I'm new to this venue so bear with me. Soon I'll need to bring a 1988 560SL out of long term covered storage--5 years. Car has 22000 miles, and was dealer maintained, but had no special preparation to go into storage. Of course the battery is dead and the engine has not turned over during this time. I'll have the local dealer do the work, but would like some input on what may need to be done, what the potential problems may be, what the dealer may tell me etc. What about sticking rings and other engine components? Should all the fluids be replaced? Should all rubber components be changed? Other advice is welcomed.

harcar,

I don't think you'll have to get too carried away. Changing fluids will be a good idea, but after you drive it just a few miles.

If it were mine, I'd try to get some fresh gas in it, then drain the oil and put in a new filter. I'd start it up and drive it about 20 miles to get it to operating temperature, then drain the oil and change the filter. Another oil change in about 500 or 1,000 miles wouldn't hurt, then go onto a good frequent oil change program.

Things to change for sure would be; flush and bleed brakes, transmission fluid and filter, air filter( it wouldn't hurt to ensure that the intake tract leading to the filter doesn't have any critter nests before starting)

Give a very close look at belts and hoses.

Sounds like a really fun project, if I were there I'd get a kick out of helping.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles