R129 Technical Articles Mercedes SL

[Trinidad at Peach Parts]

How many of you would like to see some DIY/how to articles for the 3000SL, 320SL,500Sl & SL500?

What type of information/projects would you like to learn about? Pelican,Peach Parts just finished over 40 how to articles on the W210 E320. Were looking at doing a W201 next and may be doing some DIY's on the R chassis's if it will be helpful to fellow Mercedes enthusiasts.

[tdoriot]

Perfect. These cars have many areas that need how to breakdowns. Articles on the systems would be much appreciated. For instance, I have just solved the ASR issue on a 1993 600sl by rewiring the throttle actuators. Cured non operative center HVAC by replacing the vacuum distribution block in the computer bay and replaced the latch sliding armrest in the car. Then there is other guys with hydraulic top issues, ADS issues etc. Make it happen ! Tracy

[bkc]

As someone who just acquired a 1991 300SL, I'd love to see more DIY info. I've gotten spoiled with all the W124 love.

Current known issues:
* left rear hardtop release has to be done manually
* driver door locking compartment broken
* passenger seat controls panel falling off
* seatbelt idiot light never turns off
* rollbar switch often blinks a lot (haven't figured out pattern yet)
* rough idle until warms up (about 15-30 min) -- distributor condensation?
* front seals on tranny allegedly leaking (haven't gotten chance to check myself yet)
* passenger door lock doesn't lock rest of car with key, but does from remote or door button

Current issues that should only matter for a few months (until diesel conversion):
* typical M104 coolant leaking from right rear corner (oil in coolant, too)
* disintegrating wiring harness ("upgraded" at some point with 93-95 harness, maybe?)

I am sure I will find other issues, but hopefully nothing major.

(I plan to use the 300SL as is--with disintegrating wiring harness and typical M104 coolant leak--for the summer, then convert it to use the OM602 out of my wrecked W124 [thanks, Domino's driver].)

[flomofo]

Finally registered for the r129 section if it happens.

[Trinidad at Peach Parts]

Were putting together lists of projects for multiple Mercedes Chassis based off what you guys want to learn about. Currently we started on the W201 and have finished over 20 DIY articles so far. Before we publish them they need to be edited.

Keep the requests coming.

[NoMoreSIDS]

Techniques to deal with Engine and Trans Overheating

Transmission - In-depth techniques dealing with common pressure related problems.

[mywifes300se]

I have been a 129 owner for almost a year now and would love to see ANY of said articles or videos. I personally have replaced all top hydraulics and now looking at the center vents diagnosis (don't blow while accelerating), trans vacuum adjustment (hard at low rpm), and soft top cable replacement. I've been told my cat-converters will need replacing sometime in the future as well as like to know more about engine wiring replacement (no problems yet but have heard stories). ANY and ALL info is fantastic. BTW, got rid of the 300se as well as the driver so I guess I might have to change my ID sooner or later.

[po7553]

I would love to see more dyi stuff for my 1992 300 SL 24.I now has 197000 miles and it is my daily driver and small things are starting to go wrong such as switches and top problems.So anything I can learn will greatly be appreciated.Thanks

[82380sl]

Hi there -- as someone who has benefited immensely from Pelican articles on the Porsche 911 and from Wayne's book on the 911, any articles from the basics to the specialized on common problems and maintenance would be welcome. Just follow the same topics as dealt with in the 911 book!

[flint1383]

Hello all,
I bought my wife a 90 500sl and would LOVE to see anything related to DIYers. Currently my two biggest issues are no brake lights, and locating/replacing the coolant temperature sensor. HELP US!!!

[bkc]

Hi, Flint1383.

Looks like you have an R129.066 with an M119.960 motor. I'm no expert, but I'll offer up what I know from my R129 as well as multiple W124's, a close sibling of the r129.

=== Coolant sensor
* typically at the back of the valve cover or head, between engine and firewall
* sometimes attached to the water pump

=== Brake lights:
* check fuses - fusebox is under the hood, just ahead of the windshield on the driver's side. There should be a sheet with fuse labels inside the cover.
* make sure the lightbulbs have not had their contact tips worn down. I often find them sheared to an angle by the brass connectors.
* use a voltmeter to test whether power is going to the taillights when the brake pedal is pressed. You can just remove the bulb and test against the contacts (bulb holder cylinder walls and brass tab.
* wiring can get abraded near the trunk hinges/supports, which will of course break the connection
* light monitoring module can break, cutting off signal/power to lights -- under the soft plastic cover under the hood in front of the passenger seat. It should be a black relay about 3in x 1in. Not sure the best way to test it except by trying someone else's

Hope something in there helps!

-bkc

[rob4mm]

I'd sure like to know the ID's of the fuses in the trunk of my R129. Do they control any part of the audio system? I can't find ID anywhere in manual.
Many thanks
Newbie (of course)

[Chris at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by rob4mm

I'd sure like to know the ID's of the fuses in the trunk of my R129. Do they control any part of the audio system? I can't find ID anywhere in manual.
Many thanks
Newbie (of course)

I believe this is it- if you're having an issue with the audio system it may just be a dirty potentiometer (i.e. your volume knob). I usually have to clean mine out every year or so.