Discussion
Bought an R129 SL500 a couple of weeks ago. Been out a couple of times, on my own and with my wife.
Today I let her drive it.
She's decided the colour is "girly", likes the drive and quality and wants it for herself rather than a MINI convertible she has been fancying.
She's never driven any of the last 4 TVRs I've owned or the Caterham......
On a mechanical question, is that the diff filler plug on the LHS of the diff, what size is the hex to fit it and what grade oil should I use?
Thanks and advice on any of the above welcome.
Today I let her drive it.
She's decided the colour is "girly", likes the drive and quality and wants it for herself rather than a MINI convertible she has been fancying.
She's never driven any of the last 4 TVRs I've owned or the Caterham......
On a mechanical question, is that the diff filler plug on the LHS of the diff, what size is the hex to fit it and what grade oil should I use?
Thanks and advice on any of the above welcome.
I did mine, but a few yrs ago, so can't remember. However one of the most useful things purchased was a workshop manual on disc, cost about a tenner. Included an invaluable electronic trouble shooting guide complete with wiring diagrams.
Benzworld.org has a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive R129 community.
Nice colour combo BTW, I had to go for a black interior. At my price range the light interiors were looking shabby, and because its a daily, Inc tip runs, forestry work, tools, holidays, dog(s) easier to keep looking tidy.
(roof down, seat reclined, roll bar up, you can shift remarkable lengths of wood)
Benzworld.org has a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive R129 community.
Nice colour combo BTW, I had to go for a black interior. At my price range the light interiors were looking shabby, and because its a daily, Inc tip runs, forestry work, tools, holidays, dog(s) easier to keep looking tidy.
(roof down, seat reclined, roll bar up, you can shift remarkable lengths of wood)
Edited by PositronicRay on Friday 13th September 08:51
PositronicRay said:
I did mine, but a few yrs ago, so can't remember. However one of the most useful things purchased was a workshop manual on disc, cost about a tenner. Included an invaluable electronic trouble shooting guide complete with wiring diagrams.
Benzworld.org has a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive R129 community.
Nice colour combo BTW, I had to go for a black interior. At my price range the light interiors were looking shabby, and because its a daily, Inc tip runs, forestry work, tools, holidays, dog(s) easier to keep looking tidy.
(roof down, seat reclined, roll bar up, you can shift remarkable lengths of wood)
Thanks Ray, will investigate the Workshop Manual, think it might be invaluable in the months to come.Benzworld.org has a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive R129 community.
Nice colour combo BTW, I had to go for a black interior. At my price range the light interiors were looking shabby, and because its a daily, Inc tip runs, forestry work, tools, holidays, dog(s) easier to keep looking tidy.
(roof down, seat reclined, roll bar up, you can shift remarkable lengths of wood)
Edited by PositronicRay on Friday 13th September 08:51
As a footnote, I have seen somewhere an explanation of the VIN number. Stating what each letter/Number refers to. Any clues where that was?
Trying to confirm I have an LSD diff before buying oil. I've got a load of Castrol B373 which I use in a Caterham LSD. The diff case rear is finned if that's a clue.
It takes a 14mm hex key for both the filler and drain key. I’m not sure if an LSD was optional on “cooking” 129 SLs (rather than AMGs etc) but my standard car has a finned diff. On SECs, for example, there’s a small metal tag attached to the diff indicating it’s an LSD. I use Fuchs Sintopoid FE SAE 75W-85 on my standard car, which meets MB spec 235.7 which research suggests is the correct type.
Stegel said:
It takes a 14mm hex key for both the filler and drain key. I’m not sure if an LSD was optional on “cooking” 129 SLs (rather than AMGs etc) but my standard car has a finned diff. On SECs, for example, there’s a small metal tag attached to the diff indicating it’s an LSD. I use Fuchs Sintopoid FE SAE 75W-85 on my standard car, which meets MB spec 235.7 which research suggests is the correct type.
All correct. The correct Fuchs oil is available from Opie Oils and is quite reasonable. You'll need 1.6 litres. The filler plug is on the LHS. It is quite hard to access, various things being in the way. Always loosen the filler before loosening the drain (which is on the RHS). Apart from the access issue, it is an easy job, especially if the oil is warm. A LSD was not available on any 129 so far as I am aware (whereas it was standard on most UK market r107s and c126s). Quaife do a LSD conversion for about £1,000.
sim16v said:
Good choice, I have started looking at R129s for Euro road trips.
Type "Mercedes Vin Decoder" in to google and it will come up with a few website choices.
Enter your Vin and it should give near enough the factory spec of your car.
Interesting/worrying..Type "Mercedes Vin Decoder" in to google and it will come up with a few website choices.
Enter your Vin and it should give near enough the factory spec of your car.
Interior and roof colour (it has had a new roof) incorrect
Body color correct though
Original Order was NATO Employees, which explains the ref on V5 that it has been out of the UK at some point.
What do these refer to?
SA numbers
Parameter Value
46 11090/56 11112/58
54 11112/58 11163/68 11282/65 11290/15 11313/65 11313/67 11547/83
62 56795/41
63 56461/14
72 56730/01 56795/41 56813/06
75 56795/41
82 11282/65 11290/15 11313/65 11313/67 56461/14 56720/01 56720/02 56724/01 56724/02 56725/01 56725/02 56725/03 56725/04
88 56795/41
91 56724/01 56724/02 56725/01 56725/02 56725/03 56725/04
Edited by Skyedriver on Wednesday 18th September 22:09
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