Brand New to the World of R129 / SL-500's

[racerpaul]

Being that I am 'Brand New to the World of R129 / SL-500's' I figured I would document my experience.

I've always been a TR, MG, Jag wonk and a Formula Ford and F2000 pilot and never had the opportunity to get into the World of Mercedes-Benz!

Did the same thing with my Porsche 912E experience an have found the effort very interesting... meetin new Pelicaners and like minded folks.

Here is the link to that thread over on the Porsche side, 912E Newbie! How am I doin? - Pelican Parts Technical BBS feel free to chime in both here and there...Cheers!

Paul Hubert

[racerpaul]

Description:
The Mercedes SL inspires desire through its long-standing reputation of delivering the highest standards of luxury in a performance roadster. This 1998 SL500 is a timeless classic.

The SL has always been sleek, purposeful, and dignified, with a healthy dose of performance under the surface. The Silver Metallic paint befits it's 'Silver Arrow' Heritage perfectly. In typical Mercedes-Benz standards, the fit and finish is beyond reproach. The doors close with precision usually reserved for cars with solid roofs and with the color-matched bumper and rocker panel moldings, it has a very sporty demeanor. The imposing grille with three-pointed star sets off the handsome lines and lineage of this superb Classic Coupe / Convertible!

This SL has earned its reputation as a luxury cruiser through a long list of desirable features. Comfortable leather heated buckets, with dual memory settings, adjust in every possible direction, the wheel tilts and telescopes, and all that wood is real. But there's another side to Mercedes amenities that are always a nice bonus. This premium marque is known for engineering plenty of safety into their cars, and this can be seen on everything from the dual airbags, to the anti-lock disc brakes, to the roll bar that automatically pops up when danger is detected (it also can be electronically raised on this SL to mount the included rear wind deflector). There are other amenities such as power windows, power steering, power locks, cruise control, automatic climate control, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo.
You not only get a nice folding convertible roof, but this one also comes with the color matching hard top that makes your roadster look like a sleek coupe. Factory Storage Caddy is included.

So this is from some official (I think) and serves as the beginning to this thread.

I purchased 'Nico' from a local family here in Bellport Village through my association with Don Haynes's MVP Automotive which is a local icon all purpose automotive shop right smack in the middle of one of the best kept secrets of Long Island's South Shore... Scenic Bellport Village.

MVP is again, a local iconic Auto Service Shop for nearly 15 years now housed in a former Gas Station / New Car Sales building from the 30's keeping it's rustic brick and white picket fence appearance that does not detract from the heart of the village's charms.

Continued in our next post... stay tuned!

A view of the MVP Shop in the village...

[racerpaul]

Wheel and Tire Upgrade Specs:

WHEELS
(2)8.5 front, ET 30 part number: A230 4012002

(2)9.5 Rear ET 33 part number: A230 4012102


TIRES
(2) front tires: 235-40-18 Hancook Ventus v12 evo

(2) Rear tires: 265-35-18 Hancook Ventus v12 evo

[97 SL320]

The R129 is underrated price wise and a very good deal.

Like any other older car most need some rejuvenation. The convertible top hydraulic cylinders leak from the rod seals. Aftermarket seals are sold ( of varying quality from o rings to properly machined seals ) at low cost but the labor to change can be $$ due to time involved to change 11 to 12 of them. ( your car should have 11 )

On the transmission, remove the plug on the right front ( turn the lock ring CCW when looking from the wire end then pull the plug out. ). If you find fluid, the case connector sleeve needs replaced, plug cleaned. Pull the passenger foot area carpet back then remove the metal board ( like a 911 / 914 ) , the trans computer is attached to the back of this board. Remove the plugs and see if oil has made it's way to the computer, clean accordingly. This trans is used on lots of Chrysler products so parts are reasonable.

Most of the mechanical bits are standard car stuff. You will need a scan tool that plugs into the under hood 38 pin connector to access anything beyond the engine computer. Everything on this car has a separate computer and diagnostic line. There are adapters for the 38 to engine OBD but that is the same as plugging in under the dash and won't get you to the other computers.

[racerpaul]

Thanks for weighing in!

Great info. Had to do all 11 of the hydraulics on the top, used Top Hydraulics, Inc. They were fabulous to work with and have a good rebuild program.

Look forward to more responses.

Paul