Resurrecting an R129 from 7 year sleep

[Tory90]

Hi,
New to the forum and really need your help.

Wife's '95 SL500 (bought new, original owner) has been sitting for seven years and just now getting woken up. It conked out on a busy Dallas street (MAF sensor?) and put in carport. Then dead battery. Then seven years go by.

So far: Drained gas, blew out fuel lines, new battery, new oil/filter and it started right up and drove. Next was new rotors, pad & tires now. Seems to be OK going around the block. New blower motor for AC.

Now what? Engine harness - going to check, but know I'll be shopping for harnesses. So, which harness(es), and where to buy. Read Delphi makes a good one vs OEM. Want fresh, not NOS. Recommendations?

What else should should be on my resurrection list?

Thanks in advance for you input,
Tory

[Sugar Bear]

Brake hoses and brake flush. Coolant drain and refill.

Have the tires aged out? Seven years is about max time life expectancy.

Exhaust hangers.

How do the belts look? MBZ OE hoses are very durable but check them.

Fuel filter.

[Tory90]

Thanks SB. Good list. Tires are now new Michelins. Never would have thought of exhaust hangers. Little worried about lower A-arm bushings, but will check.

Any ideas on replacing wire harnesses? The '95 still has the OEM biodegradable insulations. What were they thinking?!

[Sugar Bear]

Inspect it first, if it looks good I'd leave it.
A late '95 might be ok??? If it is failing it will be obvious...worse than I ever imagined. My '93 124 was like a bunch of wire with practically zero insulation.

If you plan on keeping it long term I would suggest searching one out even if the current one is ok. What brand or source? Sorry no idea.

Good luck!!!

[back-seat-driver]

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

Brake hoses and brake flush. Coolant drain and refill.

Have the tires aged out? Seven years is about max time life expectancy.

Exhaust hangers.

How do the belts look? MBZ OE hoses are very durable but check them.

Fuel filter.

This.

Change all the fluids (transmission, brake, power steering, hydraulic (for the top) coolant, etc,) all the rubber parts (tires, exhaust hangers, serpentine belt, suspension parts, etc.)

If it has an OVP, knock that out as well. I'd only worry about the harness after doing the normal maintenance items; oil and filter, transmission oil and filter, belt, brake fluid, coolant, etc.

[Tory90]

Where can I find the build date of the car? Is there a data plate/sticker somewhere on a 129. Might be good to know as I source parts along with the VIN. Thanks for your help.

[Sugar Bear]

Should be on the driver's door decal.

[Tory90]

BSD,
I'm a car guy with classic American cars, but new to the MB side. So where in the heck is the OVP relay on a '95 SL 500? Searched online, but they seem to be well hidden in numerous spots on various models/years.

You guys are giving me lots to do this week!