SL/R230: In the nick of time!!
#1
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2008 SL550
In the nick of time!!
So, my wife and I have finally decided to build a garage so we're currently going through the design phase. In the meantime, our babies are out in the cold, crappy weather. I received a call early this week from our indi shop that a single space was available; I replied with a resounding YES before they finished asking me if I wanted it. So, the SL found temporary shelter a day before this Bombocyclone (or whatever the meteorologists called it) blasted through New England and covered everything with a nice thick coating of ice. Since the MB was my daily driver, I picked up an old Ford Ranger 4WD just the other day so I'd be covered... Whew, that was close!
The old Porsche is covered nicely in the driveway; she often gives the finger to Mother (Nature) as she's an absolute tank of a vehicle.
The old Porsche is covered nicely in the driveway; she often gives the finger to Mother (Nature) as she's an absolute tank of a vehicle.
#2
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It was disappointing to park my SL500 for the winter I just got it in October.
My S2000 had to move to the car tent and the SL got the garage.
My S2000 had to move to the car tent and the SL got the garage.
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I know it's only been a few weeks since I put her away but damn I miss her... I did take the Porsche out this weekend, which was very pleasant, so I'm not totally depressed.
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#8
Senior Member
My wife drives the SL all year round in MA. I don't understand why they have to be forced into an induced coma over the winter. Before FWD people were driving their RWD cars through the winters, right? Most of the SL is made of aluminum so there is not much that can rust either.
#10
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Actually, you may have a point, however; I don't have a garage (yet) and don't like all the slush/sand/salt all over her. I admit that today was a perfect opportunity to take her out for a drive...
#11
MBworld Guru
The whole issue with FWD being better than RWD in snow is a bit of bad science. The only reason a FWD car would be any better in the snow is that it has more of its weight over the drive wheels. However, there is one reason why FWD is worse, and that is the fact that every time you steer from straight-on, you are introducing a loss of traction on those front drive wheels. If you put as much weight on the rear of a RWD car, you'd have have as much traction on it as a FWD. Given that the SL is a big ol' pig, there's plenty of weight on the rear. In fact, probably more on its rear than the front of a FWD compact car. On top of that, you have "C" mode (or "W" in the pre-MY2005 cars) that starts off in 2nd gear. With some decent all-weather or snow tires and sensible driving skills, you should be fine.
A few years back, we got a freak snow storm right after I got to work. I drove all over the place in my CLK550. Mind you, we have plenty of hills here and ZERO snow removal or salting. The problem wasn't me or the car, it was the other people who crashed and blocked the roads. After miles of driving around and not making it home, I spent the night on my office floor.
A few years back, we got a freak snow storm right after I got to work. I drove all over the place in my CLK550. Mind you, we have plenty of hills here and ZERO snow removal or salting. The problem wasn't me or the car, it was the other people who crashed and blocked the roads. After miles of driving around and not making it home, I spent the night on my office floor.
#12
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Picked her up from storage this afternoon!! I couldn't help myself but I drove 40 miles before coming home just to get that feeling back. I think she was a little upset with me abandoning her as she developed a small oil cooler leak and both headlight washer nozzles were cracked during her slumber. Both items were addressed as well as a brake system flush, roof lube/inspection, full ABC test, and a nice bath prior to delivery.
Man, I missed her...
Man, I missed her...
#13
Super Member
I live in DC area so housing super expensive, i park my car under a freaking bird sanctuary, every morning i wake up there's poo on it. Need to build at least a car port or something soon.