Does my car have the infamous "OVP"? 1984 500SL Euro grey market Mercedes. If it does I can't find it. I can only find 3 metal colored "relays" and another larger one and one even larger black one mounted farther up. Nothing with red or orange.

Look for it on the right side in the passenger compartment to the right and above the fuse panel. If it's like the one on my '85 500 SL it will have a 10 amp fuze on the top of it.

Don

[IMG]Overload Relay.jpg[/IMG]

Here is a pic of what it should look like.
I would be very surprised if you don't have one!!

If the pic does not work, then go to Fastlane Online parts catalogue and drill down to:

MB, 1985 500SEL (other models/years will work too)
Body, electrical
overload relay

and you should see what your looking for.
Note the clear holder on top for 10a bus fuse.

Not to seem ignorant or anything, but what is this ovp that you guys are talking about. Should it be removed, replaced? What?

It is an over-voltage protection "Relay" with a stand-alone fuse on top, that is particularly important during engine startup.

Unfortunately, they are notorious for compensating/becomming less effective with age, and can contribute to rough idle/starts in an effort to continue providing the protection.

Do a search, and you will find .. it is one of the few cases you will have techs recommend replacement, without ever hooked your SL to a diagnostic.

If yours is original/old - replacing the OVP may reduce wear and improve starts, even if you have minor trouble now.