Mercedes SL320 R129 - Part 2
Discussion
With all that has been going on, or not going on, the car has not had a great deal of use this last year.
It was in for it's MoT in November and that recorded only about 1,700 miles use since the last one.
However, life's too short and all that so this is no garage queen. It has been used less but has still been used regularly.
I have found that I can only go for so long with the roof down and the temperature is a 1 or 2 degrees C.
The splits in the rear windows grow a little every time the roof is lowered.
I nearly had it booked into the local trimmers for new windows back in March ...... Covid Lockdown.
I called today but they still have too much work on the go. Hopefully they will get me fitted in before too long.
I may fit the hardtop to remind myself what it is like and to see if it is surviving storage under it's cover in the corner of the garage.
As always, I am considering changing it for something else.
I think I like the idea of something more mechanically simple.
I like old Land Rovers like a Series 3 but realistically I doubt I would use it that much. They are not great for a long run.
I like the idea of a TVR Chimaera.
The only car show that I could get to this year was at Kames Circuit. I found myself looking at a Jaguar E Type and thinking ...... Perhaps.
A Series 2, 4.2 2+2 Coupe sounds appealing
It's easy to forget the plus sides of the car I have. It's quite subtle and quiet (unlike the TVR), it's very easy and relaxing to drive, it's easy, if sometimes a bit expensive, to get parts for, it has good safety features with ABS, Traction control and Air Bags.
Well, it's only an idea as this has not been a good year for going to look at cars generally.
I might go and try some in the new year.
It was in for it's MoT in November and that recorded only about 1,700 miles use since the last one.
However, life's too short and all that so this is no garage queen. It has been used less but has still been used regularly.
I have found that I can only go for so long with the roof down and the temperature is a 1 or 2 degrees C.
The splits in the rear windows grow a little every time the roof is lowered.
I nearly had it booked into the local trimmers for new windows back in March ...... Covid Lockdown.
I called today but they still have too much work on the go. Hopefully they will get me fitted in before too long.
I may fit the hardtop to remind myself what it is like and to see if it is surviving storage under it's cover in the corner of the garage.
As always, I am considering changing it for something else.
I think I like the idea of something more mechanically simple.
I like old Land Rovers like a Series 3 but realistically I doubt I would use it that much. They are not great for a long run.
I like the idea of a TVR Chimaera.
The only car show that I could get to this year was at Kames Circuit. I found myself looking at a Jaguar E Type and thinking ...... Perhaps.
A Series 2, 4.2 2+2 Coupe sounds appealing
It's easy to forget the plus sides of the car I have. It's quite subtle and quiet (unlike the TVR), it's very easy and relaxing to drive, it's easy, if sometimes a bit expensive, to get parts for, it has good safety features with ABS, Traction control and Air Bags.
Well, it's only an idea as this has not been a good year for going to look at cars generally.
I might go and try some in the new year.
On a second attempt, I put the hardtop back on the car.
It turns out that one daughter is not enough, it needed both of them.
This has had me looking at the options for a hoist to store it above the car and make it easier to fit and remove.
It would also free up some valuable floor space in the garage. A general tidy up and removal of some excess stuff would also help!
It is quite heavy and awkward to lift on but it is quite pleasant to drive with it in place with better visibility over your shoulder than the soft top. The better visibility is also noticeable as my soft top plastic windows are opaque.
Winter use is not good for keeping it clean though.
While watching assorted YouTube videos I came across one for fitting the centre console lid gas strut.
Well, I didn't even know there was supposed to be one! Mine obviously had failed.
I opted for the cheaper you.s branded replacement from Germany. I should probably have paid the little extra fro the Stabilus version as per the original but as I had managed fine with even knowing it was there, that seemed extravagant.
Apart from having to file a bit off one of the end lugs, it fitted fine and now the lid pops up when the button is pressed.
The mechanisms used in the strut and the hinges are another example of the extravagance of build in these cars.
When sitting still after a run with the engine still running I've started to notice a smell of burnt oil inside the car. Strangely, not so noticeable outside the car.
On first inspection it looks like there are some small leaks, or more like weeps, from the cam cover gaskets and the small crankase vent covers that are on top of them.
I'll have a closer look to see if some of the associated hoses at the back also need replaced before ordering the necessary parts.
Changing the gas strut for the centre console had me thinking about the one for the boot lid. It has bumped me on the back of the head a few times. It's fine if I push the boot lid fully up as it will stay there indefinitely. I leave the boot open while the car is in the garage as the battery charger is attached.
I just assumed it was meant to be like this but perhaps they are due for replacement.
And I gave it a wash so it's all clean again for now.
It turns out that one daughter is not enough, it needed both of them.
This has had me looking at the options for a hoist to store it above the car and make it easier to fit and remove.
It would also free up some valuable floor space in the garage. A general tidy up and removal of some excess stuff would also help!
It is quite heavy and awkward to lift on but it is quite pleasant to drive with it in place with better visibility over your shoulder than the soft top. The better visibility is also noticeable as my soft top plastic windows are opaque.
Winter use is not good for keeping it clean though.
While watching assorted YouTube videos I came across one for fitting the centre console lid gas strut.
Well, I didn't even know there was supposed to be one! Mine obviously had failed.
I opted for the cheaper you.s branded replacement from Germany. I should probably have paid the little extra fro the Stabilus version as per the original but as I had managed fine with even knowing it was there, that seemed extravagant.
Apart from having to file a bit off one of the end lugs, it fitted fine and now the lid pops up when the button is pressed.
The mechanisms used in the strut and the hinges are another example of the extravagance of build in these cars.
When sitting still after a run with the engine still running I've started to notice a smell of burnt oil inside the car. Strangely, not so noticeable outside the car.
On first inspection it looks like there are some small leaks, or more like weeps, from the cam cover gaskets and the small crankase vent covers that are on top of them.
I'll have a closer look to see if some of the associated hoses at the back also need replaced before ordering the necessary parts.
Changing the gas strut for the centre console had me thinking about the one for the boot lid. It has bumped me on the back of the head a few times. It's fine if I push the boot lid fully up as it will stay there indefinitely. I leave the boot open while the car is in the garage as the battery charger is attached.
I just assumed it was meant to be like this but perhaps they are due for replacement.
And I gave it a wash so it's all clean again for now.
Edited by Yogioes on Monday 1st February 20:32
Well, I found one slight disadvantage with replacing the centre arm rest gas strut.
The upward pressure of the strut means that the lid is pushed up against the release button.
Every time I lift my elbow off the lid there is a small click.
Minor I know, but mildly irritating.
Having read r129sl's thread about replacing the door speaker covers I decided that I would have a go at that.
I also wanted to replace the larger speakers at the same time.
I had previously found that the passenger speaker had no cone in it and I had used an old speaker that I had in the garage. That speaker was certainly older than the car but it worked.
I spent a bit of time reading threads about speakers and ohms but hadn't really found a solution.
The original speakers were 1,2 ohm which seem to be hard to come by. Most of the readily available speakers are 4 ohm.
I eventually bought a pair of Audison 2 ohm speakers although I was a bit surprised that they arrived wrapped in shaped brown cardboard, not in a fancy box.
Anyway, I fitted them.
I suppose they are OK but it does feel as if it is lacking on the bass.
So, the door speaker covers.
I didn't think mine looked too bad in terms of dirt and scuffs. I was more irritated by the poor fitting and loose edges of the covers.
However, when I look at these pictures they seem worse than I thought.
I got the new material from AS Essential Trim and picked Magnolia on the basis that my car has the very light coloured Helios trim.
Well, Magnolia is even lighter.
I went ahead anyway.
The material is a very good match in terms of its construction compared to what I took off although obviously I have no idea if that was original.
This is one of the small panels as removed.
|https://thumbsnap.com/jL7vZwxU[/url]
It's a bit nerve wracking trying to get the cloth stuck on allthe way round without getting glue all over the front of it.
I used some spray contact on the front of the hard panels to keep the cloth in place but this left small lumps that are visible.
Bostik brush on glue was used on the back to actually hold the cloth on.
The smaller panel is held onto the door card by melting over the ends of the plastic location posts and two screws.
These had obviously been off before as most were already broken and there was some double sided sticky foam tape in a few places.
I used B&Q's version of Araldite to fix them back on.
I also discovered that the location posts for the drivers seat adjustment switch panel were broken. Some araldite secured that.
I tightened all the screws and the three nuts that are accessible on the back of the door cards.
The bottom of the door box should be attached by screws with large washer. These are only half holes if you know what I mean.
All four of mine had come adrift.
I also re-attached four of the plastic backings for the trim clips.
The combined effort of that has taken away some of the annoying little rattles and vibrations that could occasionally be heard.
So, after all that, does it look any better?
Well, it is cleaner but as for the colour ......
It seems like a poor design to me. If I only have the door open to the first click I have to be careful not to catch my foot on the cloth panel. Plastic or carpet would be easier to clean.
The finished article
[url]
The upward pressure of the strut means that the lid is pushed up against the release button.
Every time I lift my elbow off the lid there is a small click.
Minor I know, but mildly irritating.
Having read r129sl's thread about replacing the door speaker covers I decided that I would have a go at that.
I also wanted to replace the larger speakers at the same time.
I had previously found that the passenger speaker had no cone in it and I had used an old speaker that I had in the garage. That speaker was certainly older than the car but it worked.
I spent a bit of time reading threads about speakers and ohms but hadn't really found a solution.
The original speakers were 1,2 ohm which seem to be hard to come by. Most of the readily available speakers are 4 ohm.
I eventually bought a pair of Audison 2 ohm speakers although I was a bit surprised that they arrived wrapped in shaped brown cardboard, not in a fancy box.
Anyway, I fitted them.
I suppose they are OK but it does feel as if it is lacking on the bass.
So, the door speaker covers.
I didn't think mine looked too bad in terms of dirt and scuffs. I was more irritated by the poor fitting and loose edges of the covers.
However, when I look at these pictures they seem worse than I thought.
I got the new material from AS Essential Trim and picked Magnolia on the basis that my car has the very light coloured Helios trim.
Well, Magnolia is even lighter.
I went ahead anyway.
The material is a very good match in terms of its construction compared to what I took off although obviously I have no idea if that was original.
This is one of the small panels as removed.
|https://thumbsnap.com/jL7vZwxU[/url]It's a bit nerve wracking trying to get the cloth stuck on allthe way round without getting glue all over the front of it.
I used some spray contact on the front of the hard panels to keep the cloth in place but this left small lumps that are visible.
Bostik brush on glue was used on the back to actually hold the cloth on.
The smaller panel is held onto the door card by melting over the ends of the plastic location posts and two screws.
These had obviously been off before as most were already broken and there was some double sided sticky foam tape in a few places.
I used B&Q's version of Araldite to fix them back on.
I also discovered that the location posts for the drivers seat adjustment switch panel were broken. Some araldite secured that.
I tightened all the screws and the three nuts that are accessible on the back of the door cards.
The bottom of the door box should be attached by screws with large washer. These are only half holes if you know what I mean.
All four of mine had come adrift.
I also re-attached four of the plastic backings for the trim clips.
The combined effort of that has taken away some of the annoying little rattles and vibrations that could occasionally be heard.
So, after all that, does it look any better?
Well, it is cleaner but as for the colour ......
It seems like a poor design to me. If I only have the door open to the first click I have to be careful not to catch my foot on the cloth panel. Plastic or carpet would be easier to clean.
The finished article
[url]Good write up.
Winters have taken thier toll on mine. I'm going to give it a service and spring clean then run it through the summer. It's no longer fitting into my lifestyle so next winter I'll either.
A) Sell it.
B) Take it off the road and fix it up.
C) A+B
B) Keep it as a summer only car.
Winters have taken thier toll on mine. I'm going to give it a service and spring clean then run it through the summer. It's no longer fitting into my lifestyle so next winter I'll either.
A) Sell it.
B) Take it off the road and fix it up.
C) A+B
B) Keep it as a summer only car.
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.
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