Viper98912

Figured something out today. Lock the car, and the center compartments, rear cubbies, and the glove box all lock. So if you leave the top down and lock the car, outsiders can't have easy access to these (unless they really force them open).

Genius idea.

SGTzAMG

oh really??? i figured this out when i locked my glove box via blade key, which locks center console and rear storage cubbies, but i didn't know they all also lock when you lock the car, will try this out! thanks!

vtvette

Yes this is indeed an ingenious design for a convertible. I feel much better when I lock the car when I run into a gas station or a store with the top down.

latemodel21

Sadly, some of the interior locks on the SL are far too simple to overpower (yank open) and pricey to repair afterwards (case in point center console lid) . A great upgrade for this car is adding the factory interior motion sensor. This was not an option in the US but can be added (I added it to my 2003 SL55). If someone merely leans into your car (top up or down), it sets off the alarm.

Cheers
Chris

vtvette

That is very interesting. How difficult was the retrofit and do you recall exactly what parts are involved?

sgaar

The P/N for the sensor it self is A2308700110 and runs between $110 to $150. It sits in the console lid. I believe that coding is needed but i am not sure.

latemodel21

the part number that sgaar provided is the correct one for the microwave prox sensor. It is $110 from oediscountparts.com and is the only mandatory part to add this feature. As scaar indicated, it goes in the lid of the center console (in place of "dummy" part that is installed when not optioned). There is a harness that connects it to the rear SAM , but since you have to fish it through the console lid and hinge, it is easier to make the harness then use the factory one.
The other part that is used with the option is a different version of the Top switch/lower console switch pack (the set of switches between shifter and console lid). You would only need this if you want the ability to disable the motion sensor (god forbid you want to leave a baby or animal in the car with the alarm set). I sourced this used from Europe and it came with the "folding mirror" switch in it as well .... however, I have never ever needed to use it ( I have never needed to disable the motion sensor), so I am assuming it is not required.

wiring is not particularly tough ... run a few wires from console lid to rear sam.

Star is required to enable it. its been a year or more since I did mine so it's a little foggy, but I KNOW I had to activate it in all 3 keys (of the ICM) and I had to change it's sensitivity in settings in the rear SAM. Mine being a 2003 may be slightly different than later cars.

I should be able to provide more detail if someone wants to add this.
Cheers,
Chris