1997 SL500 Sport Questions

[mikeybob2]

Today I took delivery of a 1997 SL500 Sport. I am very pleased with the car and the great deal I got (less than 20 grand for a 1997 sport with 61k miles). The car came without an owners manual and I have one on the way (Hooray for Ebay!) but I am so excited and anxious I can't wait.. I have a few questions:

1). Which switch on the dash controls the roll bar?

2). Does the arm rest open, if so, how? I can only get the top to slide back and forth.

3). How do you release the hardtop? I think its the big red button but not sure if I pull it up or push it down.

4). It only came with one key/remote. Is the only alternative getting one from the dealer (almost $300)?

5).The 2 grill inserts (next to each of the sport foglights) are missing. Anyone know a good source? Dealer?

6). Car does not have the 18" sport wheels, but the vin # confirms it as a sport. Are the sport wheels hard to locate?

I am taking it to the dealer this later this week since the auto transport company disconnected the battery. I have to get them to reset everthing.. the dash is like a Christmas tree, roll bar light, soft top button, some other red light, radio is in code mode, etc..

I appreciate any helpful advice..

Thanks from an anxious and excited new SL owner!!!!

Mike

[HitParader]

I'm also a new owner, but a few answers:

1). Which switch on the dash controls the roll bar?

--The rightmost toggle switch under the radio

2). Does the arm rest open, if so, how? I can only get the top to slide back and forth.

--There's a button on the left side of the center console, it's probably hidden by the driver's seat back.

3). How do you release the hardtop? I think its the big red button but not sure if I pull it up or push it down.

--Yes it's that button, but you have to use in in conjunction with a turn of the ignition key, it's really best to wait and read the owner's manual on hard and soft top operations, or get the dealer to walk you through it.

4). It only came with one key/remote. Is the only alternative getting one from the dealer (almost $300)?

--Don't think there is any alternative. There was also a valet key and a "flat" key for your wallet

[Boudreaux]

Congrats. For the hardtop release, forward to engage/close the top, backwards to disengage/open the soft top. The grill inserts are very expensive ($120 each and doesn't include paint). It would be ideal to get a replacment key (only available from the dealer) but you will need the title to the car to prove ownership otherwise they won't issue a key(s). The radio code is also available from the dealer once you provide them with the VIN.

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Originally posted by mikeybob2
Today I took delivery of a 1997 SL500 Sport. I am very pleased with the car and the great deal I got (less than 20 grand for a 1997 sport with 61k miles). The car came without an owners manual and I have one on the way (Hooray for Ebay!) but I am so excited and anxious I can't wait.. I have a few questions:

1). Which switch on the dash controls the roll bar?

2). Does the arm rest open, if so, how? I can only get the top to slide back and forth.

3). How do you release the hardtop? I think its the big red button but not sure if I pull it up or push it down.

4). It only came with one key/remote. Is the only alternative getting one from the dealer (almost $300)?

5).The 2 grill inserts (next to each of the sport foglights) are missing. Anyone know a good source? Dealer?

6). Car does not have the 18" sport wheels, but the vin # confirms it as a sport. Are the sport wheels hard to locate?

I am taking it to the dealer this later this week since the auto transport company disconnected the battery. I have to get them to reset everthing.. the dash is like a Christmas tree, roll bar light, soft top button, some other red light, radio is in code mode, etc..

I appreciate any helpful advice..

Thanks from an anxious and excited new SL owner!!!!

Mike

Call "Remotes Unlimited" here in Houston..The number is in the phone book..he might be able to help with keys too..