Just bought 1990 300sl.

[op1]

Have had several sedans in the past but this is the first sl.
Car has 78,000 miles and I need advice.
1-With his mileage can I switch to synthetic oil?
2-Having problem with the hard top locks. The right front won't release. Also hydraulic leak in the trunk. Is there a simple way to release this lock. I have tried to release it manually with no luck.From my understanding from the previous owner, the top hadn't been taken off in a few years..
3-Noticing some oil on top of the engine. Is there a PCV on this car?
4- there is a large dip in my driveway as I am turning in, apparently the tire is hitting the left front fender and rolling the metal outward. It can be pushed back in place by using a rubber screwdriver handle. Could this indicate a suspension problem or is it a characteristic of this car?

I am definitely not a tech but I can follow directions. Also found a local salvage yard that has 3 wrecked 300 sl's for parts.
Any advice would be appreciated.


http://www.oceanpearl.com

[warren128]

Hello Ben,

Congratulations on your new SL. I bought my 500SL last December, and I'm still learning the ins and outs of the car too. There are far more knowledgeble people here than me, but I can tell you something about the hardtop locks. You can release the locks by using the special hardtop/softtop wrench that should have been included in your toolkit. The special wrench is used to manually lock and unlock the top latches so that you can raise and lower your softop manually or lock/unlock your hardtop. The entire procedure is documented in your owners manual.

The top mechanism and associated hydraulic parts are probably the most prominent weakness of these otherwise very reliable cars.

What size are your rims and tires? Your fender problem definitely does not sound normal.

Also, many answers to our questions can be found by using the search feature on this board.

Warren

p.s. Post a picture of your car when you have a chance.

My '90 500SL:

[elau]

Welcome to the SL club!!

1. You can switch to Mobile 1 if you like, but generally not recommended. You will see an unusal amount of sippage in the first few days because of your gaskets are not made for the synthic. Just change your oil every 3,000 miles using fossil will be OK.

3. Your model year is known for immature head gasket failure. That propably is the cause of your oil stain on the engine. Should have the gasket replaced and it should not cost too much.

Enjoy this fine automobile!!

[op1]

Originally posted by warren128
Hello Ben,

Congratulations on your new SL. I bought my 500SL last December, and I'm still learning the ins and outs of the car too. There are far more knowledgeble people here than me, but I can tell you something about the hardtop locks. You can release the locks by using the special hardtop/softtop wrench that should have been included in your toolkit. The special wrench is used to manually lock and unlock the top latches so that you can raise and lower your softop manually or lock/unlock your hardtop. The entire procedure is documented in your owners manual.

The top mechanism and associated hydraulic parts are probably the most prominent weakness of these otherwise very reliable cars.

What size are your rims and tires? Your fender problem definitely does not sound normal.

Also, many answers to our questions can be found by using the search feature on this board.

Warren

p.s. Post a picture of your car when you have a chance.

My '90 500SL:

[elau]

Op1,
Mine is the same color as yours, but I have light grey interior.

[jskibo]

Congrats OP1. Nice car! I just picked mine up a week ago and I'm loving it!

Good luck with yours!

[95benzman]

Hi OP1/Ben

very nice MB. I like your color combo.
how many miles on the clock? thanks and enjoy your toy.

[op1]

Originally posted by jskibo
Congrats OP1. Nice car! I just picked mine up a week ago and I'm loving it!

Good luck with yours!

83,OOO. 5,000 PUT ON IT IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS.

[Gilly]

Your model year is known for immature head gasket failure

hee hee hee! "Tell that engine to grow up!"

Gilly

[Marc-1]

Do you have the address or phone number of those salvage yards? Would like to get a few parts for mine.
Thanks

[op1]

The top will unlock with the tool but one side will still not release. Will I have to get at the cylinder to release it?