new member 1st mercedes 1973 450sl

problem -car runs fine after a full warm up at least 15 minutes very sluggish bucks stalls in first 15 minutes is this normal for a car this old any suggestions local mechanic says does not need tune up or maybe he doesnt know how to admit he lacks knowledge of german cars i live in connecticut any good mechanics all help greatly appreciated thank you

[Mark Herzig]

I'll jump in first and welcome you to MercedesShop...

First, NO, that is NOT the way they are supposed to drive. There are plenty of great examples of '73 Mercedes right there in the driving mainstream....

Find a knowledgable mechanic... Get the comprehensive list of what it needs and start wittling away at the list as your budget allows...

Generally, these cars were made to last IF properly maintained. You may be the one that has to invest to get this one up to "standards"... it's kinda like taking in a stray from the pound.... Half the FUN is getting them back to original working condition and marvelling in WHAT the engineering from that time is REALLY communicating to you!

... anyway.... back to my Tim Leary memoirs and black light posters!!!

[Roger]

JM

Welcome to the world of MBZ! I suspect your SL can quickly and easily be coaxed to run as smooth as silk all the time; but, you must take it to a qualified Mercedes mechanic!

I am a relatively new MB owner, and this is what I have learned that seems to NOT be model and year specific:
-Mercedes are better cars than I ever imagined, and I have owned some 20+ cars that wern't mercedes.
-It's not that it's German made, it's just that your auto has some unique engineering features, not shared by BMW, VW, or even Ford (or even Chrysler). These differences are just not known to the usual, though highly skilled, mechanic.
-Mercedes CANNOT be properly "handled" by mechanics not VERY familiar with the beast. Better you pick a mechanic that deals at least almost exclusively with MB.
-Many competent mechanics will not work on a Mercedes, except maybe as a favor, because they know what they do not know.
And remember; quality counts, and thrill is well worth it.

Good luck, and ENJOY!

Roger
75 240D
86 560SL
Others

[jerryb]

Your car has electronic fuel injection, there is a warm up valve to enrichen fuel when cold, there is a sensor on the right front of the engine next to the one for your temp gauge, you will need a manual to get proper specs. You check it with an ohm meter, different temp, different resistance.