Bought a 89m560sl for my father, lost on some issues... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

IHateUserNames · #1 06-11-2009, 05:39 PM

I bought a 89 560sl for my father for fathers day, and I am getting it ready to surprise him with it. It is silver, 60k miles, and I got a PPI for it which gave it a clean bill of health.

When it was delivered though there are a few issues which surprised me. When I started the car I heared a whirring sound from the back of the vehicle, which I thought me be normal, but I decided to check. On my old E30 I would have pulled the back seat and checked the fuel pump, so I pulled what was back there and found standing water and maggots. BAD.

I cleaned that all out, I figure it is probably a hard top seal issue, and its not the end of the world since it has probably seen its last rain storm, at least with the hard top on.

Also, the steering wheel, it seems to be angled slightly towards the drivers side door, regardless the wheels position. It drives and steers very weel, and there is no gap where the wheel meets the column, is that normal?

But that sound is still there, and even louder if you stick you head in the trunk.

Also, nothing happens when I hit the hazards switch. The turn signals work fine, as do the marker lights and headlights. This made me realize I dont even know where the fuse panel is. There are no manuals that came with the vehicle.

What could be causing a rising and falling whirring non periodic whirring sound from the back of the car? Where is the fuse panel?

I have been lurking for about 2 weeks trying to get up to speed on the 107, but I am not even close to fluency yet. I am not sure how to even search on this topic.

Any help with information to get this car ready will be greatly appreciated!

jplinville · #2 06-11-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHateUserNames

I bought a 89 560sl for my father for fathers day, and I am getting it ready to surprise him with it. It is silver, 60k miles, and I got a PPI for it which gave it a clean bill of health.

When it was delivered though there are a few issues which surprised me. When I started the car I heared a whirring sound from the back of the vehicle, which I thought me be normal, but I decided to check. On my old E30 I would have pulled the back seat and checked the fuel pump, so I pulled what was back there and found standing water and maggots. BAD.

I cleaned that all out, I figure it is probably a hard top seal issue, and its not the end of the world since it has probably seen its last rain storm, at least with the hard top on.

Also, the steering wheel, it seems to be angled slightly towards the drivers side door, regardless the wheels position. It drives and steers very weel, and there is no gap where the wheel meets the column, is that normal?

But that sound is still there, and even louder if you stick you head in the trunk.

Also, nothing happens when I hit the hazards switch. The turn signals work fine, as do the marker lights and headlights. This made me realize I dont even know where the fuse panel is. There are no manuals that came with the vehicle.

What could be causing a rising and falling whirring non periodic whirring sound from the back of the car? Where is the fuse panel?

I have been lurking for about 2 weeks trying to get up to speed on the 107, but I am not even close to fluency yet. I am not sure how to even search on this topic.

Any help with information to get this car ready will be greatly appreciated!

The sound you hear is likely the fuel pumps...there are two of them. If they are real loud, they probably need replaced or at least taken out and back flushed. When you replace/repair them, replace the fuel filters as well.

The steering wheel issue is normal...it was done to allow easier entrance into the vehicle.

The fuse panel is on the passenger side kick panel. Other relays and such are behind the glove box insert.

Welcome to the world of the 107.

I hope your dad enjoys the car as much as I do!

donbryce · #3 06-11-2009, 06:29 PM

I agree on the fuel pump sound. They 'hang' underneath the rear, with an open box-like, black plastic protective cover. You'll need to get under there and verify the sound source, which could be a non-functioning power antenna motor too (inside trunk behind left side panel). My $ is on those pumps though.

IHateUserNames · #4 06-11-2009, 07:12 PM

I already replaced the grommet around the antenna mast, so I found that and the sound is not coming from there. Fuel pumps it may be.

I am glad to hear the steering wheel things is normal.

What is supposed to happen on this car when the hazards are on?

My father has been talking about how much he loves these cars since I was knee high to a pigs eye, so once I get it sorted I think he will love it! I am trying to not give him a project.

jplinville · #5 06-12-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHateUserNames

I already replaced the grommet around the antenna mast, so I found that and the sound is not coming from there. Fuel pumps it may be.

I am glad to hear the steering wheel things is normal.

What is supposed to happen on this car when the hazards are on?

My father has been talking about how much he loves these cars since I was knee high to a pigs eye, so once I get it sorted I think he will love it! I am trying to not give him a project.

Go here for help with the hazard relay issue. location of turn/hazard relay on '87 560SL

mbboy · #6 06-12-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHateUserNames

When it was delivered though there are a few issues which surprised me. When I started the car I heared a whirring sound from the back of the vehicle, which I thought me be normal, but I decided to check. On my old E30 I would have pulled the back seat and checked the fuel pump, so I pulled what was back there and found standing water and maggots. BAD.

I cleaned that all out, I figure it is probably a hard top seal issue, and its not the end of the world since it has probably seen its last rain storm, at least with the hard top on.

I wouldn't be so sure that that water's from a hard top leak, since water that come's in through rust holes in the floor, fenders and rockers will also often gather under the back seat. The only way to tell for sure is to pull the carpeting and see if you have any rust holes.

IHateUserNames · #7 06-12-2009, 09:07 AM

After I found the standing water and maggots, I pulled every piece of bottom interior not glued down or bolted in, including the trunk and spare. Only thing I found was some grime, and a green crayon. Boy was I relieved that there was no rust!

BDBENZ · #8 06-12-2009, 12:10 PM

There are two drains in the soft top storage bay( under the cover lid) that drain water that can get in, especially if you use a car wash. Make sure that they are not stopped up or have a bad hose. They are located on each side right behind the door jam area. Mine were plugged when I first got my SL. I also cleaned out the same type of drains under the hood cowl as well. The Sl has at least four or six of these type of drains that should be checked annually.

coleyjf · #9 06-14-2009, 01:45 AM

Hi there

I agree that the sound could be one or both of the fuel pumps - Also in the trunk of a Euro version (the boot to us Brits) behind the first aid/tool compartment is the compressor that drives the vacuum system which operates the central locking - not sure if it's the same in the US models but I think so. You could have a leak in the system ( very common ) which would cause the pump to stay on for ages when you've locked/unlocked the doors etc.

If it IS one of the fuel pumps it's not the end of the world in cost terms, I replaced mine ( there's only one in my 300SL) on eBay (UK site) for around £30 UK ( about $45) +P&P for a new Bosh pump. it's been as quiet as a mouse since then! ( I can't find the seller at the moment but If I do later I'll post it up for you).

Happy Motoring to your Dad

Cheers

Jim

Mistress · #10 06-14-2009, 07:13 AM

What a great gift for Father's Day and I hope you get everything worked out in time.

karburn · #11 06-19-2009, 11:28 AM

I speak from experience about buzzing fuel pumps. Don't wait - get them looked at. I let it go too long and ended up having to replace everything: both pumps, filter, etc. An expensive lesson. Good luck with the SL - indeed a GREAT gift.

jplinville · #12 06-23-2009, 10:16 PM

Well, what did your dad think of his new toy?

Harro10 · #13 04-09-2010, 07:13 PM

Almost one year later and so far I (Dad) love the car. My son changed the fuel pumps before I got it and it has been relatively trouble free. It has not been in any significant rain but my wife and I are taking it on a trip this weekend and it is supposed to rain so I will check the rear carpet for moisture afterward. The car was in storage from Dec through March with the soft top up. I just finished putting the hardtop on and this will be the first time I have driven the car with it on since it was delivered. I took a 15 minute test drive and although it is quieter I miss the option of lowering the top at will.
Thanks to all for the advise to my son in getting the 560SL set up.