I am new owner of a W129 SL600. Previous experience with MB has been with several diesels and a 250SEL. Having problems with ASR and Limp home so will have many questions as I sort these out. Immediate first question is what is location of hydraulic fluid reservoir so I can refill? Also is there an easy way todisable the ASR feature? Many thanks
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moved to R129 forum...

 

Congrats on your new V12. People either love 'me or hate 'me. Personally, I love mine. Your ADS fluid tank is directly behind the RH headlamp assembly and is easily accessible with the hood open. Look for a small round rubber cap with the word, 'OEL' on it.
Cheers,
Jeff

 

Welcome and congrats on the purchase. If you need assistance with your MB you can check out our tech articles here.

-Luccia

 

Thanks--Feeling stupid/blind for not seeing it myself. Was on a bit of a snipe hunt since previous owner told me it was hidden in a compartment in either back seat area or trunk. Pulled up carpets and access panels to try to find!
\
Should not have trusted PO after finding different wheel spacer sizes side to side stuck on with silicone caulk, 3 different wheel bolt lengths, mismatched tires and signs of jury-rigged repairs. Not taking anything for granted--will fix "by the book". Any comments on ASR issues?

 

Sorry, no initial thoughts on the ASR issue. Use the search function, and don't get discouraged if you don't find a hint or an answer right away. Search functions are nice... but anally stupid and exact. Keep trying different keywords.

BTW, there is a hydraulic pump hidden under the spare tire, in the trunk. That pump runs the hydraulic soft top actuators. Fairly robust and often forgotten. But the actuators will need servicing at some point - they leak like sieves as they wear.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

Your vehicle may have wiring harness generated issues. ( insulation cracks or crumbles from wires ) Clearing codes via equipment OBD reader or as I do, unhook the negative pole of the battery for several hours can stop the computer from sending old data to put the vehicle in LHM. If wiring problem only repair or replacement will get you past that expensive defect. If CEL comes back on after several miles or minutes of engine time , but the car performance is strong then sensors could be the problem. One that still presents CEL but not LHM for me is Mass air sensor that detects dust et al but the vehicle still has strong engine output. I have spent the money to replace but do not now. I just ignor the dash light ( or reset with the battery disconnect.) as an aside when the battery is disconnected the dash light for ARS is come on with start up but after the steering wheel goes from lock to lock ( turn steering wheel ) the light will go off.
The hydraulic suspension system has nitrogen gas spheres and an active ride adjustment aspect that with age needs renewal. (skill level 7 of 10 and tools that are not common!) the problem shows with harsh ride (worse than my SLS!) and sometimes with one wheel or several looking like they are low riders.
The owner you bought from was not a total idiot ( I hope ) because their are important hydraulic features for the removable soft top in the trunk under the spare tire and quick extend rollbar that are under the back seat ( platform ) in the passenger compartment. Klaus from TopHydraulic is my go to Guru.
I have had several benz but the 600 experimental vehicle has several unique aspects so not everything in our forum is specific to you ship. Have fun!
Good luck with your new toy.

 

Thanks to all for tips and advice. Very useful.
I am working through obvious problems with wheels, tires, hubs, spacers, that might cause ASR problems.
Hydraulic fluid was low so I put in 10 oz of Bilstein fluid. When I tried to drive it suspension went rock hard and nearly undriveable. Front end is jacked up at least 5 inches and has no give when I push down on hood. Switch is in normal drive position with no light on. Rear end is at about normal height but also very hard.
Have I screwed something up??? Thanks

 

No screw up! but how is the wiring harness? Don't replace lots of sensors until the ECU is getting the proper current, not some "bleed over" current from an unrelated system!
Nitrogen spheres are no longer functional. they are now filled with the fluid you added.
The tire and wheel issue is easy go back to the basic setup that benz engineers specified.
Good luck and keep in touch.

 

EG, congrats on your acquisition. MB V12, a great car, of course not without issues, but great MB, nevertheless.

Have a 1997 as second owner since 99. Have had minor issues, but once addressed, V12 is superlative.

Happy ownership with yours.

w/ smiles
Jimmy

 

Don't feel stupid. The PO, while wrong about ASR fluid being int he trunk was half right. There is a hydraulic fluid reservoir in the trunk BUT it is the reservoir for the convertible top fluid. So, yeah.......he was right about a reservoir being hidden in the trunk.

 

Hello, I'm brand new member and I'd like to show you my 1995 SL600 slightly customized by myself. It also has some power upgrade. I own this car for more than 10 years and it's a very nice driving experience ! Hope to keep it with me for long ! Enjoy the pics

 

Very nice!

 

if the ride went rock hard that usually means the accumulators are done. You may need to replace them all. There are ways to check them. Do a youtube search you should be able to fine them.