SL/R129 Any other 300SL manual trans owners?

Nov 27, 2002 | 04:20 PM

MacPhisto

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From: Scottsdale, AZ

Any other 300SL manual trans owners?

I have a 1990 300SL with a 5 speed manual. A fun and unusual car. Any other manual trans SL owners here?

Nov 28, 2002 | 01:55 AM

blueSL

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: UK

SL55 AMG

Goodness, I think you're a very rare breed! An SL with a third pedal. I've always wondered, how do you do hill starts without cooking the clutch when there's no handbrake?? You can't live in San Francisco....

Nov 29, 2002 | 11:28 AM

MacPhisto

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From: Scottsdale, AZ

I never used a handbrake when starting out on a hill - I just do some quick footwork. But, I don't live in SF.

I don't think there are a lot of manual 300SLs in the US. I got a significant discount on the car when it was new - the dealer couldn't get rid of it!

I'm glad I did, though. Its been a great car!

Dec 2, 2002 | 11:00 PM

scorchi0

Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Perth, Australia

W124 230TE, W123 280E

Quote:

I've always wondered, how do you do hill starts without cooking the clutch when there's no handbrake??

i don't understand why people can't do a hill start with a foot brake. Just put on the brake let the clutch out to the friction point while giving a little accelerator, then pull the release handle. Its no different to a hand brake start!!

Trent

Dec 10, 2002 | 09:41 PM

leloz

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 419

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From: Sunny Naples, FL

2018 GLS63 AMG

I would love to get my hands on a 5spd manual 300SL. There is so much potential for the 24V engine with a manual transmission. That is a rare breed! I have seen the manual bring more money than the automatic now, how ironic.

Dec 11, 2002 | 06:34 AM

bludhound

Newbie

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 2

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From: delaware

1990 r129 manual trans

r129 5 speed manual

hi mephisto,
i just bought a 1990 300sl manual transmission
unfortunately my vehicle came with NO history!
can you please help me fill in the spaces.
my current dilemma is non-op high beams
have you had such a problem? do you know of a fix?
bulb and #15 & #16 fuses okay
my mechanic is hesitant to approach the stalk switch
because of the air bag, is there maybe a service direct
on this matter? michael

Dec 11, 2002 | 06:41 AM

leloz

Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 419

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From: Sunny Naples, FL

2018 GLS63 AMG

I know exactly what you are talking about. I went through the same thing with a 1991 300 SL I bought a while back. The whole 'turn signal' unit went bad and the MB dealership had to replace it. It is the control arm piece that has the multiple functions to it. It was quite pricey but the dealership gave me a discount because the problem was common in the early SL's. The next thing that went bad was the Speedometer and then the Convertible top button (among other electrical items $$). I think I just had a bad lemon experience with these cars which led me to sell mine for a considerable loss.