From deneals at sbcglobal.net  Sun Jul 12 23:49:39 2009
From: deneals at sbcglobal.net (Deneal Schilmeister (MacbookPro) SBC)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:49:39 -0500
Subject: [R129 SL] soft top replacement
In-Reply-To: <096D5B480D304F1D94A39887AB1C5E1B@medion1>
Message-ID: <C6801903.12E8C%deneals@sbcglobal.net>

I will need to replace my soft top before the next open-top driving season.

Does anyone have any suggestions for where I can learn about different
material being sold?  Comparisons with new materials vs OEM?

How to choose an installer?  Should I pay dealer price to assure the job is
accomplished correctly?

Any help much appreciated.


-- 
Deneal Schilmeister
1997 SL500  140k
http://homepage.mac.com/deneals/SL500.htm


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From asimrazvi at yahoo.com  Mon Jul 13 13:40:33 2009
From: asimrazvi at yahoo.com (asim razvi)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:40:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [R129 SL] Overheating
In-Reply-To: <mailman.15.1247501732.6672.r129list@mbcoupes.com>
References: <mailman.15.1247501732.6672.r129list@mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <802828.98675.qm@web82104.mail.mud.yahoo.com>


I have a 94 SL320, it has run hot since I first got it 11 years ago.  Usually regular driving its fine, and sometimes in heavy traffic its ok then suddenly I notice especially on a hill etc it gets hot.  It usually goes way over 100 when I am in traffic or going uphill but as soon as it levels out its fine.  I know these cars run hot but I let a neice borrow it for a week and she overheated it, cost me $5k to rebuild the engine but the problem is still there.  I replaced the usual suspects fan clutch etc and radiator, is there something else I can do, its driving me crazy and on warm days am afraid to drive it.  I want my joy back.

 Asim 
94 SL320 99418 miles

From BJonesNY at aol.com  Mon Jul 13 14:52:54 2009
From: BJonesNY at aol.com (BJonesNY at aol.com)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:52:54 EDT
Subject: [R129 SL] soft top replacement
Message-ID: <c84.53f35193.378cdc86@aol.com>



1. soft top replacement (Deneal Schilmeister  (MacbookPro)  SBC)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message:  1
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:49:39 -0500
From: "Deneal Schilmeister  (MacbookPro) SBC" <deneals at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [R129 SL] soft top  replacement
To: SL Mailing List <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID:  <C6801903.12E8C%deneals at sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;  charset="us-ascii"

I will need to replace my soft top before the next  open-top driving season.

Does anyone have any suggestions for where I can  learn about different
material being sold?  Comparisons with new  materials vs OEM?

How to choose an installer?  Should I pay dealer  price to assure the job is
accomplished correctly?

Any help much  appreciated.


-- 
Deneal Schilmeister
1997 SL500   140k
http://homepage.mac.com/deneals/SL500.htm





Quote:
Originally Posted by deneals  
(http://www.mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r129/307552-replacement-soft-top.html#post3619213)   
I will need to replace my soft top  before the next open-top driving season.

Does anyone have any  suggestions for where I can learn about different 
material being sold?  Comparisons with new materials vs OEM?

Deneal,  the Haartz Corp is the largest manufacturer of the top materials 
in the  US. Good place to learn 

_http://www.haartz.com_ (http://www.haartz.com/) 

How to choose an  installer? 
I would only do this on referral from  another owner locally, or high end 
autobody shop
Should I pay  dealer price to assure the job is accomplished correctly?
Paying dealer price, imo, does not assure correct  installation. The 
dealers here, and I suspect probably everywhere in the  US sub this work out to a 
local contractor after adding alot of markup  to the installers normal 
price. Where I live, the dealer was 25% higher  using the same guy that I could 
use walking in the door. About the only  advantage of working through a 
dealer is they can be held accountable  for errors, etc. To me, however, the most 
important criteria is the  level of experience the installer has with these 
tops/cars, and  references supplied by the installer of other 129 happy  
customers.

Any help much  appreciated.

Bob  

**************Looking for love this summer? Find it now on AOL Personals. 
(http://personals.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntuslove00000003)
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From andyhatley at yahoo.com  Mon Jul 13 14:58:23 2009
From: andyhatley at yahoo.com (Andy Hatley)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:58:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [R129 SL] Overheating
Message-ID: <186644.74400.qm@web59705.mail.ac4.yahoo.com>

It sounds like you may have checked what I would look for, and that is:? 
thermostat sticking, low coolant level, electric fan or auxillary fan not kicking in, try turning off AC to see if temp goes down, ignition timing not set correctly to specs, radiator cap not holding pressure, fan clutch. 

--- On Mon, 7/13/09, asim razvi <asimrazvi at yahoo.com> wrote:


From: asim razvi <asimrazvi at yahoo.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] Overheating
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Date: Monday, July 13, 2009, 5:40 PM



I have a 94 SL320, it has run hot since I first got it 11 years ago.? Usually regular driving its fine, and sometimes in heavy traffic its ok then suddenly I notice especially on a hill etc it gets hot.? It usually goes way over 100 when I am in traffic or going uphill but as soon as it levels out its fine.? I know these cars run hot but I let a neice borrow it for a week and she overheated it, cost me $5k to rebuild the engine but the problem is still there.? I replaced the usual suspects fan clutch etc and radiator, is there something else I can do, its driving me crazy and on warm days am afraid to drive it.? I want my joy back.

Asim 
94 SL320 99418 miles
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List



      
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From andyhatley at yahoo.com  Mon Jul 13 15:02:25 2009
From: andyhatley at yahoo.com (Andy Hatley)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:02:25 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [R129 SL] soft top replacement
Message-ID: <481141.77865.qm@web59709.mail.ac4.yahoo.com>

Cannot help you on softtop issue, but have you ever had problems with it starting (cold or warm weather).? If I add gas to the carburator, it will start.? thanks,?Andy

--- On Mon, 7/13/09, BJonesNY at aol.com <BJonesNY at aol.com> wrote:


From: BJonesNY at aol.com <BJonesNY at aol.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] soft top replacement
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Date: Monday, July 13, 2009, 6:52 PM





?? 1. soft top replacement (Deneal Schilmeister (MacbookPro) SBC)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:49:39 -0500
From: "Deneal Schilmeister (MacbookPro) SBC" <deneals at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [R129 SL] soft top replacement
To: SL Mailing List <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <C6801903.12E8C%deneals at sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I will need to replace my soft top before the next open-top driving season.

Does anyone have any suggestions for where I can learn about different
material being sold?? Comparisons with new materials vs OEM?

How to choose an installer?? Should I pay dealer price to assure the job is
accomplished correctly?

Any help much appreciated.


-- 
Deneal Schilmeister
1997 SL500? 140k
http://homepage.mac.com/deneals/SL500.htm





Quote:




Originally Posted by deneals  
I will need to replace my soft top before the next open-top driving season.

Does anyone have any suggestions for where I can learn about different material being sold? Comparisons with new materials vs OEM?

Deneal, the Haartz Corp is the largest manufacturer of the top materials in the US. Good place to learn 

http://www.haartz.com

How to choose an installer? 
I would only do this on referral from another owner locally, or high end autobody shop
Should I pay dealer price to assure the job is accomplished correctly?
Paying dealer price, imo, does not assure correct installation. The dealers here, and I suspect probably everywhere in the US sub this work out to a local contractor after adding alot of markup to the installers normal price. Where I live, the dealer was 25% higher using the same guy that I could use walking in the door. About the only advantage of working through a dealer is they can be held accountable for errors, etc. To me, however, the most important criteria is the level of experience the installer has with these tops/cars, and references supplied by the installer of other 129 happy customers.

Any help much appreciated.Bob 
?



Looking for love this summer? Find it now on AOL Personals.
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----


The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List


      
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From andyhatley at yahoo.com  Mon Jul 13 15:01:15 2009
From: andyhatley at yahoo.com (Andy Hatley)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:01:15 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [R129 SL] Overheating
Message-ID: <876621.70254.qm@web59706.mail.ac4.yahoo.com>

I sent you a reply on overheating, but forgot to ask you a question.? Have you ever had problems with it starting (cold or warm weather).? If I add gas to the carburator, it will start.? thanks,? 

--- On Mon, 7/13/09, asim razvi <asimrazvi at yahoo.com> wrote:


From: asim razvi <asimrazvi at yahoo.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] Overheating
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Date: Monday, July 13, 2009, 5:40 PM



I have a 94 SL320, it has run hot since I first got it 11 years ago.? Usually regular driving its fine, and sometimes in heavy traffic its ok then suddenly I notice especially on a hill etc it gets hot.? It usually goes way over 100 when I am in traffic or going uphill but as soon as it levels out its fine.? I know these cars run hot but I let a neice borrow it for a week and she overheated it, cost me $5k to rebuild the engine but the problem is still there.? I replaced the usual suspects fan clutch etc and radiator, is there something else I can do, its driving me crazy and on warm days am afraid to drive it.? I want my joy back.

Asim 
94 SL320 99418 miles
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List



      
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From Flodur2 at aol.com  Tue Jul 14 12:39:41 2009
From: Flodur2 at aol.com (Flodur2 at aol.com)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:39:41 EDT
Subject: [R129 SL] SL320 Overheating
Message-ID: <c77.4ceb9183.378e0ecd@aol.com>

My 320 with 60k miles overheated in traffic or when otherwise stopped.  
After replacing the thermostat with no effect, I replaced the water pump and  
found the rotor significantly worn down, IMHO enough to not produce an 
effective  or sufficient water flow. Replacement with a new pump has solved the 
problem for  45k miles, so far.
 
Rudolf Boentgen
**************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy 
Steps! 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221323036x1201367247/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jul
yExcfooterNO62)
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From asimrazvi at yahoo.com  Tue Jul 14 15:33:17 2009
From: asimrazvi at yahoo.com (asim razvi)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:33:17 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [R129 SL] Overheating
In-Reply-To: <mailman.15.1247501732.6672.r129list@mbcoupes.com>
References: <mailman.15.1247501732.6672.r129list@mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <427390.98415.qm@web82101.mail.mud.yahoo.com>


Thanks for the responses, I tried everything so far, today got caught in traffic and it didnt really waver too much but I had the a/c off and it moved from 85 to about 90 in 15 minutes.  If I put the heater on full its fine, but not so much fun to do that on hot days.  I am concerned because the temps fluctuate more on this car than any other I have had, usually between 80-85 normal driving, around 90 hill driving or higher.  Thanks to the posters and in answer to the question about starting, its always started just fine, never a problem unless battery is dead. 

 Asim Razvi
714 280 5771
http://www.businessintelligenceagility.com/

From J.kuylaars at kpnplanet.nl  Tue Jul 14 20:50:10 2009
From: J.kuylaars at kpnplanet.nl (Jan Kuylaars)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:50:10 +0200
Subject: [R129 SL] Overheating
In-Reply-To: <427390.98415.qm@web82101.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <871749F1CB3D4ECEBECBB0E89F7AF958@medion1>

I think there is a misunderstanding. The R129 500 engine is a hot motor.
Normally a car will work best at 80 degrees Celsius, but the design of
this motor is so it will work at best at 100 degrees Celsius. So on 90
degrees there is nothing wrong. The fan should go running about 100
degrees and let the engine cool of on that temperature. Only higher
temperature above 100-110 degrees will cause trouble.
My car is normal to have it in 15 minutes to go to 90 degrees, and when
I stock in traffic jam with outside temperature from about 30 degrees,
like this afternoon, the temperature rises within a minute to 100
degrees and the fans are started to work. Then the temperature stays
steady and when I can drive harder and the wind blows true the radiator
the temp drops to 90-95 degrees.
So if everything is working well, 100 degrees is no problem. In the
beginning I also was afraid it was wrong, but they explained me that it
is normal and that the cooling fluid in a closed circuit not is boiling
at 100 degrees, but at 120 degrees. It is the principle of the fast boil
dinner pan. But then it is wrong with the engine!!

Jan Flying Dutchman.



-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] Namens asim razvi
Verzonden: dinsdag 14 juli 2009 21:33
Aan: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Onderwerp: [R129 SL] Overheating



Thanks for the responses, I tried everything so far, today got caught in
traffic and it didnt really waver too much but I had the a/c off and it
moved from 85 to about 90 in 15 minutes.  If I put the heater on full
its fine, but not so much fun to do that on hot days.  I am concerned
because the temps fluctuate more on this car than any other I have had,
usually between 80-85 normal driving, around 90 hill driving or higher.
Thanks to the posters and in answer to the question about starting, its
always started just fine, never a problem unless battery is dead. 

 Asim Razvi
714 280 5771
http://www.businessintelligenceagility.com/
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
Gecontroleerd door AVG - www.avg.com 
Versie: 8.5.375 / Virusdatabase: 270.13.12/2233 - datum van uitgifte:
07/13/09 17:57:00



From rtorchia at aol.com  Wed Jul 15 13:43:29 2009
From: rtorchia at aol.com (rtorchia at aol.com)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:43:29 -0400
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
Message-ID: <8CBD38AE5F67875-1114-8CE@MBLK-M14.sysops.aol.com>

I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about 
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated 
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI 
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and 
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter 
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic 
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion. 
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like 
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.

From markusfmeyer at hotmail.com  Wed Jul 15 14:00:43 2009
From: markusfmeyer at hotmail.com (Markus Meyer)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:00:43 -0400
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
In-Reply-To: <8CBD38AE5F67875-1114-8CE@MBLK-M14.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CBD38AE5F67875-1114-8CE@MBLK-M14.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <SNT121-W316925B228B5A102FD4C9EDC200@phx.gbl>


Are you running stock wheels/tires on your car or larger?  I run larger on my 126 (18's) with Z rated tires and do about 30-35 front, 35-40 rear.

Markus 
 
> To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:43:29 -0400
> From: rtorchia at aol.com
> Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
> 
> I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about 
> tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated 
> that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI 
> is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and 
> recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter 
> for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic 
> recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion. 
> I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like 
> to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt
> 
> 
> Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
> The MB Coupes Website!
> R129 SL Mailing List

_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live? SkyDrive?: Get 25 GB of free online storage.
http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_SD_25GB_062009
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From blueridgemb at gmail.com  Wed Jul 15 13:52:32 2009
From: blueridgemb at gmail.com (Jonathan Hodgman)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:52:32 -0400
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
In-Reply-To: <8CBD38AE5F67875-1114-8CE@MBLK-M14.sysops.aol.com>
References: <8CBD38AE5F67875-1114-8CE@MBLK-M14.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <4A5E1760.2070407@gmail.com>

I run 36-38 psi in mine w/ 18' Aero II's on PS2's.  Smooth as Glass and 
grip Almost like an R spec;-)

Jonathan



rtorchia at aol.com wrote:
> I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about 
> tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated 
> that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI 
> is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and 
> recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter 
> for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic 
> recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my 
> opinion. I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and 
> would like to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt
>
>
> Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
> The MB Coupes Website!
> R129 SL Mailing List
>


-- 
Blue Ridge Mercedes/AMG East
www.blueridgemb.com
Offering Enthusiast Service, Restoration and Tuning.
96 S600 Euro
91 560SEC ECE (for sale)
91 560 SEC Undergoing TT/GT28 conversion
88 300E AMG
89 190E 2.6 5sp (Mosselman TT waiting..)
89 300TE 
88 560SEC AMG Euro ECE (parts)
89 560SEC AMG solid lifter 7K RPM Conv.
87 Hammer 6.0L 32V
86 560SEL AMG 6.0L 32V


From rob at robvonder.com  Wed Jul 15 14:23:10 2009
From: rob at robvonder.com (Rob Vonderhaar)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:23:10 -0400
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
Message-ID: <2DE8297FCF695442ADD3AC01CFE61158210A806AD2@VMBX103.ihostexchange.net>

I'm running 32 psi front and 36 psi rear (cold) on my 2005 SL500 with the AMG Sport package.  Watching the tire pressure monitors while driving, this climbs to about 35 & 39.  I also have a 1995 SL500 with similar 18" AMG wheels set at those same pressures.

Seems like a good compromise on both cars in terms of giving decent handling without feeling every imperfection in the road.  Anything higher just gets so rough that it's not fun to drive.  I agree with your mechanic that 28 psi in front is too low.

     Rob
_________________________
Sent from my Omnia Windows? phone.

-----Original Message-----
From: rtorchia at aol.com <rtorchia at aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:48 PM
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion.
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List

From J.kuylaars at kpnplanet.nl  Wed Jul 15 17:15:39 2009
From: J.kuylaars at kpnplanet.nl (Jan Kuylaars)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:15:39 +0200
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
In-Reply-To: <8CBD38AE5F67875-1114-8CE@MBLK-M14.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <089440D90C654829BE6F616EE4FFD60A@medion1>

It is indeed not fine to drive with higher pressure, but I have ruined 4
new tires last year because I had them to flat.
All tires become little cracks on the inner side of the tire, so you
even cannot see it.
*In Holland they have a lot off speed limit bulbs who are just touching
the inner side of the tire.
It is even dangerous, now I have no problems with 2.8 bar rear and 2.5
in front.
Flying Dutchmen.


-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] Namens rtorchia at aol.com
Verzonden: woensdag 15 juli 2009 19:43
Aan: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Onderwerp: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about 
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated 
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI 
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and 
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter 
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic 
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion. 
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like 
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
Gecontroleerd door AVG - www.avg.com 
Versie: 8.5.375 / Virusdatabase: 270.13.14/2238 - datum van uitgifte:
07/15/09 17:58:00



From joyce.pm at xtra.co.nz  Wed Jul 15 17:03:49 2009
From: joyce.pm at xtra.co.nz (Peter S)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:03:49 +1200
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
References: <2DE8297FCF695442ADD3AC01CFE61158210A806AD2@VMBX103.ihostexchange.net>
Message-ID: <001d01ca058f$c08ed9d0$0501010a@newbeb1e9bcff6>

Hi Rob, Robert, Jonathan and Marcus,
Tyre pressures!  We could all spend weeks or even years on cars and vehicle 
tyre pressures.  The pressures are dependent upon tyres, vehicle weight, 
vehicle weight distribution, how much stuff we manage to fit in, number of 
passengers carried, and where all this is carried, required handling, road 
construction, road conditions, road 'banking', vehicle steering engineering, 
fuel economy etc etc.  All good engineering stuff!

We presently have some 7 cars and 4 motorcycles/ scooters (including a 
Piaggio MP3!).  Like many car/ motorcycle enthusiasts, I  have possibly 
owned some 100+ vehicles in my lifetime (so far) and driven a lot more 
vehicles in NZ and other countries.  In winter, I tend to run the cars/ 
motorcycles at 32 psi - yes all of them (front and rear), to give a bit of 
grip on the roads just in case.  In Autumn (fall), Summer and Spring, all 
the vehicles are pumped up to 36 psi.  Sorry about the psi bit, but in New 
Zealand we are meant to use kilopascals for the last 30 years - our 
beautiful country uses all metric parameters, but we still tend to use psi 
as the US uses psi!

I run a variety of tyres from Pirelli PZ0, through Bridgestone Potenzas (my 
overall favourite tyres) and currently Kumho's on the R129 ( believe it or 
not my second best favourite brand).  I also have continentals, Firestone 
Firehawks and Michelins on the cars.  In NZ we seem to be fraught with a 
variety of imported Asian tyres that I can hardly pronounce the names of! 
Many tyres are the very dangerous mud and snow tyres that should be banned 
in NZ - another story!

Our motorways here and very different from the freeways overseas. Our roads 
generally use a rougher chip seal, and most of all of our corners are banked 
to allow better handling/ cornering.  Our secondary roads are narrow 
sometimes, not too dissimilar from English country roads.  We have quite a 
few 'gravel' roads as well.  Note that low profile tyres do not track too 
well on gravel, so if I am back country roads for a long trip, I often 
exchange my 18 inch Potenzas on the W123 with the traditional 123 Mag alloy 
Merc wheels fitted with Bridgestone 205/65/15 tyres.

So in brief, being a simple bloke that is not capable of multi-tasking, 
unlike our female counterparts, I put in 36 psi summer, autumn and spring 
and 32 psi winter.   Those horrible space savers in the Japanese vehicles 
have to be run at about 70 psi though - short distances only.

Cold in NZ at present as it is our winter - about 4 degrees C here today. 
Acquired a chill 3 weeks ago and have had a dowse of influenza (not the 
swine type!) - main possible cause - driving the R129 with the top down, 
outside temp at about 2 degrees, and not having enough gear on!  We have our 
National Mercedes Benz AGM in Picton (top of the North Island) next week so 
will have to get my woollies out as we will be in the R129 with the top down 
heading across on the ferry.  The greater Picton area has about 150 wineries 
within a 100 km radius, so I wonder what else we will be doing......

Have a great week.
Regards, Peter S.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rob Vonderhaar" <rob at robvonder.com>
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2009 6:23 AM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I'm running 32 psi front and 36 psi rear (cold) on my 2005 SL500 with the 
AMG Sport package.  Watching the tire pressure monitors while driving, this 
climbs to about 35 & 39.  I also have a 1995 SL500 with similar 18" AMG 
wheels set at those same pressures.

Seems like a good compromise on both cars in terms of giving decent handling 
without feeling every imperfection in the road.  Anything higher just gets 
so rough that it's not fun to drive.  I agree with your mechanic that 28 psi 
in front is too low.

     Rob
_________________________
Sent from my Omnia Windows? phone.

-----Original Message-----
From: rtorchia at aol.com <rtorchia at aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:48 PM
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion.
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List 


From jbrown63 at bak.rr.com  Wed Jul 15 19:52:36 2009
From: jbrown63 at bak.rr.com (John Brown)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:52:36 -0700
Subject: [R129 SL] A/C Blower
Message-ID: <6D7FD5BFDCC14CF9B7BDE1463F36F045@JohnPC>

     I have a 1993 500sl.  The A/C unit puts out good "cool" air, However the Blower will not increase speed when the other buttons are used e.g.(1,2,3,4,).  Where are/is the 30amp fuse for the blower? How do you get to it? What other possibilities could cause the blower speed to work in AUTO but not using 1,2,3,4,?
J.K.Brown
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From rtorchia at aol.com  Thu Jul 16 12:54:55 2009
From: rtorchia at aol.com (rtorchia at aol.com)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:54:55 -0400
Subject: [R129 SL] R129LIST Digest, Vol 55, Issue 4
In-Reply-To: <mailman.11.1247760927.14785.r129list@mbcoupes.com>
References: <mailman.11.1247760927.14785.r129list@mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <8CBD44D47CD33EC-A90-126@WEBMAIL-MB07.sysops.aol.com>

Thanks for all the info and ideas on tire pressure. I will stick to 
what I have, more or less. For the record, I use the standard factory 
wheels, I believe made by Ronal. Regards to all, rt





-----Original Message-----
From: r129list-request at mbcoupes.com
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Sent: Thu, Jul 16, 2009 12:15 pm
Subject: R129LIST Digest, Vol 55, Issue 4



Send R129LIST mailing list submissions to
    r129list at mbcoupes.com

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
    http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/r129list
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
    r129list-request at mbcoupes.com

You can reach the person managing the list at
    r129list-owner at mbcoupes.com

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of R129LIST digest..."


Today's Topics:

   1. sl500 proper tire pressure (rtorchia at aol.com)
   2. Re: sl500 proper tire pressure (Markus Meyer)
   3. Re: sl500 proper tire pressure (Jonathan Hodgman)
   4. Re: sl500 proper tire pressure (Rob Vonderhaar)
   5. Re: sl500 proper tire pressure (Jan Kuylaars)
   6. Re: sl500 proper tire pressure (Peter S)
   7. A/C Blower (John Brown)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:43:29 -0400
From: rtorchia at aol.com
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Message-ID: <8CBD38AE5F67875-1114-8CE at MBLK-M14.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion.
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.


------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:00:43 -0400
From: Markus Meyer <markusfmeyer at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
To: <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <SNT121-W316925B228B5A102FD4C9EDC200 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"


Are you running stock wheels/tires on your car or larger?  I run larger 
on my
126 (18's) with Z rated tires and do about 30-35 front, 35-40 rear.

Markus

> To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:43:29 -0400
> From: rtorchia at aol.com
> Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
>
> I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
> tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
> that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 
PSI
> is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
> recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
> for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
> recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my 
opinion.
> I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would 
like
> to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt
>
>
> Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
> The MB Coupes Website!
> R129 SL Mailing List

_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live? SkyDrive?: Get 25 GB of free online storage.
http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_SD_25GB_062009
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------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:52:32 -0400
From: Jonathan Hodgman <blueridgemb at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
To: SL Mailing List <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <4A5E1760.2070407 at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I run 36-38 psi in mine w/ 18' Aero II's on PS2's.  Smooth as Glass and
grip Almost like an R spec;-)

Jonathan



rtorchia at aol.com wrote:
> I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
> tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
> that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 
PSI
> is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
> recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
> for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
> recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my
> opinion. I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and
> would like to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt
>
>
> Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
> The MB Coupes Website!
> R129 SL Mailing List
>


--
Blue Ridge Mercedes/AMG East
www.blueridgemb.com
Offering Enthusiast Service, Restoration and Tuning.
96 S600 Euro
91 560SEC ECE (for sale)
91 560 SEC Undergoing TT/GT28 conversion
88 300E AMG
89 190E 2.6 5sp (Mosselman TT waiting..)
89 300TE
88 560SEC AMG Euro ECE (parts)
89 560SEC AMG solid lifter 7K RPM Conv.
87 Hammer 6.0L 32V
86 560SEL AMG 6.0L 32V



------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:23:10 -0400
From: Rob Vonderhaar <rob at robvonder.com>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
To: SL Mailing List <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID:
     
<2DE8297FCF695442ADD3AC01CFE61158210A806AD2 at VMBX103.ihostexchange.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I'm running 32 psi front and 36 psi rear (cold) on my 2005 SL500 with 
the AMG
Sport package.  Watching the tire pressure monitors while driving, this 
climbs
to about 35 & 39.  I also have a 1995 SL500 with similar 18" AMG wheels 
set at
those same pressures.

Seems like a good compromise on both cars in terms of giving decent 
handling
without feeling every imperfection in the road.  Anything higher just 
gets so
rough that it's not fun to drive.  I agree with your mechanic that 28 
psi in
front is too low.

     Rob
_________________________
Sent from my Omnia Windows? phone.

-----Original Message-----
From: rtorchia at aol.com <rtorchia at aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:48 PM
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion.
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List


------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:15:39 +0200
From: "Jan Kuylaars" <J.kuylaars at kpnplanet.nl>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
To: "'SL Mailing List'" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <089440D90C654829BE6F616EE4FFD60A at medion1>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="us-ascii"

It is indeed not fine to drive with higher pressure, but I have ruined 4
new tires last year because I had them to flat.
All tires become little cracks on the inner side of the tire, so you
even cannot see it.
*In Holland they have a lot off speed limit bulbs who are just touching
the inner side of the tire.
It is even dangerous, now I have no problems with 2.8 bar rear and 2.5
in front.
Flying Dutchmen.


-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] Namens rtorchia at aol.com
Verzonden: woensdag 15 juli 2009 19:43
Aan: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Onderwerp: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion.
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
Gecontroleerd door AVG - www.avg.com
Versie: 8.5.375 / Virusdatabase: 270.13.14/2238 - datum van uitgifte:
07/15/09 17:58:00




------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:03:49 +1200
From: "Peter S" <joyce.pm at xtra.co.nz>
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <001d01ca058f$c08ed9d0$0501010a at newbeb1e9bcff6>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
    reply-type=original

Hi Rob, Robert, Jonathan and Marcus,
Tyre pressures!  We could all spend weeks or even years on cars and 
vehicle
tyre pressures.  The pressures are dependent upon tyres, vehicle 
weight,
vehicle weight distribution, how much stuff we manage to fit in, number 
of
passengers carried, and where all this is carried, required handling, 
road
construction, road conditions, road 'banking', vehicle steering 
engineering,
fuel economy etc etc.  All good engineering stuff!

We presently have some 7 cars and 4 motorcycles/ scooters (including a
Piaggio MP3!).  Like many car/ motorcycle enthusiasts, I  have possibly
owned some 100+ vehicles in my lifetime (so far) and driven a lot more
vehicles in NZ and other countries.  In winter, I tend to run the cars/
motorcycles at 32 psi - yes all of them (front and rear), to give a bit 
of
grip on the roads just in case.  In Autumn (fall), Summer and Spring, 
all
the vehicles are pumped up to 36 psi.  Sorry about the psi bit, but in 
New
Zealand we are meant to use kilopascals for the last 30 years - our
beautiful country uses all metric parameters, but we still tend to use 
psi
as the US uses psi!

I run a variety of tyres from Pirelli PZ0, through Bridgestone Potenzas 
(my
overall favourite tyres) and currently Kumho's on the R129 ( believe it 
or
not my second best favourite brand).  I also have continentals, 
Firestone
Firehawks and Michelins on the cars.  In NZ we seem to be fraught with 
a
variety of imported Asian tyres that I can hardly pronounce the names 
of!
Many tyres are the very dangerous mud and snow tyres that should be 
banned
in NZ - another story!

Our motorways here and very different from the freeways overseas. Our 
roads
generally use a rougher chip seal, and most of all of our corners are 
banked
to allow better handling/ cornering.  Our secondary roads are narrow
sometimes, not too dissimilar from English country roads.  We have 
quite a
few 'gravel' roads as well.  Note that low profile tyres do not track 
too
well on gravel, so if I am back country roads for a long trip, I often
exchange my 18 inch Potenzas on the W123 with the traditional 123 Mag 
alloy
Merc wheels fitted with Bridgestone 205/65/15 tyres.

So in brief, being a simple bloke that is not capable of multi-tasking,
unlike our female counterparts, I put in 36 psi summer, autumn and 
spring
and 32 psi winter.   Those horrible space savers in the Japanese 
vehicles
have to be run at about 70 psi though - short distances only.

Cold in NZ at present as it is our winter - about 4 degrees C here 
today.
Acquired a chill 3 weeks ago and have had a dowse of influenza (not the
swine type!) - main possible cause - driving the R129 with the top 
down,
outside temp at about 2 degrees, and not having enough gear on!  We 
have our
National Mercedes Benz AGM in Picton (top of the North Island) next 
week so
will have to get my woollies out as we will be in the R129 with the top 
down
heading across on the ferry.  The greater Picton area has about 150 
wineries
within a 100 km radius, so I wonder what else we will be doing......

Have a great week.
Regards, Peter S.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Vonderhaar" <rob at robvonder.com>
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2009 6:23 AM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I'm running 32 psi front and 36 psi rear (cold) on my 2005 SL500 with 
the
AMG Sport package.  Watching the tire pressure monitors while driving, 
this
climbs to about 35 & 39.  I also have a 1995 SL500 with similar 18" AMG
wheels set at those same pressures.

Seems like a good compromise on both cars in terms of giving decent 
handling
without feeling every imperfection in the road.  Anything higher just 
gets
so rough that it's not fun to drive.  I agree with your mechanic that 
28 psi
in front is too low.

     Rob
_________________________
Sent from my Omnia Windows? phone.

-----Original Message-----
From: rtorchia at aol.com <rtorchia at aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:48 PM
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion.
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List
The MB Coupes Website!
R129 SL Mailing List



------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:52:36 -0700
From: "John Brown" <jbrown63 at bak.rr.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] A/C Blower
To: <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Message-ID: <6D7FD5BFDCC14CF9B7BDE1463F36F045 at JohnPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

      I have a 1993 500sl.  The A/C unit puts out good "cool" air, 
However the
Blower will not increase speed when the other buttons are used 
e.g.(1,2,3,4,).
Where are/is the 30amp fuse for the blower? How do you get to it? What 
other
possibilities could cause the blower speed to work in AUTO but not 
using
1,2,3,4,?
J.K.Brown
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End of R129LIST Digest, Vol 55, Issue 4
***************************************