SL/R129: Hood looks like popping when driven over 140kmh
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 21
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From: Brunei
1993 sl600; 1990 BMW750il, 1977 Mercedes Benz 250, 2004 Mitsubishi Triton 4WD turbo
Hood looks like popping when driven over 140kmh
Is it normal to see the hood slightly lifted when the car is driven in over 140km/h? I noticed the hood lifted appx. over 15mm with reference to the wheel arch. Will it popped out of it's securing latch when continue driving it over that speed.
next time you drive your car from 100km/h to 0ver 140km/h observe the hood level with reference to you wheel arch on the driver side. Please let me know if it's normal. any advises would very much appreciated.
next time you drive your car from 100km/h to 0ver 140km/h observe the hood level with reference to you wheel arch on the driver side. Please let me know if it's normal. any advises would very much appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Using the fender seams as reference the hood seems not to move at any legal speed I have driven. If your hood is moving up I would guess it is not fully latched! I have experienced others looking at the car not getting the hood fully closed and latched.
I should admit that above 100 MPH I have not actually had the cool to look at anything internal to the car but the speedometer!
I should admit that above 100 MPH I have not actually had the cool to look at anything internal to the car but the speedometer!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
After reconsideration the 15mm you mentioned is the distance the body of the car may travel that the suspension excites for rough road or high speed. MB claimed it has about an inch of height adjustment. ( 15 up for road conditions and 15 down for speeds above 120kmh ) I have only seen it from the side as a mechanic drove over a lip between the drive way and garage floor. The body went up as seen from the flair of the wheel well. Could you see that while driving the car? Excellent for you!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Brunei
1993 sl600; 1990 BMW750il, 1977 Mercedes Benz 250, 2004 Mitsubishi Triton 4WD turbo
fixed - one of the latch on the RHS (driver side) did not latched properly (latched opened due to hardened lubricant). cleaned and lubricated with WD40 - now latched precisely...how wonderful it is to drive up to over 200km/h :-)
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Excellent that you corrected the latch problem. The cable link to the latches may also be part of a problem, I always move the handle, in the driver side footwell, forward to the start position.
Having the hood fly off a speeding car can really cut down the fun!
Having the hood fly off a speeding car can really cut down the fun!
