Hi my name is Rob I am 36 years old and live in Long Island NY and a just picked up a 1972 350SL with 132K miles. Its tobacco brown with brown mbtex interior. It still has the original 350SL emblem attached but I was given the 450SL that the original owners got from the dealership. The car is dated 8/71 and all IDs plates match the VIN. I am the 4th owner. The person who I bought I from had it for 13 years, the person before him had it 16 years and the original owner had it 9 years. The car seems very well cared for, has alot of documention (including original bill of sale and a metal tag thing?) and very original except the paint. Here are some of my questions for now:
1. When the engine is cold and I first start it I was told to turn the key to postion #1 until I hear the fuel pump and the turn the car on. Is this normal?
2. Under the rear carpet there is insulation with shiny layer on top but no rust under neath the car. Sort of like whats under aluminum siding. Is this normal?
3. Under the front carpet there is rubber insulation and no rust under neath the car. Is this normal?
4. The car when it first starts up from cold it revs from 1500rpms to 1000rpms to 1500rpms to 1000rpms every 2 second for about 1 minute and then it stays at 1500rpms and works it way down to 800rpms. After its warm its fine. Is this normal? (It did not do that when I first looked at the car but I did add Fuel System cleaner to the gas tank and thats when the problem seemed to start.)
5. The car is a little smelly (carbon monoxide) and alittle loud (my wife doesn't like that). Is there any way the make it more quiet and less smelly. It does have both mufflers (the middle one and the end one but they have a litte surface rust but I hear no leaks or hisses and no holes).
6. What brands should I use for maintaince parts (sparks plugs, wire, distributor cap/rotor, air filter, oil filter, ......)
Thanks for your time. This is my first german classic import that I ever bought. I always had american cars and other imports as toys including 1966 Mustang, 1987 Mustang GT Convertible, 1989 Turbo Trans Am, 1984 Trans Am, 1991 Trans Am Convertible, 1979 Trans Am, 1982 Collectors Edition Corvette, 1979 Fiat spyer 2000, 1982 280ZX and 1991 Mercury Capri. But I think this one is the keeper (but I say that I all the time).
Thanks,
Rob
Last edited by 1972-350SL : 05-08-2008 at 12:29 PM.
Welcome to the board. It looks as though you've acquired a fine example.
As to the 450 badge, the 350SL was sold around the world with the M116 3.5 litre V8. US models received the 4.5 litre M117 powerplant, but were badged 350SL nonetheless. Some dealers arbitrarily rebadged them, some owners did it, and some never bothered. It's your prerogative.
Your engine is equipped with the Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection. Some of those guys will, I'm sure, be along to help with those queries.
Not sure exactly what you should see under the carpet of a '72, but there will be an insulating underlayment of one sort or another. Sort of MB's version of Dynamat.
As far as the exhaust goes, at 132K and 36 years old, unless you've records that indicate recent replacement, it's probably due.
Lots of vendors sell OE equivalent parts, but my first suggestion would be to visit your dealer parts guy. If you're lucky there's a 107 guy who know the ins and outs, and eventually you'll have to go there for something big, and a friendly parts guy can be a big help. MB prices will surprise you, at both ends of the spectrum, some being simply outrageous, and others beating the aftermarket guys.
At the top of the BW107 thread title page are several sticky threads. Read those for lots of pertinent info, links, and such. Also, over on the W116 Board is a Bosch D-Jet sticky that may Help orient you on that.
Dave.
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1. When the engine is cold and I first start it I was told to turn the key to postion #1 until I hear the fuel pump and the turn the car on. Is this normal?
That sounds correct - You don't really have to pause - pump reaches pressure very quickly
2. Under the rear carpet there is insulation with shiny layer on top but no rust under neath the car. Sort of like whats under aluminum siding. Is this normal?
I think my car has black foam underlay that does have shiny surface on top.
3. Under the front carpet there is rubber insulation and no rust under neath the car. Is this normal?
Same as 2.
4. The car when it first starts up from cold it revs from 1500rpms to 1000rpms to 1500rpms to 1000rpms every 2 second for about 1 minute and then it stays at 1500rpms and works it way down to 800rpms. After its warm its fine. Is this normal? (It did not do that when I first looked at the car but I did add Fuel System cleaner to the gas tank and thats when the problem seemed to start.)
Sounds like you have high idle - at 1500rpm, there is a device that kicks in and causes that surging - you want to adjust cold idle to below 1500rpm, If this causes too low an hot idle, then you have a vacuum leak or your aux air valve is leaking - Mine was!
5. The car is a little smelly (carbon monoxide) and alittle loud (my wife doesn't like that). Is there any way the make it more quiet and less smelly. It does have both mufflers (the middle one and the end one but they have a litte surface rust but I hear no leaks or hisses and no holes).
Any muffler shop will check the pipes for you. You may have a leak. Also, check the passenger side manifold just below the battery - they often crack in that area between the last to cylinders
6. What brands should I use for maintaince parts (sparks plugs, wire, distributor cap/rotor, air filter, oil filter, ......)
Most parts are Bosch, but Beru are more correct for wires at least. Read the threads here and on MBShop about resistor plugs and newer style Bosch wires with no resistor ends. Arizona Autohaus has most ignition parts and they are Bosch.
I will be away for a while, but always glad to discuss these early D-Jet 107s!
I will be away for a while, but always glad to discuss these early D-Jet 107s!
welcome....my name is george and i happen to live on long island too. i live in mineola and i happen to work in a mercedes benz shop where we specialize in older model mercedes with gasoline or diesel engines. the car looks great.. if you ever need service or something checked out send me a private message. good luck
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Welcome aboard! Nice looking ride. More pics please. I have a 73 and the insulation you mentioned is normal. Where has the car been the last 36 years? Looks too nice to have been a northern car all it's life.
A very nice looking example. The right color too. As far as there being no rust below the front and rear carpets thats not normal for that old a car
Welcome to the board. And if you ever go to Rally Motors MB, say hello to them. That where I used to work 20 years ago.
As far as parts. I strive to use genuine MB but sometimes price wise, that pushes the limits of stupidity. So therefor my rule of thumb is to use genuine MB if the part is in a difficult to get to location and I don't want to see it again.
Again thanks for all the posts. One other question that I forgot to ask about the transmission. When I put it into reverese it takes a second to engage. And also when I put it into drive. But there is no slipping once they are in gear. I think its normal but I just want to make sure. I will buy a filter kit and change the fuild/filter and maybe that will help.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NormanB
Welcome aboard! Nice looking ride. More pics please. I have a 73 and the insulation you mentioned is normal. Where has the car been the last 36 years? Looks too nice to have been a northern car all it's life.
Enjoy
The car was original purchase in NYC from Mecedes Benz of Manhatten on 12/29/1971 to the original owner for $10,700 + $523 import tax (thats over $59K in 2008 dollars. Normal for 2008 but he must have been crazy for 1971), who lived in NYC (I am in contact with the dealship in get more info). He then moved to RYE NY (Westchester) in 1980. He sold the car in 1980 for $11,000 (thats $28.5K in 2008 dollars) with 86K miles to a gentlemen in CT (Stamford) who bought it for his wife.
He then sold it in 1996 to his co-worker for $10K (thats $13.6K in 2008 dollars) with 120K mile to a Gentlemen in CT (Stamford) who is the President and CEO of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce.
Who then sold it to me on 5/7/08, my moms 68th birthday, with 132K miles.
I am also in contact with the CT DMV because for $20 you get a title search done for all owners in CT. It seems that CT is a title state and this car still has a title.
For NY cars pre-1973 have no title but a transferable registration. I will also be putting on vintage 1972 NY license plates (blue with yellow outline).
Thanks for all the interest,
Rob
Last edited by 1972-350SL : 05-09-2008 at 06:29 AM.
The smell is more than likely a leaking passenger side exhaust manifold as mentioned previously. Easily replaced from a salvage yard (Potomac Auto) much cheaper than an OEM original if price is an issue. I echo the advice to get the whole system replaced if it's looking iffy. In the long run you will be happier.
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