SL/R230: Winter Storage
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Winter Storage
Hello Everyone,
I am new to this community and recently purchased a 2009 SL550 hardtop convertible. I know very little about vehicles. I live in the Midwest and will have to store my car soon for the winter in my garage. Here are my questions/plans::
1. Should I put fuel stabilizer in the tank or does that have potential to ruin the engine? I Have heard stories of people putting fuel additives and wrecking engines. My plan was to use Sta-bil
2. I am have 2 battery tenders i plan to have connected to the battery and plugged in all winter. Should I still disconnect the batteries?
3. I plan to use Honda's silicone grease to lubricate all weather stripping (I heard they make a good product)
4. I plan to overinflate tires to avoid flat spots
5. Am i missing anything I should be doing?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I am new to this community and recently purchased a 2009 SL550 hardtop convertible. I know very little about vehicles. I live in the Midwest and will have to store my car soon for the winter in my garage. Here are my questions/plans::
1. Should I put fuel stabilizer in the tank or does that have potential to ruin the engine? I Have heard stories of people putting fuel additives and wrecking engines. My plan was to use Sta-bil
2. I am have 2 battery tenders i plan to have connected to the battery and plugged in all winter. Should I still disconnect the batteries?
3. I plan to use Honda's silicone grease to lubricate all weather stripping (I heard they make a good product)
4. I plan to overinflate tires to avoid flat spots
5. Am i missing anything I should be doing?
Thanks in advance for your help!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,054
Likes: 340
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
First off, congrats on the purchase!
1. A quality fuel stabilizer is generally safe to use. Just make sure the tank is full.
2-A. Given the sensitivity of the BCM (Battery Control Module) on these cars, I strongly recommend disconnecting both batteries fully during storage.
2-B. Be sure follow the correct disconnect / reconnect order: (Disconnect: Rear 1st, Front 2nd) & (Re-Connect: Front 1st, Rear 2nd).
2-C: Keeping the disconnected batteries on tenders is a good idea. I would also recommend load-testing the batteries (any well-rated one on Amazon should do) before re-installation after winter.
3. I would use the MB specific one: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/0009893660/. It looks to be a pure silicone liquid and does an excellent job of reconditioning the seals.
4. You can (to the maximum PSI on the sidewall). I've rarely done this and have not experienced flat spots (2-3+ months stored usually) but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
5. I keep a few moisture absorbing bags (the simple charcoal-filled ones) in the trunk and interior. Probably not necessary but it doesn't hurt.
1. A quality fuel stabilizer is generally safe to use. Just make sure the tank is full.
2-A. Given the sensitivity of the BCM (Battery Control Module) on these cars, I strongly recommend disconnecting both batteries fully during storage.
2-B. Be sure follow the correct disconnect / reconnect order: (Disconnect: Rear 1st, Front 2nd) & (Re-Connect: Front 1st, Rear 2nd).
2-C: Keeping the disconnected batteries on tenders is a good idea. I would also recommend load-testing the batteries (any well-rated one on Amazon should do) before re-installation after winter.
3. I would use the MB specific one: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/0009893660/. It looks to be a pure silicone liquid and does an excellent job of reconditioning the seals.
4. You can (to the maximum PSI on the sidewall). I've rarely done this and have not experienced flat spots (2-3+ months stored usually) but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
5. I keep a few moisture absorbing bags (the simple charcoal-filled ones) in the trunk and interior. Probably not necessary but it doesn't hurt.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 459
Likes: 297
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
I take our 2009 sl550 off the road each winter as you are about to do. I don't bother with fuel stabilizer as it is really not needed for 4-5 months of short term storage. I have a battery tender on the rear battery only and I start the car every 2 weeks and let it run 20-30 mins to warm up. Bringing tires up to max psi is a good idea to prevent flat spotting.
Been doing this for decades as road salt is just about the worst thing you can expose a car to.
Been doing this for decades as road salt is just about the worst thing you can expose a car to.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,096
Likes: 1,748
From: Colorado
G550
I leave my batteries connected and use a battery tender. I lift the car and place jack stands at the jacking points so that tires are still in floor contact (I'm parked on a rubber mat) but about 3/4 of the car's weight is off the tires. I add Sta-bil and fill the tank. Wash/dry the car, and put a cover on it. Garage maintains 40 - 50 F temp most of the winter.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Your list is like the one I used when I had to store my car for winter in Midwest, moved to AZ to avoid that again.
Do you have any likeliehood of a rodent invasion? I use a tray of mothballs under the car to deter the little buggers that can wreak havoc on wire harnesses and other goodies.
Do you have any likeliehood of a rodent invasion? I use a tray of mothballs under the car to deter the little buggers that can wreak havoc on wire harnesses and other goodies.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,096
Likes: 1,748
From: Colorado
G550
Your list is like the one I used when I had to store my car for winter in Midwest, moved to AZ to avoid that again.
Do you have any likeliehood of a rodent invasion? I use a tray of mothballs under the car to deter the little buggers that can wreak havoc on wire harnesses and other goodies.
Do you have any likeliehood of a rodent invasion? I use a tray of mothballs under the car to deter the little buggers that can wreak havoc on wire harnesses and other goodies.
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