SL/R129: winter storage
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
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1999 SL 500 MB
winter storage
I purchased a 1999 SL 500 in the late spring of 08, I had a great time driving this vehicle but back in New England It is getting a little cool to be driving with the top down. I plan on storing the car for the winter, any suggestions? The car will be garaged, soft top up or down, Hard top on or off, should I cover the vehicle? Also my CD changer just stoped working one day and I can't even remove the magazine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 9
From: Daytona, Florida
SL600
If he lives in, say, certain parts of Mass or NH, then he's S.O.L.
You can't get away with a front-end-heavy rear wheel drive car up there, at least not one that also sits 3" off the ground. Cars like this have to be stored or you will be getting stuck everywhere year round. Snow tires are really only a band-aid, with such a low profile the car will literally get stuck IN the snow. Lol.
I have family up in Mass, and even though they're in relatively urban areas (Woburn, Wakefield, and Newton) there's no way I would have a car like this in the dead of winter. It just doesn't work.
You can't get away with a front-end-heavy rear wheel drive car up there, at least not one that also sits 3" off the ground. Cars like this have to be stored or you will be getting stuck everywhere year round. Snow tires are really only a band-aid, with such a low profile the car will literally get stuck IN the snow. Lol.
I have family up in Mass, and even though they're in relatively urban areas (Woburn, Wakefield, and Newton) there's no way I would have a car like this in the dead of winter. It just doesn't work.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 46
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From: Beirut, Lebanon
ML 320, 1998
[QUOTE=MPANZ;3129271] I plan on storing the car for the winter, any suggestions? The car will be garaged, soft top up or down, Hard top on or off, should I cover the vehicle? QUOTE]
I would change the oil and oil filter, check the anti freeze.
Fill up the tank 3/4 full and add a fuel stabilizer.
Ensure that the rag top is completely dry, lower it and put on the hard top.
Leave the windows slightly open and cover the car.
You could also lift the car so the weight are not on the tires.
Than I would remove the battery and leave it with a triggle charger on. (Just remember to reset all functions when reinstalling it in the spring).
Good luck.
I would change the oil and oil filter, check the anti freeze.
Fill up the tank 3/4 full and add a fuel stabilizer.
Ensure that the rag top is completely dry, lower it and put on the hard top.
Leave the windows slightly open and cover the car.
You could also lift the car so the weight are not on the tires.
Than I would remove the battery and leave it with a triggle charger on. (Just remember to reset all functions when reinstalling it in the spring).
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,059
Likes: 342
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
If he lives in, say, certain parts of Mass or NH, then he's S.O.L.
You can't get away with a front-end-heavy rear wheel drive car up there, at least not one that also sits 3" off the ground. Cars like this have to be stored or you will be getting stuck everywhere year round. Snow tires are really only a band-aid, with such a low profile the car will literally get stuck IN the snow. Lol.
I have family up in Mass, and even though they're in relatively urban areas (Woburn, Wakefield, and Newton) there's no way I would have a car like this in the dead of winter. It just doesn't work.
You can't get away with a front-end-heavy rear wheel drive car up there, at least not one that also sits 3" off the ground. Cars like this have to be stored or you will be getting stuck everywhere year round. Snow tires are really only a band-aid, with such a low profile the car will literally get stuck IN the snow. Lol.
I have family up in Mass, and even though they're in relatively urban areas (Woburn, Wakefield, and Newton) there's no way I would have a car like this in the dead of winter. It just doesn't work.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
From: Heidelberg, Germany
A woman needs her toys!:98 SL500 for now
I am storing my truck up in Canada and did the following, now keep in mind that it will be stored for 3 years but what I did would not hurt for winter storage.
Store it with a fresh oil change. Old oil is more acidic than new oil. Your engine will store better with new oil since it will have the best anti-corrosion inhibitors.
I'd coat the frame with this stuff to prevent rust: AMSOIL - MP Heavy Duty Metal Protector (AMH)
If you like your tires, put the car up on jack stands and lower the tire pressure to 5 psi. That will prevent flat spots but maintain the bead seal. If you have Nitrogen in your tires it will not prevent flat spots.
I'd also recommend changing all driveline fluids before storage for the reasons I mentioned above. Old fluid has a small percentage of moisture, usually due to condensation. Fresh oils and lubricants will protect your driveline components the best. <--took to the dearlerhip to do it, they thought I was nuts until I told them how long it was getting stored for.
It took my husband and I about 4 hours of team work and 2 bottles on Pinot Noir to get it done but well worth it. I am sure that are hundreds of folks out there who will disagree with what I did and may even have their own suggestions, either way it is up to you.
Store it with a fresh oil change. Old oil is more acidic than new oil. Your engine will store better with new oil since it will have the best anti-corrosion inhibitors.
I'd coat the frame with this stuff to prevent rust: AMSOIL - MP Heavy Duty Metal Protector (AMH)
If you like your tires, put the car up on jack stands and lower the tire pressure to 5 psi. That will prevent flat spots but maintain the bead seal. If you have Nitrogen in your tires it will not prevent flat spots.
I'd also recommend changing all driveline fluids before storage for the reasons I mentioned above. Old fluid has a small percentage of moisture, usually due to condensation. Fresh oils and lubricants will protect your driveline components the best. <--took to the dearlerhip to do it, they thought I was nuts until I told them how long it was getting stored for.
It took my husband and I about 4 hours of team work and 2 bottles on Pinot Noir to get it done but well worth it. I am sure that are hundreds of folks out there who will disagree with what I did and may even have their own suggestions, either way it is up to you.
