SL/R129: New SL owner with ?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
95 SL500
New SL owner with ?
Hello Forum-
I am a new user here and a new owner of a 95 SL500. My first MB, although I have owned plenty of BMW's and Lexus. I wondered why I waited so long to get a MB. This car Rocks! Only 50K one owner miles with all services stamped in book.
I got a great cash deal, considering the follwing problems with the car.
1. Factory Bose system. I have no right side channel or sub woofer output in either Radio or Cassette modes. Is it worth fixing? Should I replace? Would love to have a CD in the car. Looking for suggestions on fixing or replacing with a type that fits into car nicely.
2. Original soft top is like new. No hazing what so ever. Problem is that either being not used for years, or vandalism, the quarter panel window has about a 3" perfectly linear slit in it. Can just the quater window be replaced in the top? Or is a whole new top required? As I said before, the rest of the top is immaculate.
Thanks to all for any suggestions. I see this is a great group of MB owners here.
Mike Swinford
www.mikeswinford.com
I am a new user here and a new owner of a 95 SL500. My first MB, although I have owned plenty of BMW's and Lexus. I wondered why I waited so long to get a MB. This car Rocks! Only 50K one owner miles with all services stamped in book.
I got a great cash deal, considering the follwing problems with the car.
1. Factory Bose system. I have no right side channel or sub woofer output in either Radio or Cassette modes. Is it worth fixing? Should I replace? Would love to have a CD in the car. Looking for suggestions on fixing or replacing with a type that fits into car nicely.
2. Original soft top is like new. No hazing what so ever. Problem is that either being not used for years, or vandalism, the quarter panel window has about a 3" perfectly linear slit in it. Can just the quater window be replaced in the top? Or is a whole new top required? As I said before, the rest of the top is immaculate.
Thanks to all for any suggestions. I see this is a great group of MB owners here.
Mike Swinford
www.mikeswinford.com
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
I've just had the three windows in the hood replaced by an auto trim shop here in the UK. There must be equivalent ones in the US.
The rear section of the hood can be removed separately without taking the whole thing off which can upset alignment. If you cannot find a local company, you could consider sending the rear section of the roof to the company Trimmania in Reading, UK for them to fix while you use the hard-top over the winter. You'll find them listed in Google.
The cost was about $450 which is much less than the cost of a new soft top - figure $1000 and 6 - 8 hours of labour. They did a great job and to be honest, if you're having one window replaced, it's worth having them all replaced.
The mistake I made was lowering the roof last winter on a cold morning. The plastic looses its pliability in the cold and crack!, the window had failed.
As for the stereo, it would probably be cheaper to get it fixed rather than install a new one. I do not know which stereo you have but my 96 129 can have a CD changer fitted in the left hand well in the trunk. If you remove the lining, you should be able to reach into the central section from the left hand side and pull out the connector which plugs right in. I believe the Mercedes CD changer is made by Alpine - the design hasn't changed much, it's the same as that in my 2003 SL55.
The rear section of the hood can be removed separately without taking the whole thing off which can upset alignment. If you cannot find a local company, you could consider sending the rear section of the roof to the company Trimmania in Reading, UK for them to fix while you use the hard-top over the winter. You'll find them listed in Google.
The cost was about $450 which is much less than the cost of a new soft top - figure $1000 and 6 - 8 hours of labour. They did a great job and to be honest, if you're having one window replaced, it's worth having them all replaced.
The mistake I made was lowering the roof last winter on a cold morning. The plastic looses its pliability in the cold and crack!, the window had failed.
As for the stereo, it would probably be cheaper to get it fixed rather than install a new one. I do not know which stereo you have but my 96 129 can have a CD changer fitted in the left hand well in the trunk. If you remove the lining, you should be able to reach into the central section from the left hand side and pull out the connector which plugs right in. I believe the Mercedes CD changer is made by Alpine - the design hasn't changed much, it's the same as that in my 2003 SL55.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
95 SL500
Thanks blueSL for the info. I am hoping to find a shop locally here to do the window. As I mentioned before, the rest of the top is perfect, including the other two soft top windows.
I know there is a control for a CD in the stereo faceplate. I will look into getting a changer.
Is there a good Internet resource for MB replacement parts? I also would like a wood shift knob. Or replace the MB emblem in my existing leather one.
Mike Swinford
www.mikeswinford.com
I know there is a control for a CD in the stereo faceplate. I will look into getting a changer.
Is there a good Internet resource for MB replacement parts? I also would like a wood shift knob. Or replace the MB emblem in my existing leather one.
Mike Swinford
www.mikeswinford.com
