The battery in my 1983 500 SEL euro has gone dead once a year for the past three years. The local garage always replaces it with a new one (at no cost) and it lasts all summer until I put the car away for the winter. This year the new battery went dead after the car sat at the autobody shop for three weeks. I checked with a Mercedes mechanic who suggested checking the pump for the power door locks. Sure enough with the ignition off, the circuit was still drawing current. I pulled the fuse and the draw stopped. Where is the pump located? Can I disconnect it and still use the fuse for the clock and the four way flashers? What is involved in changing the pump?

Thanks for the help.

jeff, thanks for the post. I just purchased an '83 500sl euro and the battery has gone dead twice on me. Which fuse is the pump for the locks located? which number? If I understand your comment well enought this fuse also controls the flasers and the clock. I look forward to any help here as well. Many thanks

The car is back at the autobody shop, so I cannot tell you which fuse it is. As soon as it returns, I will let you know.