SL/R107: New 560SL owner - some questions to bring back to Factory spec
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 512
Likes: 15
From: Westchester, NY / Greenwich CT
MB: E55 AMG, CL550, E3004M Cab + other makes :)
New 560SL owner - some questions to bring back to Factory spec
Hello, all:
Working on bringing a beautiful low mile 1987 560SL back to factory/period correct/showroom spec and condition.
the previous owner had a new aftermarket soft top installed in 2018, and aftermarket Alpine radio in 2013, and there are a few misc items I want to return to factory/oem/period correct spec including a missing first aid kit (bracket is there), tires, etc.
a few questions:
- I’m looking at the Becker service to take the core Oem Becker radio and refinish it while adding auxiliary and Bluetooth - anyone have experience with Becker doing so? Did it turn out ok?
- which first aid kit is proper for a 1987? There are a few variants on eBay for sale. Black with white logo, black with green logo, etc. did some research and looks like at this time it would still be a German kit.
- which tires came on the car from the factory? I know the spare is a Pirelli P6 but the po installed Goodyear assurance. I am considering Michelin or Pirelli to replace but the options in this size seen limited...
- where is the best place to buy an OEM soft top? The po had a custom aftermarket soft top installed that is the correct color (black) but has only one rear window (not the split 3) which is limo tint plastic. I’m not sure if can remove window separately. We want to put an OEM spec one back on with the 3 windows.
I see prices all over the place from $500-900
- the wheels needs to be refinished - does anybody know the factory color code for the 1987 15” wheels?
- the antenna doesn’t work, it’s not stuck but can freely be pulled up and down, assuming gears inside trashed - is it easy to find an oem replacement that swaps in, or is the only option a newer version needing wiring upgraded?
- lastly, I am doing research on this forum, but is there a “Go to” recommended brand for:
- brake pads
- oil (and preferred weight for the NY/CT area? Car was in CA and VA previously)
any help is appreciated - I plan to research on here as well but thought I’d have a thread going as well for my reference.
Working on bringing a beautiful low mile 1987 560SL back to factory/period correct/showroom spec and condition.
the previous owner had a new aftermarket soft top installed in 2018, and aftermarket Alpine radio in 2013, and there are a few misc items I want to return to factory/oem/period correct spec including a missing first aid kit (bracket is there), tires, etc.
a few questions:
- I’m looking at the Becker service to take the core Oem Becker radio and refinish it while adding auxiliary and Bluetooth - anyone have experience with Becker doing so? Did it turn out ok?
- which first aid kit is proper for a 1987? There are a few variants on eBay for sale. Black with white logo, black with green logo, etc. did some research and looks like at this time it would still be a German kit.
- which tires came on the car from the factory? I know the spare is a Pirelli P6 but the po installed Goodyear assurance. I am considering Michelin or Pirelli to replace but the options in this size seen limited...
- where is the best place to buy an OEM soft top? The po had a custom aftermarket soft top installed that is the correct color (black) but has only one rear window (not the split 3) which is limo tint plastic. I’m not sure if can remove window separately. We want to put an OEM spec one back on with the 3 windows.
I see prices all over the place from $500-900
- the wheels needs to be refinished - does anybody know the factory color code for the 1987 15” wheels?
- the antenna doesn’t work, it’s not stuck but can freely be pulled up and down, assuming gears inside trashed - is it easy to find an oem replacement that swaps in, or is the only option a newer version needing wiring upgraded?
- lastly, I am doing research on this forum, but is there a “Go to” recommended brand for:
- brake pads
- oil (and preferred weight for the NY/CT area? Car was in CA and VA previously)
any help is appreciated - I plan to research on here as well but thought I’d have a thread going as well for my reference.
Last edited by jbaker1121; Jul 23, 2020 at 10:33 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1
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1988 560SL
I have had my 88 560SL for 12 years. It is all original, but I have made some of the upgrades you have talked about.
1. I had Becker AutoSound install the bluetooth in the original radio, as well as upgraded speakers. Works fine. However, they will tell you that due to the size of the speakers, it will never be a killer radio. They are on the web, you can just give them a call. Takes only a few days. If you do not have the original radio, they have them to sell.
2. Not sure about the first aid kit for 87. Mine is black with white logo. Fully original with unused contents.
3. When I bought the car, I put new tires on it. Called TireRack and they recommended a bit wider tires. Mine are 226/60 R15 Michelin tires.
4. I had a specialty auto upholstery shop do it for me. Looked exactly like the original, nice. Cost me about 1200 two years ago.
5. No idea on factory color code
6. I was told the original radio antenna can no longer be had. There are direct replacements that work fine,.
7. I have always just used Mobil 1. Standard grade 10W 40. Used to live in New Jersey.
Hope this helps.
1. I had Becker AutoSound install the bluetooth in the original radio, as well as upgraded speakers. Works fine. However, they will tell you that due to the size of the speakers, it will never be a killer radio. They are on the web, you can just give them a call. Takes only a few days. If you do not have the original radio, they have them to sell.
2. Not sure about the first aid kit for 87. Mine is black with white logo. Fully original with unused contents.
3. When I bought the car, I put new tires on it. Called TireRack and they recommended a bit wider tires. Mine are 226/60 R15 Michelin tires.
4. I had a specialty auto upholstery shop do it for me. Looked exactly like the original, nice. Cost me about 1200 two years ago.
5. No idea on factory color code
6. I was told the original radio antenna can no longer be had. There are direct replacements that work fine,.
7. I have always just used Mobil 1. Standard grade 10W 40. Used to live in New Jersey.
Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 512
Likes: 15
From: Westchester, NY / Greenwich CT
MB: E55 AMG, CL550, E3004M Cab + other makes :)
I have had my 88 560SL for 12 years. It is all original, but I have made some of the upgrades you have talked about.
1. I had Becker AutoSound install the bluetooth in the original radio, as well as upgraded speakers. Works fine. However, they will tell you that due to the size of the speakers, it will never be a killer radio. They are on the web, you can just give them a call. Takes only a few days. If you do not have the original radio, they have them to sell.
2. Not sure about the first aid kit for 87. Mine is black with white logo. Fully original with unused contents.
3. When I bought the car, I put new tires on it. Called TireRack and they recommended a bit wider tires. Mine are 226/60 R15 Michelin tires.
4. I had a specialty auto upholstery shop do it for me. Looked exactly like the original, nice. Cost me about 1200 two years ago.
5. No idea on factory color code
6. I was told the original radio antenna can no longer be had. There are direct replacements that work fine,.
7. I have always just used Mobil 1. Standard grade 10W 40. Used to live in New Jersey.
Hope this helps.
1. I had Becker AutoSound install the bluetooth in the original radio, as well as upgraded speakers. Works fine. However, they will tell you that due to the size of the speakers, it will never be a killer radio. They are on the web, you can just give them a call. Takes only a few days. If you do not have the original radio, they have them to sell.
2. Not sure about the first aid kit for 87. Mine is black with white logo. Fully original with unused contents.
3. When I bought the car, I put new tires on it. Called TireRack and they recommended a bit wider tires. Mine are 226/60 R15 Michelin tires.
4. I had a specialty auto upholstery shop do it for me. Looked exactly like the original, nice. Cost me about 1200 two years ago.
5. No idea on factory color code
6. I was told the original radio antenna can no longer be had. There are direct replacements that work fine,.
7. I have always just used Mobil 1. Standard grade 10W 40. Used to live in New Jersey.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the response,
1. Ordered from Becker the replacement "upgraded" radio with the bluetooth audio, it's arrived and is awaiting install.
2. I am seeing the black with white, black with green, or green euro. Probably go with the black with white..
3. thanks, I will prob go with Michelin or Pirelli.
4. I am thinking of switching to the khaki color - trying to figure out what it came with.
5. -
6. I found a replacement, will see if it works....https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/2018270001Z
7. Thanks.
I am also thinking of possibly doing Euro headlamps, if I can find a nice set......
