What changes to your SL would you make?

[DALE DORIA]

What changes would you make to your SL if possible? I have a R 129 and REALLY love this car. However, I would change the sound system to something much more substantial. I really like the soft top, but would try to engineer a folding glass rear window....or as my Triumph Spitfire had, a ZIP out rear window. I also would like a sportier suspension and a little more responsive steering. I'm not sure if I like the "new" SL folding hardtop.....the soft top has it's own look as well as the hard top. I would opt to keep the soft top, despite the upkeep. I would also remove the headlight wipers, and install hidden radio antenna. Really would keep the rest......I enjoy driving this car so much....I never want my trips to end...

Dale...I had a Triumph Spitfire too. It was my first car and I think responsible for me being a car nut today. About my R129 SL, I agree with you about the radio, but I've learned to live with it and after finally mastering the controls, I can get pretty good sound out of it. But most importantly, I agree with you about the new SL's folding hardtop...it won't be a roadster anymore AND there's nothing better that hearing the rain on the cloth top! Other than that, like you, I love mine too(and the best part IS the driving)!

[MBenzNL]

I will upgrade my 1990 300SL into the model 1997-look SL. I already have bought a used front and rear bumper, new bumper fog lights, front fender panels and front license plate holder. I have model 1997 taillights and clear corners.
During the summer months I have 17" 7-spoke SLK rims.

Personally I like the SLK folding hardtop! It is an easy to use top that does not leave you with a hardtop that needs to be stacked somewhere (we have several SL's with impossible hardtops) and it does not leave you with the vulnerable soft top that needs to be renewed every once in a while...
I just like the top on our SLK; it is far out the easiest convertible we own...

greetingz,

[tony s]

I want to make 3 performance-related mods.

1) This month I'll have new Blistiens put in and perhaps have performance springs added to lower the center of gravity.

2) Superchip makes an erom for the 90 SL that claims a increase of 20hp. That could happen very soon.

3) Next summer I'll most likely upgrade to 18" rims. My current tires are almost brand new and Z rated.

My only non-performance mod would be to replace the stock stereo...it blows. Everything else (adding wood trim, etc) is just to over the top for me.

tony

[michael rybikowsky]

If it where possible.On my 1980 450,I would throw away the automatic climate control,and go back to the symple older non automatic system.Carpe Diem.Michael

[elau]

I would like to also update my suspension system, just do not know enough what is best for the car. BTW, I would like to know more about the performance chip. Is it a DIY? Or I have to take it to a shop? The most immediate upgrade will be the steering wheel. As soon as time allows and get to the dealer, I am going to order the leather and wood steering.

95 R129
98 W163

[lymlyt]

I've made the following changes to my 92 sl..63K miles:

1. Replaced stock radio with alpine cass/6 cd changer
in trunk/amp/and replaced all 6 speakers....much
better than factory stock!

2. I upgraded wheels with amg sl2pc and perilli tires.


whats next: I'm thinking about having the bumpers
and lower quarters painted to match the rest of the car.
Today it is silver/grey....future is all silver.

[MBenzNL]

Originally posted by lymlyt
whats next: I'm thinking about having the bumpers
and lower quarters painted to match the rest of the car.
Today it is silver/grey....future is all silver.

Are you going to exchange the front fender panels and bumpers for the "97 ones as well? These were the bumpers to go with the car colored set up (instead of the contrast colored set up).
I will change the color of the lower part as well, but I want to change the complete look of the car into that of the "97 model...

greetingz,

[elau]

MBenz,
How much is involved to change out the lower part to '97 look? I have never done body work, and will you consider a project like this a DIY?

95 R129
98 W163

[lymlyt]

MBenz-
Nope, I don't plan to change anything except the paint.
I like the look i have and although newer looks
are fine, i'm happy with the look I have.

[MBenzNL]

elau,

I bought myself some used bumpers and new fog lights and fender panels...There is a used MB bumper shop in the Netherlands that sells the newer model "97 bumper for 1500 dutch guilder (approx 700US$) per set. The new lights and front fender panels were another 1000 guilder (approx 450US$).

If you have some space and tools to work on your car it is definitely a DIY. The bumpers and lower door- & fender panels are fairly easy to exchange.

I plan to do that change sometime before the summer will start and will post the complete modifying story (with pics) on my personal web-site when I am finished.
Currently I am still working on my 300CE...

lymlit,
I am pleased with the current look as well, but the license plates in the Netherlands tell something about the year and month that the car was imported. My 1990 300SL was imported in 1997 (from germany) and has a 1997 related license plate number...I want to upgrade the bumpers to match the license plate.

greetingz,

[G-Benz]

The SL is actually the car that my wife drives, and she barely tolerates my fooling around with cars as it is, so I can't so much as change a fuse without her permission!

I like the ragtop...that is what is characteristic about convertibles anyway. I am baffled about a car of such caliber (and list price) having plasic windows in the first place! My trade-in, a 92 Jaguar XJS V-12 convertible had a glass window, and for Christ sake, so did VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia convertibles !!!

Once when putting the top down, I heard a crack, and saw that the plastic rear window had split across the middle! This, on a car with just over 30K miles!!! Unacceptable! It wasn't covered under warranty, but after complaining about it enough, the dealer had a factory rep look at it, and they ate most of the cost of the repair. Still, I was out $340!

I do like the separate hardtop...it's got a cool factor. Plus, it saves wear on the soft top during the winter months...