Is the arm rest sprained if it is not 90 degrees to the seat? If so, can it be straightened .......it presently just doesn't look right.

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Looked at from above, it should be straight fore and aft; the bracket tends to bend a bit with repeated weight-bearing as you get in and out. A bit of moderately gentle yet fairly firm pressure on the arm can adjust it if needed.

Looked at from the side, it should be something on the general order of horizontal, so it's comfortable to the arm when in use. The bracket's a bit more rigid in this direction, and I've not found mine to sag at all.

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Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)

from what you say, it is obviously out of alignment . From side view it is horizontally okay but from birds eye view it is slightly in the direction of the passenger seat. Do you speak from experience that it can be adjusted carefully without causing damage? I am sure there are more SL's that have the same problem. Thanks for your responce.

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Mine was maybe 10 degrees or so to the passenger's side, and I simply re-bent the bracket by pulling the armrest back into position; worked fine.

__________________
Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)

Mine also sits toward the passenger seat as well, but when it up it is perfectly straight. It appears that it is supposed to be that way. I was reluctant to bend on the arm.

Bill

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87 560 SL
93 300E 2.8
91 300CE-24

I carefully pushed it back into position as you suggested and now it looks perfect. It also folds up okay as it did before. It was obviously strained by constant use. Thanks again

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You have all been lucky. I bent mine back (and forth, back and forth) but the shaft is braized into the bracket and the the shaft has pulled out of the hole. I could braze it back but haven't attacked this job. Anyone know how to remove those platic chromed covers on the side of the seat?

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Steve
1985 Mercedes 500SL Euro (Gray market)
1995 BMW 520i Euro (Gray market)
1992 BMW 525it Wagon
1994 Honda Del Sol Si

The plastic covers are held on by pins that are part of them and press-fit through holes in the plates under them; IIRC there may be a spring clip involved as well. Getting them on when you're replacing them is a fairly annoying trick, and I suspect getting one off without breaking off the pin is more so.

__________________
Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)

These chromed covers are a pain in the neck . Very poorly designed and not meant for removal. Be prepared to be inventive when trying to re-attach, the plastic pins are very brittle and break off easily. I had to use some two faced silicone sticky tape in the end...worked pretty good. Good luck and sorry to hear your bracket broke , hope someone can suggest what you might do to fix it.

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Dalai Lama.