SL500 progress and thank you all!

[Duh_Vinci]

Cheers all!

I must say, so much valuable information to be learned on this forum. For example, little clips that most never even heard of, to stop the header panel from sagging, found this awesome link on this forum partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com and sure enough, available still. Little pieces like these make a difference to me! Ordered this morning.

Finished the arm rest, that gas strut certainly was not a priority with the needs for transmission, paint and such, but what a nice thing to have it functioning again!

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

And the summer is over in VA... Just installed the hardtop back on to the red devil. But not before addressing few things.

Used the leftover Rattletrap on the hard top, it does make a big difference in this little interior



Got the missing plugs for the hard top "manual" lock down



No more holes



Fitted the spare set of corner trims from the donor car (not cracked yet, but they will in time)



I did order the all metal corners from Germany, via Amazon UK, a friend will be bring these pieces to me in 2 weeks when she is back from the travels (seller does not ship to US for some reason at no extra cost), but that would be the last set I will ever replace. Factory pieces just don't hold, and priced ridiculously from MB for what they are...

I've noticed that the header panel was sagging a little on both sides (the interior panel at the top of the windshield), thought it was just the old age, it wasn't...



Whoever "worked" on this car before, never mounted the clips on this panel, 4 in total, no wonder it looked bowed/sagging a little on both sides. Not anymore...



All these little pieces make such a big difference during these last 10% of final assembly of this project car, just that much more complete in every aspect. Interior not looks nowhere the age of the car, its tidy, fresh, solid and presents as if the car has been well cared for and garaged it's whole life!

The hard top went on yesterday, rained all night, glad to see absolutely zero leaks this morning. Why not in the garage - the Water Pump failed on E500, so that thing is in the garage waiting for the parts. Fun time riding with the tow truck for an hour through the back roads on Friday. About to google on details on that W211 water pump R&R, can't be that difficult...

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Fall in Virginia, love this time of the year!




Regards,
D

 

[TerryA]

D,

Terrific photography! Those fall colors look great. Your pics belong in a magazine.

BTW, The SL looks terrific also!!
Great shots!!

lol

 

[Duh_Vinci]

D,

Terrific photography! Those fall colors look great. Your pics belong in a magazine.

BTW, The SL looks terrific also!!
Great shots!!

lol

Terry, you are entirely too kind! Appreciate the kind words! And I love this car! Never felt the same about the my silver one, possibly because I've spent so much time with the red devil over the past 1.5 years? Just "bonded" with the car lol

Friend brought the sunvisor caps from Germany with her last trip, R129 and W124 convertible fit - all metal!!! I opted the pieces made by Wiltec, powdercoated black 28.95 EUR Abdeckkappe Aufnahme Sonnenblende links für Mercedes SL R129 W124 These would have look fine even with it's smooth black finish, as in the factory photos above, but I did add the texture



And mounted...



Overall, I couldn't be happier with the set, there is something to be set when you tighten down this screw, knowing that it will NOT break, you will NOT hear the dreaded "CRACK..." very solid, great support for for those panels to!

Last pair I would ever have to buy for this car, that is for sure!

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I enjoy driving this car immensely, looking forward to every weekend to take it out of the garage. Wavy country roads from this morning:







Let the car cool of a little... 1 year later, 5k miles later, almost 125K car, 8.0L went in and siphoned exactly 8.0L. Got to love the it!



I've noticed last year that MANN filters didn't have the perforated perimeter wrap. Not sure how important it is, but MAHLE is on the shelf with spares now for few oil changes...



Will do it again in about a year!



Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I drove my old R129 today (SL320, now my brother's), I was surprised that the head unit still recognized my phone and spotify started right up... I forgot how wonderful that sound system was! Specially compared to what I have in this R129.

I've been building sound systems the early 90's, but really wanted to simplify components in this project car SL500, installing simple Focal "integration" 2-way 6.5" components in the front, matching Focal 6x9 in the rear storage compartments (10" slim Pioneer subwoofer and 5ch Class-D JVC amp)

I will be re-doing the system this summer for sure. I've installed 3-way components consist of 7" Dayton Audio reference series midbass drivers with Dayton matching 3" midrange drivers in the front doors, along with Peerless tweeters in the dash (and same 3" mid and tweeters for the rear fill)

P1010209 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

Dayton Audio RS75-4 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

VIFA/Peerless Tweeter by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

R129 Dayton Audio by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

I'm was so pleased with that setup, today was a great reminder of that system... I will have to do this again, these basic Focal's just not doing it it for me. Will use the same Dayton/Peerless combo for the front stage, but for the rear, will replace 6x9 with Dayton 8" woofers, should bring back some of the bass tones back in the cabin while the top is down.

Regards,
D

 

[Jlaa]

I don't know how I missed this thread, but I just read it from beginning to end, and I very much enjoyed reading about your progress - such a labor of love. And the Carlsson 1/6s are fantastic ..... and arrrrghhh to interior plastics that lack UV inhibitors!

I learned from your stories that (1) the M119 R129 does NOT have the little dots on the speedometer to indicate maximum speed in a particular gear. Interesting.

Also (2) that whirring sound just off idle that the car exhibits after mashing the gas in the "I just installed the Carlsson back box" video is very very lovely. I love that whirring sound followed by the sound of the back box.

I enjoy driving this car immensely, looking forward to every weekend to take it out of the garage. Wavy country roads from this morning:

Since you have both, I was wondering what your impressions of driving your M119 r129 vs your M119 500E are, as both are very much related?

BTW I have your same oil extractor.

I drove my old R129 today (SL320, now my brother's), I was surprised that the head unit still recognized my phone and spotify started right up... I forgot how wonderful that sound system was! Specially compared to what I have in this R129.

I've been building sound systems the early 90's, but really wanted to simplify components in this project car SL500, installing simple Focal "integration" 2-way 6.5" components in the front, matching Focal 6x9 in the rear storage compartments (10" slim Pioneer subwoofer and 5ch Class-D JVC amp)

I will be re-doing the system this summer for sure. I've installed 3-way components consist of 7" Dayton Audio reference series midbass drivers with Dayton matching 3" midrange drivers in the front doors, along with Peerless tweeters in the dash (and same 3" mid and tweeters for the rear fill)

View attachment 102445P1010209 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

View attachment 102446Dayton Audio RS75-4 by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

View attachment 102447VIFA/Peerless Tweeter by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

View attachment 102448R129 Dayton Audio by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

I'm was so pleased with that setup, today was a great reminder of that system... I will have to do this again, these basic Focal's just not doing it it for me. Will use the same Dayton/Peerless combo for the front stage, but for the rear, will replace 6x9 with Dayton 8" woofers, should bring back some of the bass tones back in the cabin while the top is down.

I will be following this. I would be curious to understand what you think are the shortcomings of your current system. Do you think that those shortcomings are a result of:

a) Driver SELECTION (which would explain you replacing the Focal Integration Stuff with VIFA/Dayton Audio/etc.)
b) Driver PLACEMENT?
c) Or Crossover threshold selection?

I would also like to understand how you use DSP, aside from time alignment, when tuning it. Thanks.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I don't know how I missed this thread, but I just read it from beginning to end, and I very much enjoyed reading about your progress - such a labor of love. And the Carlsson 1/6s are fantastic ..... and arrrrghhh to interior plastics that lack UV inhibitors!

I learned from your stories that (1) the M119 R129 does NOT have the little dots on the speedometer to indicate maximum speed in a particular gear. Interesting.

Exactly, these clusters are almost "identical" to W140 cars with few internal differences, but visually identical to the S-Class.

Also (2) that whirring sound just off idle that the car exhibits after mashing the gas in the "I just installed the Carlsson back box" video is very very lovely. I love that whirring sound followed by the sound of the back box.

I really enjoy the sound of this box. It is very very civil under normal driving conditions with a tone that is buttery and just deeper enough to know it is not stock. And yet, that whirring sound as you noted is very very satisfying indeed. Under full load, it is very throaty though!

Since you have both, I was wondering what your impressions of driving your M119 r129 vs your M119 500E are, as both are very much related?

BTW I have your same oil extractor.

Unfortunately, my E500 was not W124, it was W211 with M113 (now totaled by insurance company due to the deer encounter). So I wish I had .036 but never even driven one! I would assume, since there is much shared between the two (engine, brakes, transmission, many suspension components and such), the driving experience would not be a world apart, however, the shorter wheel base of R129 I'm guessing would make it a little rougher ride and having no solid roof would make the handling suffer a bit?

As for the oil extractor, I bought it after your recommendation in one of posts here. It gets a great use over and over again! So indeed, thanks for the review, like it a great deal!

I will be following this. I would be curious to understand what you think are the shortcomings of your current system. Do you think that those shortcomings are a result of:

a) Driver SELECTION (which would explain you replacing the Focal Integration Stuff with VIFA/Dayton Audio/etc.)

b) Driver PLACEMENT?

c) Or Crossover threshold selection?

Driver selection 1st and placement 2nd I believe...

Factory Bose system, even when seen better days: "uninspiring" to say the least. The sound is there, but one can not get any excitement out of it, to me it is just “lifeless”, dull from every perspective.

When it was time to choose the components for this system (never had chance to hear Focal's in person), but it is a brand name with good reputation. Being convertible, I had to choose anything other than the paper drivers for the front, I remember how badly my factory paper Bose were deformed from the water damage. These Focal's sounded good on paper...

I drove to Crutchfield store (little over an hour from me) in Charlottesville, just to find out that all they have is a "virtual sound room". Ok, this was interesting... Virtual? These components sounded great during the demo. So I came home with the set of these 2-way separates and matching co-axials for the rear fill.

Now in the car, months later: these speakers did not sound like they did in the virtual demo room. I'm sure that more expensive units with better crossovers and possibly 3-way sets would sound better, but these "Integration", while sound ok, just didn't tickled me happy. Sounded ok, but this morning comparison, definitely no match to my Dayton Audio system I've installed in SL320.

Imaging, staging, stereo separation, I close my eyes and with Dayton components, the music feels alive, big, wide, I feel like I'm emmersed in it! Got back in my SL500, sounds like a boom box in comparison.

There is something to be said about these cars in particular. I know MB/Bose chose to have tweeter in the doors, right above the midbass driver. And in R129, to me, that is a big mistake. Dash speakers are occupied by the small Phone speakers. In SL320, I promptly removed them and that is where the Peerless tweeters went in. After about an hour of tweaking the angles to get the imaging and staging to what I thought was best, the system came to life, it was big, grand and spacious!

Tweters in the dash – this car is a must! Doors are left with 7” midbass and 3” midrange driver where the factory mid/tweeter was once.

I would also like to understand how you use DSP, aside from time alignment, when tuning it. Thanks.

Now to DSP...

In addition to DTA (which is amazingly useful tool imo) this Kenwood head unit installed (how far have we come in technology) it also includes additional adjustable "sections" :

Stage EQ: virtually lifts the sound up for better imaging, Space Enhancer that allows you to widen the stage as well as the digital Sound Realizer and 13band EQ with Q-Factor adjustment.

Now, have not touched RTA device in so many years, though from what I've seen, a software now available to be installed in PC and used with proper mic, this software can do magic. With that said, I torture myself and doing it strictly by ear.

In reality, I actually enjoy the process. I get to listen and enjoy the music, explore some new tracks I have not heard before – this is a great thread with suggestions for test tracks imo Recommended Test Tracks/Recordings Sticky - Techtalk Speaker Building, Audio, Video Discussion Forum

Then I think I'm done, I take a break... Come back, and listen again... Then go for a drive and make adjustments again lol

Will probably get to re-do everything in a month or so...

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

and arrrrghhh to interior plastics that lack UV inhibitors!

Yes, a huge arrrrghh to those plastics! I've noticed that I have a buzzing noise from the passenger side of the dash, drove me nuts! Worked on it today - air vent! Took it out (attempted anyway), and it literally crumbled in my hand. And from the looks of it - I certainly was not the first to "work on it"



Helps to have tubs of spare parts on hand, good as new again (and no buzzing)



Regards,
D

 

[Jlaa]

Now, have not touched RTA device in so many years, though from what I've seen, a software now available to be installed in PC and used with proper mic, this software can do magic. With that said, I torture myself and doing it strictly by ear.

In reality, I actually enjoy the process. I get to listen and enjoy the music, explore some new tracks I have not heard before – this is a great thread with suggestions for test tracks imo Recommended Test Tracks/Recordings Sticky - Techtalk Speaker Building, Audio, Video Discussion Forum

Then I think I'm done, I take a break... Come back, and listen again... Then go for a drive and make adjustments again lol

Will probably get to re-do everything in a month or so...

I do this too (by ear). I have been tweaking the DSP for about 9 months now. Fiddle with a bunch of stuff, then don't touch it for 2 months, then fiddle some more, etc.

 

[gsxr]

There is something to be said about these cars in particular. I know MB/Bose chose to have tweeter in the doors, right above the midbass driver. And in R129, to me, that is a big mistake. Dash speakers are occupied by the small Phone speakers. In SL320, I promptly removed them and that is where the Peerless tweeters went in. After about an hour of tweaking the angles to get the imaging and staging to what I thought was best, the system came to life, it was big, grand and spacious!

Tweters in the dash – this car is a must! Doors are left with 7” midbass and 3” midrange driver where the factory mid/tweeter was once.

Tweeters in the door panels can work... but they have to be in the correct location, and dialed in properly.

If located in the dash, the high frequencies bounce off the windshield glass.

Both locations have different issues to be compensated for, if possible.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Tweeters in the door panels can work... but they have to be in the correct location, and dialed in properly.

If located in the dash, the high frequencies bounce off the windshield glass.

Both locations have different issues to be compensated for, if possible.

Dave, anything is possible for sure! Factory tweeters in W211, overall not bad at all, I can only imagine how great it would sound with a proper set of aftermarket pieces! These are however mounted up higher, corner... I've had good success with my old W201, but again, I had to move them up high in the door, and built a corner tweeter pods to bring the staging up (some very old pics, exist only on cardomain page):





But on R129, does not matter what I did, I could not get the stage up with factory location in the door, and that with any of the tweeters (not with Audax, not with Vifa, not with PG)... I spent hours and hours. The final position in SL320 was not facing the windshield but the driver instead:

R129 Fiva/Peerless Tweeters by Duh_Vinci, on Flickr

Much steeper angle I used on the passenger side, and after messing with DTA, "virtually moved" driver's side distance quite a bit further until my ears where happy.

Look forward to doing it again!

Regards,
D

P.S. Blast from the past (still have that DSP and that matching headunit somewhere)





And that was 15-16 years ago (ish...) Memories!!!

 

[illinilee]

I've been passively searching for a R129. Struggling between the M119 v M113 cars, the 4 speed v the 5 speed trans, the essential Bruno Sacco design v the later SL w/the AMG Sport Package.
Now, after I knew what I was looking for YOU went and screwed it ALL up with that stunningly beautiful car!

Thanks for taking us along for the journey.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I've been passively searching for a R129. Struggling between the M119 v M113 cars, the 4 speed v the 5 speed trans, the essential Bruno Sacco design v the later SL w/the AMG Sport Package.
Now, after I knew what I was looking for YOU went and screwed it ALL up with that stunningly beautiful car!

Thanks for taking us along for the journey.

The later R129 are certainly feel a little more sophisticated, and sport AMG body package is very very appealing, specially if you get it with the pano roof option. And with all that, exactly as you said, the "essential Bruno design" was I was always drawn to. 4 speed 722.3 paired with m119 also feels a bit more "raw" (which I personally like) compare to the later m113/722.6 combo.

With that said, either one is tremendous value imo in today's market, just be ready to deal with plastic pitfalls of interior regardless of the year

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

And on to the plastics..

If you own R129, it's not the question of "if", it's more like "when", and by now, it probably happened to at least 1 of the vents: sliders just fall apart. To my best knowledge, these pieces are not available by themselves, but of you still have both pieces, the fix is pretty straight forward...

Done this multiple times, but never took any pictures until now - functional sliders again:



Two pieces apart:



Drill out the broken pieces





Insert metal "dowels" of proper diameter (these are cut up metal paper clip pieces trimmed to length)



Once happy with the test fitment, pull the dowels out, apply small amount of glue inside of each hole, insert the dowels and sandwich together both pieces onto the slat and leave to dry overnight



Good as new, and will last for a good while again.




Also, a little update on the damaged grill I refinished in early Feb 2019, and happy to report that the coating of this "Duplicolor Custom Wrap" is holding up very very well still (not touch-ups still)





It's driven in any weather, it is washed often and often on highway. Would not hesitate to use this product again...

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I've had a free day today, was hoping to drive up to Shenandoah for some fall foliage, but the rain is not going to let me do it. Few from Culpeper VA from last weekend



Fall is definitely here



There is something about the shiny red paint at sunset



Regards,
D

 

[PJmak]

Amazing restoration. This car is screaming for amber corners.

They look amazing on red paint especially when you already have the amber taillights.

 

[sheward]

Now that I've found myself with a similar 129 I've been using your postings for my own repairs and knowledge. Thanks. I'm hoping for time to enjoy some top down fall enjoyment as well.

drew

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Amazing restoration. This car is screaming for amber corners.

They look amazing on red paint especially when you already have the amber taillights.

Cheers PJ, thanks, l actually love working on this thing, it's like we "bonded" over time! E-code ambers... Normally I'd say yes indeed, as I've always used them, and still have them on my W202 and did try them on this car... It just didn't do it for me.

Also tried crystal clear corners, to see how well would they match the new Euro headlights - didn't like them. Euro lights are factory fresh Magneti Marelli, and came as a set of euro clear/amber corners, so I just snapped them in. I ended up liking how the illusion of "widening" of the headlights it gave compare to the amber set.

Who knows, one day I may get tired of these too and go back to the amber... but still looking for factory clear/frosted Bosch, just not at $160 per side...

Magneti Marelli frosted/amber on my other R129 and Bosch on W202

Now that I've found myself with a similar 129 I've been using your postings for my own repairs and knowledge. Thanks. I'm hoping for time to enjoy some top down fall enjoyment as well.

drew

Cheers Drew, any pics of the new addition?

I have to get better a "documenting" repairs, will do better. I need to sort out through pics, as hood latch is fixed (yes, your will crack and leave you searching for pliers to open up the hood one day). Arm rest inner screws that holding together the top slider (guaranteed that all housing are cracked). Hood pad, etc...

Top down this car is fun!!! Time permits, will try to rebuild the cylinders this winter (since I have a complete spare set) one by one and if I get it to work well, then I'll try the soft top myself as well.

Regards,
D

 

[TimL]

Cheers PJ, thanks, l actually love working on this thing, it's like we "bonded" over time! E-code ambers... Normally I'd say yes indeed, as I've always used them, and still have them on my W202 and did try them on this car... It just didn't do it for me.

Also tried crystal clear corners, to see how well would they match the new Euro headlights - didn't like them. Euro lights are factory fresh Magneti Marelli, and came as a set of euro clear/amber corners, so I just snapped them in. I ended up liking how the illusion of "widening" of the headlights it gave compare to the amber set.

Who knows, one day I may get tired of these too and go back to the amber... but still looking for factory clear/frosted Bosch, just not at $160 per side...

Magneti Marelli frosted/amber on my other R129 and Bosch on W202

View attachment 117066


Cheers Drew, any pics of the new addition?

I have to get better a "documenting" repairs, will do better. I need to sort out through pics, as hood latch is fixed (yes, your will crack and leave you searching for pliers to open up the hood one day). Arm rest inner screws that holding together the top slider (guaranteed that all housing are cracked). Hood pad, etc...

Top down this car is fun!!! Time permits, will try to rebuild the cylinders this winter (since I have a complete spare set) one by one and if I get it to work well, then I'll try the soft top myself as well.

Regards,
D

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the euro headlights and the clear/amber turn signal lenses. Your car looks just stunning!!

 

[sheward]

The car sits a bit high for my liking. I will swap the spring pads to one bump when I get time. I have noticed the hood release takes an uncomfortable amount of pressure to release as compared to a w124. I'll look into it. My initial driving impression was tainted by all the trim around the front windshield including the mirror itself being broken and loose as well as similar issues inside the drivers door panel. It seems an audio "expert" has been in there practicing. I'm enjoying the car much more now although it will likely be a short ownership due to available room.

drew

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the euro headlights and the clear/amber turn signal lenses. Your car looks just stunning!!

Thanks Tim, appreciate it very much!

The car sits a bit high for my liking. I will swap the spring pads to one bump when I get time. I have noticed the hood release takes an uncomfortable amount of pressure to release as compared to a w124. I'll look into it. My initial driving impression was tainted by all the trim around the front windshield including the mirror itself being broken and loose as well as similar issues inside the drivers door panel. It seems an audio "expert" has been in there practicing. I'm enjoying the car much more now although it will likely be a short ownership due to available room.

drew

Drew, seem to be in good overall condition from this pics, late R129 wheels, facelift tail lights, and bonus: Pano roof!
Plastic, yes, mirror, dome light cover, "beauty" mirrors... yes, all of those usually neeeeeeeeed attention.

Ride height - agree with you 100%, though it is a standard for these cars. I believe only the first 2 years of pre-face lift were supplied with the lower factory settings, but after many complains about ease of damage to the bottom of the front bumper (long nose), MB started to use different springs.

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

@sheward Drew, just for comparison sake, my brother's old (now totaled), stock height and my old (now his) lowered next to each other... I also believe, that visually, going from stock 16" to 18" wheels, and not touching the suspension, the look of being "too high" just gets amplified...

 

[sheward]

What springs are both your brothers' and your cars riding on? I really don't want the car to ride any firmer. As you said the sporty tires and wheels look a bit lost. I will consider trimming a bit off of the stock springs if the pads don't do what I'd like. I have no idea what pads are on it yet. Interesting about Mercedes raising the cars for our coffee jacked pilots who can't be bothered to notice parking curbs.

drew

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Drew, the short version: Now, both cars are on stock springs, red devil 1 coil off the front and 1/2 coil off the rear... I started with H&R:



Then, my brother wanted to lower his car, but H&Rs were out of stock everywhere, so I took1 coil off the front and 1/2 coil off the rear on his '95. To my surprise, I could not tell any difference in the right quality of his before or after. Then his car was totaled, I sold him my silver one, with one condition, I keep the springs and the wheels. So we cut 1 stock coil in the front and 1 coil at the rear. Same car as the first pic but now with his own wheels and cut coils:



When I started to get issues with transmission on the red car, and was going to part it out, I sold H&R coils and installed the factory spring back in. Best pic I could find (on the flat surface), after the restoration, factory springs with 1 coil off the front and 1/2 off the rear (I personally like that 1/2 difference on my red car, he loves the little lower rear on his)



I have no reservations doing small coil "shavings", to me, the ride quality on these R129's did not change (if it did, so negligible). I originally wanted to do the right thing, and wanted B8 Bilsteins (have those with H&R on my W202, and it's a daily, I don't mind the firmness, not harsh at all). But B8 for r129 available only as B12 kit (B8 dampers and Eibach springs as a set) at $1400 - for what you get for this price, to me not worth the money.

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Almost 130K miles, changed the O2 sensor this morning. Amazon had it on sale at $78 (plus 10% coupon), very much worth replacement imo

Exceptionally easy on this car, though a breaker bar was very much needed. I suspect this oxygen sensor is original to the car...







Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

LH module with WOT - after ordering this part almost 2 years ago, it's finally in the car, the early model from 1992 500SEL: 012 545 62 32





Huge thanks to the forum with for all the details and part numbers for the references, I knew what to look for, and particular thanks to @gsxr for the adaptation reset procedural steps!

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Replaced the shifter gear selector light bulb. Figures, the "guide" to the location of the bulb on this 722.3 fitted R129 came from the search for W124 web results

Yes indeed, had the spare bulbs in the little "hoarding stash" in one of the drawers (same bulbs as the vent control module strip)... all bright again



Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

My windshield washer reservoir developed a slow leak. I really thought it would be a crack (as it is 25 years old car), and I do have a very good used unit with all the attachments... Wasn't a crack at all, the culprit was a little rubber grommet for the pump:



For the time being, since the dealership is closed, I've used generic rubber grommet





Now I think my OCD is kicking in... I did verify through mercedes-benz-classic that this little grommet is indeed available, and while it is available, I mind go head and order few pieces... A1239973681 I know they exist, cheap, and OEM and I got to have it!



Probably the same grommet is being used across many pre-2000 MB cars? Surprisingly enough, plugging in this A1239973681 into online catalog like mboemparts.com the message states !This part does not fit your 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Whateverrrr

Regards,
D

 

[gsxr]

Surprisingly enough, plugging in this A1239973681 into online catalog like mboemparts.com the message states !This part does not fit your 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Whateverrrr

Remember the online catalogs are absolutely, completely useless when it comes to fitment / compatibility information. The EPC/XPISS is the only valid source. Every RevolutionParts site will show the same thing "does not fit your car!", because every site (Naperville, Husker, Annnapolis, etc) all share the identical wrong data.

 

[gerryvz]

Those grommets have been used since the mid-1970s in MBs. DO NOT get the faux ones -- ONLY the dealer rubber. Get 5-10 of them at a time, and you will steadily go through them if you own more than one MB.

Individual / relevant posts on the forum:

Washer fluid resevoir | Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Guys, spotted a slight leak coming from one of the pumps (headlamp wash) attached to the reservoir. I say slight because it's barely a drip but enough to notice. From what i can make out there are 2 pumps, one on left being winsdshield and right for headlamps? It looks like it's coming from the...

www.500eboard.co

HOW-TO: Replace Windshield Washer Reservoir | "HOW-TO" Tutorial Articles

When you open up your engine you will note the three reservoir tanks on the left side of the engine. SLS, Coolant expansion, and the Windshield washer reservoir tank. After 20 years on most cars these items are severely discolored and dirty. Unless you have a low mileage garage collectable...

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RESTO PROJECT: M119 / W124 / E500 Engine Top-End Refresh | Member Roadtrips and Project Journals

I have on the SEC, but have not had a need just yet for my E500. I have spare grommets for them and the cap and strap and washer arrive Friday. You should probably use those grommets soon and get the proper life out of them, because rubber degrades and disintegrates before your eyes in the...

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HOW-TO: Replacing M119 / M104 fuel pressure regulator | "HOW-TO" Tutorial Articles

I love to go swimmen with bull-legged wimmen and swim betwixt their legs.

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Washer fluid resevoir | Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Guys, spotted a slight leak coming from one of the pumps (headlamp wash) attached to the reservoir. I say slight because it's barely a drip but enough to notice. From what i can make out there are 2 pumps, one on left being winsdshield and right for headlamps? It looks like it's coming from the...

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[gerryvz]

I'm just going to start cutting and pasting the message below, because it seems that I'm repeating the same identical thing at least once or twice a month with people.

I guess the alternative is to put this infomration in a PERMANENT pop-up message at the lower corner of the screen, which cannot be dismissed by the forum member. Perhaps it will remind people ONLY to use the RevParts sites for ORDERING, not LOOKING UP PARTS.

=============================================

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

DO NOT / DO NOT EVER / NEVER trust these Revolution Parts catalogs for ANYTHING other than the cost for ordering parts. They ARE NOT AN APPROPRIATE CATALOG OR DIAGRAM FOR IDENTIFYING PARTS. NEVER. Not even 1% of the time.

PLEASE use the free 500Eboard EPC (install instructions here) or ISPPI (subscription from MB) for all parts diagrams, for identifying and cross-referencing part numbers between chassis, and so forth.

 

[a777fan]

Way to go @Duh_Vinci!

IMHO, its always those little grommets that fail. Good on you for pursuing the MB original. Got to have the little star and PN!!!

 

[gerryvz]

Way to go @Duh_Vinci!

IMHO, its always those little grommets that fail.

Not always, but more often than not. I've had a number of pumps fail as well. I'd say the ratio is around 3-4 grommets that leak to every pump that fails. Those old off-white pumps are living on borrowed time. I recommend you just order a couple of new/spare pumps, and have one on hand. Age gets to the plastic, as well as corrosion of the internals with constant exposure to the liquid.

These grommets really are a part that EVERYONE who owns an E500E or a 400E420 should have 5 spares of on hand. And at least one spare pump on hand. And if you replace one grommet, REPLACE BOTH OF THEM while you're "in there."

I haven't seen the off-white pumps made / available from MB for probably 15 years. They've been the black bodied ones for quite some time now.

 

[a777fan]

Not always, but more often than not. I've had a number of pumps fail as well. I'd say the ratio is around 3-4 grommets that leak to every pump that fails. Those old off-white pumps are living on borrowed time. I recommend you just order a couple of new/spare pumps, and have one on hand. Age gets to the plastic, as well as corrosion of the internals with constant exposure to the liquid.

Truth... I have seen the leaky pumps as well. Although I must admit I’ve also typically found them inop at the same time. Double whammy!

 

[gsxr]

I've found a surprising number of leaking pumps, that worked fine besides leaking. Thankfully the OE grommets are cheap!

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Ordered OE grommets online, along with other things of maintenance (filters, washers, gaskets and such). Indeed at such a low cost it makes no sense of getting non-OE. Thanks for all the useful info again all, appreciate it!

Regards,
D

 

[gerryvz]

I’ve seen (and had) some of the aftermarket grommets. They are made of a shiny, harder faux rubber (perhaps urethane?) that doesn’t have the same sealing properties that the MB rubber has.

 

[TerryA]

A few years back I found water under the 500E and it was from the windshield washer tank. I installed new grommets along with 2 Meyel Pumps. They are mainly to fill the holes in the water tank. I don’t need the headlight washers since I have the headlight washer delete panels and the Meyel windshield washer worked when I installed it but since I have never driven in the rain since and rarely do. Remember, “It Never Rains in SoCal” and if it does I drive my Kia.

I guess I should check it out sometime to see if it still works. Just in case.

 

[TimL]

Remember the online catalogs are absolutely, completely useless when it comes to fitment / compatibility information. The EPC/XPISS is the only valid source. Every RevolutionParts site will show the same thing "does not fit your car!", because every site (Naperville, Husker, Annnapolis, etc) all share the identical wrong data.

Can someone with EPC or ISPPI confirm if the PN that DuhVinci lists is correct for the 036? I'm about to replace the reservoir and figure I should replace everything else with it (pumps and rubber parts)

 

[gsxr]

Can someone with EPC or ISPPI confirm if the PN that DuhVinci lists is correct for the 036? I'm about to replace the reservoir and figure I should replace everything else with it (pumps and rubber parts)

Screenshot below, grommet p/n 123-997-36-81, qty 2 for the pumps:

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I’ve seen (and had) some of the aftermarket grommets. They are made of a shiny, harder faux rubber (perhaps urethane?) that doesn’t have the same sealing properties that the MB rubber has.

My exact observation, these OE grommets, 25 years old rubber, yet still very very pliable material

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I'm considering doing the headlight wiper delete, so back to the same subject of washer tank plugs:

With the wiper delete, the second pump will be removed. And there is a factory MB plug/grommet to go in it's place. That is how late models of R129 came with if were equipped with factory xenon light. I'm not finding that filler grommet plug on any diagram. @gerryvz and @gsxr any chance your systems show that little filler plug or you know the part number (this diagram for the cars with headlight washer system, #200 will be removed, and the grommet #205 to be replaces with the plug instead.)?

EDIT: Is it A 00 099 733 20 by chance?

 

[gerryvz]

000 997 33 20




The above EPC diagram is for the W124 windshield washer tank, but the plugs/grommets are identical with other chassis.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Thank you kind Sir! Now I have to "borrow" the VIN number from Xenon fitted car so I can order under headlight trim pieces without the holes from the dealership...

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Cheers all!

Time has gotten away a bit with house project, patients coming out more often, schedules at work are getting very very full... blah blah blah. Past weekend mad the time to move things around and get the red devil out for a drive after over a month of being garage "queen"

Dead battery... And by dead, I mean bad, no longer good, finished, just done... Replaced under the warranty, just happened to be defective. No biggie, I drive, I enjoy the car. Feels a bit sluggish at times, and few times a bit uneven idle? No worries, it will fart itself out, my fault for not driving it. And everything was fine after 15-20min driving at 60mph+ speeds...

It has a habit of building distributor cap moisture after a week of sitting and not driven. Dries up quickly (usually)... Next morning, happy and ready to drive again, started the car to warm up, back in the house for some coffee and quick breakfast. Go outside, foul smell of gasoline and you can tell, that while the idle is smooth, it just does't sound right... Not all cylinders running? Ok, maybe it's time to pull the distributor caps and give them a thorough clean? While there, I and touching the driver side wires a the distributor, I'm getting a little shock, from 2 of out of 5 connectors.

So I ordered the wires, while waiting for the wires, cleaned up the caps, insulators, and modified them as @robm.UK outlines here: M119 Ignition issues when warm | M119 Engine Thank you kind Sir for the details, hoping it will work as it did for you on the long run.

Wires arrived, not sure what was on the car, no labels, no sticker, no stamps of any kind. New set I opted for was Bremi, I've used them on Audi's with no issues...



Now off to routing the wires. While I could't find a specific online diagram for cylinder/bank/rotor relation on one page, guess who's photos I stumble up on that helped a great deal? @gsxr of course! Index of /images/M119/EZL/wires

My crude version the relation of the banks/rotor



Dave, your detailed pictures of the routing path of the wires couldn't be any more helpful! Thank you!

I was so proud of myself, wired everything so neatly, even purchased a label maker to keep it all neat and organized, well, results after the new wires were neatly installed, tucked into their little channels, just looking so perfect, started the car - no difference!!!!

I don't have computer, just the pulse reader. No codes, everything connected, all cleaned up. Pulled the plugs out - soaked in gas! Fine, new plugs went it, started the car, no difference of course, changed them just for a good measure.

Installed the spare LH module, no change. Swapped the MAF, no difference, swapped all back...

With the car running, started to unplug the wires one by one, well freaking well... I just happen to have one of the world's largest displacement 5 liter 4cyl car!

There were no difference when unplugged 2, 3, 5 and 8... All lead to the same driver's side distributor. With the car running, traced the issue to no output from the fender mounted coil to driver's side distributor! 25 years old, I guess it was time!

Two brand new Bosch coils arrived today after Fedex managed to perform the "exception occurred beyond their control" and it took a week for the package to arrive from MD to VA



And my brother's little "sticker" present



And after all buttoned up, 30 min test drive, smoooooooth and full of power again

I do love this thing, really do! Tomorrow, the long drive!!!

Regards,
D

EDIT: I've read that some set of wires, brand dependent, very difficult if not impossible to route under the fuel rail, had absolutely no issues with this particular set, starting from the heads, and going toward distributors direction. On the passenger side, I did have to disconnect 2 vacuum lines and on the driver's side, I had to disconnect the power steering reservoir bracket for the ease of access, at least on R129...

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Smooth and very enjoyable 2 hour drive this morning, not a single hiccup... Town of Culpeper on the way home

 

[Duh_Vinci]

This morning we went for a little early drive, some coffee and pastries while most of the town is still asleep.



Finally made a template and applied the Lamin-x, was taking chance with this set of Euro lights for a bit too long



Regards,
D

 

[TerryA]

Looks like “Almond Croissants” to me. My favorite I would have enjoyed that drive as well.

Take Care D