is room for a helicoil.
The plastic windows have been opaque since I bought the car and the splits in them have been getting progressively worse.
Mid March 2020 I took the car to the local trimmers. I agreed a price to get the three plastic windows replaced and they said they would let me know when they had the materials in.
Then Covid arrived.
Over a year later I finally managed to get the car booked in to get the windows replaced.
I went with a very slight green tint which matches the side windows very well.
It's not perfect but is a good job and it is a lot better to be able to see behind me, especially when reversing.
I don't have any good pictures of the old windows and regret not getting some "before" shots however, here are some after shots.
After this I gave the top a good wash, dry, vacuum and then re-treated it with Fabsil Gold.
Mid March 2020 I took the car to the local trimmers. I agreed a price to get the three plastic windows replaced and they said they would let me know when they had the materials in.
Then Covid arrived.
Over a year later I finally managed to get the car booked in to get the windows replaced.
I went with a very slight green tint which matches the side windows very well.
It's not perfect but is a good job and it is a lot better to be able to see behind me, especially when reversing.
I don't have any good pictures of the old windows and regret not getting some "before" shots however, here are some after shots.
After this I gave the top a good wash, dry, vacuum and then re-treated it with Fabsil Gold.
Hi jke11y,
It was Baillies Car Trimmers in Linwood. It took me quite a while to get it in there as they appear to have plenty of work.
The plastic windows for convertibles are not a great idea, especially as they fold every time the hood is used.
I suppose it has to be accepted that they will only last so long and will need replaced from time to time.
I've just been looking at some of there work on their Facebook page. Some very smart work.
It was Baillies Car Trimmers in Linwood. It took me quite a while to get it in there as they appear to have plenty of work.
The plastic windows for convertibles are not a great idea, especially as they fold every time the hood is used.
I suppose it has to be accepted that they will only last so long and will need replaced from time to time.
I've just been looking at some of there work on their Facebook page. Some very smart work.
Edited by Yogioes on Sunday 2nd May 19:24
Yogioes said:
Hi jke11y,
It was Baillies Car Trimmers in Linwood. It took me quite a while to get it in there as they appear to have plenty of work.
The plastic windows for convertibles are not a great idea, especially as they fold every time the hood is used.
I suppose it has to be accepted that they will only last so long and will need replaced from time to time.
I've just been looking at some of there work on their Facebook page. Some very smart work.
I saw a German Co producing clk style. Hoods without the side windows. Iirc the rear window was a little smaller too so may have been solid. It was Baillies Car Trimmers in Linwood. It took me quite a while to get it in there as they appear to have plenty of work.
The plastic windows for convertibles are not a great idea, especially as they fold every time the hood is used.
I suppose it has to be accepted that they will only last so long and will need replaced from time to time.
I've just been looking at some of there work on their Facebook page. Some very smart work.
Edited by Yogioes on Sunday 2nd May 19:24
Seemed a good idea but couldn't find a UK installer.
I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure.
If you have read through the thread you will know that I didn't get off to a good start with the car and tried to move it on.
However, over the last 2 1/2 years and 6,000 miles I have done quite a bit of work on it and spent over £4k.
Apart from the windows, the wheel refurb and a wheel alignment pretty much all of that spend has been on parts.
It is a lovely car to drive and there is no doubting the quality of the design and build with the possible exception of some of the plastic trims.
But, I must have some kind of illness as I always seem to want to change my cars.
It's just as well I have limited space as I think I would be one of those people with lots of cars lying around.
I regret selling several cars that I previously owned and I suspect the R129 will be in that category.
I briefly considered a Cobra kit car as toy but ruled it out. The opportunities to use it would be limited to a few perfect days. Not really suited to Scotland in my opinion. Having said that, I have a fond memory of seeing a guy following the Scottish Rally in one some time in the mid 80's including parking it in fields.
The SL is certainly suitable for most weather around here although I doubt the air con works but that would only be required on a rare very hot day and where traffic was not moving.
A Chimaera also appeals but I'm not sure i want something that loud. The SL is very quiet.
So the current options are....
An MX5 Mk3.75, that last of the NC version. Should be an easy, low risk ownership prospect with very little tinkering required.
A 4.2 E Type Mk 1.5 or 2. 2+2 Coupe. Probably a harder, high risk ownership prospect with quite a lot of tinkering required.
I think I need to go and look properly at a few E Types which I think we are now allowed to do.
If you have read through the thread you will know that I didn't get off to a good start with the car and tried to move it on.
However, over the last 2 1/2 years and 6,000 miles I have done quite a bit of work on it and spent over £4k.
Apart from the windows, the wheel refurb and a wheel alignment pretty much all of that spend has been on parts.
It is a lovely car to drive and there is no doubting the quality of the design and build with the possible exception of some of the plastic trims.
But, I must have some kind of illness as I always seem to want to change my cars.
It's just as well I have limited space as I think I would be one of those people with lots of cars lying around.
I regret selling several cars that I previously owned and I suspect the R129 will be in that category.
I briefly considered a Cobra kit car as toy but ruled it out. The opportunities to use it would be limited to a few perfect days. Not really suited to Scotland in my opinion. Having said that, I have a fond memory of seeing a guy following the Scottish Rally in one some time in the mid 80's including parking it in fields.
The SL is certainly suitable for most weather around here although I doubt the air con works but that would only be required on a rare very hot day and where traffic was not moving.
A Chimaera also appeals but I'm not sure i want something that loud. The SL is very quiet.
So the current options are....
An MX5 Mk3.75, that last of the NC version. Should be an easy, low risk ownership prospect with very little tinkering required.
A 4.2 E Type Mk 1.5 or 2. 2+2 Coupe. Probably a harder, high risk ownership prospect with quite a lot of tinkering required.
I think I need to go and look properly at a few E Types which I think we are now allowed to do.
S8QUATTRO said:
This is the kinda R129 I want to buy. If you ever decide to sell, let me know. My 1990 B3 Audi 80 Sport will be getting sold soon and I’ve always wanted one of these..
S8QUATTRO - Please get in touch if you are interested in buying the car. I don't think I can email you through PH but I think you can email me.This is good stuff, especially the cam covers and breather covers. I keep thinking of doing mine but knowing my luck I'll do it all wrong and need a new engine.
I'd quite like to know how to clean up the covers as they look so awful.
Anyway, you'd be mad to part with it: they're such good cars.
I'd quite like to know how to clean up the covers as they look so awful.
Anyway, you'd be mad to part with it: they're such good cars.
The cam covers and breathers is a fairly straight forward job. The worst part is getting the old covers cleaned up and perhaps a bit of nerves trying to pry off the old breather covers.
Yesterday was lovely and a bit warmer than it has been of late so I did a 200 mile round trip to catch up with my motorhoming sister in Fort William.
Sorted a couple of very minor issues on her van and drove back home through some glorious Scottish scenery.
Yesterday was lovely and a bit warmer than it has been of late so I did a 200 mile round trip to catch up with my motorhoming sister in Fort William.
Sorted a couple of very minor issues on her van and drove back home through some glorious Scottish scenery.
This cars story continues .....
As this is reputed to be the best time of year to sell a convertible I have advertised it on Pistonheads, Car and Classic and on eBay.
I'm not a big fan of the hassle of selling privately.
So far, I've had -
Two low offers.
A lengthy chat with another R129 owner who may be replacing his.
A call from a collector who buys these sight unseen to store away.
No actual car viewings although I did get an email through C&C from someone fairly local who wants to see the car but when I tried to respond I get a failed email delivery message.
So, Calum, if you read this, please try one of the other contact methods.
I recently used Gumtree to sell an exercise bike for my sister. There were a lot more scammer contacts than there were actual buyers!
Still reflecting on what to do next.
Part of the reason for buying a convertible was as an alternative to the motorbike but I've probably done over 700 miles in the last week on the bike and didn't get too wet!
An MX5 would still be a good option for that purpose.
I've pretty much done all the tinkering I want to with the R129 which is where the E Type option would be good as I'm pretty sure any one of them that I buy would need some work.
Scottish Motor Services have one in green but I don't want something that tidy as it looks too good for regular use.
As this is reputed to be the best time of year to sell a convertible I have advertised it on Pistonheads, Car and Classic and on eBay.
I'm not a big fan of the hassle of selling privately.
So far, I've had -
Two low offers.
A lengthy chat with another R129 owner who may be replacing his.
A call from a collector who buys these sight unseen to store away.
No actual car viewings although I did get an email through C&C from someone fairly local who wants to see the car but when I tried to respond I get a failed email delivery message.
So, Calum, if you read this, please try one of the other contact methods.
I recently used Gumtree to sell an exercise bike for my sister. There were a lot more scammer contacts than there were actual buyers!
Still reflecting on what to do next.
Part of the reason for buying a convertible was as an alternative to the motorbike but I've probably done over 700 miles in the last week on the bike and didn't get too wet!
An MX5 would still be a good option for that purpose.
I've pretty much done all the tinkering I want to with the R129 which is where the E Type option would be good as I'm pretty sure any one of them that I buy would need some work.
Scottish Motor Services have one in green but I don't want something that tidy as it looks too good for regular use.
My time with this SL is over as the car has been sold.
I had mentioned that I do not enjoy the hassle of selling a car privately but this one has been a pleasant experience.
There were a few messages from the eBay ad, mostly offering low prices but the two gents that actually came to see the car were a pleasure to deal with.
I accepted slightly less than I paid for it but it would appear to be in safe hands with the new owner.
When I told the other prospective purchaser that it was sold his response was "Gutted" and he told me that he was going to be calling me that evening with an offer slightly higher than I had accepted. I felt a bit sorry for him as he liked the car.
It was a bit sad to see it drive off. I have put more time and money into this car than any other I have owned.
I'm also a bit concerned as the new owner has bought it to replace one that he sold previously! I hope this will not be added to the list of cars I regret selling.
I had mentioned that I do not enjoy the hassle of selling a car privately but this one has been a pleasant experience.
There were a few messages from the eBay ad, mostly offering low prices but the two gents that actually came to see the car were a pleasure to deal with.
I accepted slightly less than I paid for it but it would appear to be in safe hands with the new owner.
When I told the other prospective purchaser that it was sold his response was "Gutted" and he told me that he was going to be calling me that evening with an offer slightly higher than I had accepted. I felt a bit sorry for him as he liked the car.
It was a bit sad to see it drive off. I have put more time and money into this car than any other I have owned.
I'm also a bit concerned as the new owner has bought it to replace one that he sold previously! I hope this will not be added to the list of cars I regret selling.
Yogioes said:
The garage looks very bare.
I’m reviewing my options and currently swaying between an MX5 or an E Type.
Slightly different, I know. Depends on my mood.
However, I am easily swayed when I read about or see somebody else’s story.
Still, part of the fun is in the “what about….”
Having had an R129 and still regretting selling it and having a Series 1 E-type, may I just say that you will most likely spend your time bemoaning the lack of build quality of even a well-put together Jaguar? I’m reviewing my options and currently swaying between an MX5 or an E Type.
Slightly different, I know. Depends on my mood.
However, I am easily swayed when I read about or see somebody else’s story.
Still, part of the fun is in the “what about….”
Top tier Mercedes from the 90s just make you intolerant of the shoddy standards of most car makers and largely ruin the experience of all other cars IMO. Even if you aim off, there’s that eternal nagging voice saying just why couldn’t they be arsed to do this right?
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