First Winter

[Len Barry]

Hi All, This will be my first winter with my 1998 SL500. I will be keeping it in my unheated (attached to the house garage). Although it gets cold here and we get a few smaller snows its usually mild enough that I should be driving it at least several times a month. Two questions:
1. Should I keep the top down(as I do now), top up, or put the hardtop on?
2. Any thing I need to do special for the winter?

[Dee8go]

You should bring that thing down to my house here in Virginia. I can take good care of it for you during the winter months.

[kbannister]

They have winter in KY

This is our 2nd winter. The car is stored the same as yours. I am planning (or will be) putting the hardtop back on. When the opportunity arrives to take a spin, she is ready. A lot of days nice enough to take a ride but the soft top just doesn't cut it.

[Len Barry]

Dee8go I'll think about it LOL and KB yes a winter but not a very bad one, we normally get a few inches of snow a couple times a year and it can still hit 60 in Dec/Jan LOL

[Cmullen]

I wouldn't bother with the hardtop unles you plan to drive it in bad weather. Otherwise keep the top up and enjoy it whenever you can

[Dee8go]

I used to live in Louisville, Len. Where are you?

[tecqboy]

It may not be a good idea to raise or lower the rag top if the temperature is below 55 degrees. The plastic windows get brittle and can crack. Check your owners manual on that. I live in Wisconsin where it can get really cold. I put the hardtop on at the end of September and leave it on all winter. The car is quieter, stiffer, and looks better with the hardtop. If you leave it in an unheated garage, be sure there is good ventilation. In a tightly closed garage, condensation may develop. Not just on the outside of the car, but everywhere. Condensation = water and that makes for rust and corrosion. Get a breathable car cover to keep the dirt off. Keep an eye out for "critters" who like to build nests. Use a battery tender if you won't be driving for weeks at a time.

[Len Barry]

Thanks tech for the advice, I will do all those things.

[Len Barry]

Dee8go, Live in Florence KY, just south of Cincy Ohio

[cbdo]

As was said, don't raise or lower the soft top when it's cold. On mine, which is stored all winter, I tuck a couple of anti-mildew absorbent packs in the top well (available at your local marine store, such as West Marine). I also use a battery charger, but if you'll be driving a couple of times a month that's not an issue. When you do drive it, run it long enough to get the oil properly warmed up--10 miles minimum IMHO--so you minimize condensate formation.

I had an Audi 4000 when they first came out, which had an oil temp gauge as well as the usual water temp. It was amazing how much longer it takes to get the oil temp up to normal operating level than the water temp; my observations on that car, a small 4-banger, are the basis for suggesting at least a 10-mile run.

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by Len Barry

Hi All, This will be my first winter with my 1998 SL500. I will be keeping it in my unheated (attached to the house garage). Although it gets cold here and we get a few smaller snows its usually mild enough that I should be driving it at least several times a month. Two questions:
1. Should I keep the top down(as I do now), top up, or put the hardtop on?
2. Any thing I need to do special for the winter?

Its a beautiful car.

My fealing is you can only enjoy it if you drive it. I drive mine year round but I try not to drive it in the snow. That leaves me with about 20 days that I cant drive it in CT. I also keep it washed regularly.

If you intend to drive this car only in good weather, leave the hard top off and excersise the soft top once a month in temperatures above 50° F.

I only put my hard top on for Jan and Feb.

The only thing else you need to do it turn the key.

John Roncallo