I've had my '98 less than a week and am very pleased. I've read many pages deep in this forum, followed links, and learned a lot. I wish the search function worked, but it doesn't so...
- I see threads about antennas and am confused. My car has no visible antenna - where is it? I have no issues so far with radio reception but I admit I haven't done anything beyond locating my favorite NPR station so far. I'm guessing that my antenna is hidden somewhere and y'all are talking about replacing that with a mast type. Where is my antenna?
- I see threads about replacing the windscreen with an acrylic version. My car didn't come with a windscreen at all (unless I'm missing something). Apparently, the stock windscreen is a mesh net that stretches across the roll bars. Is that correct? Is it easy to get a factory replacement? I understand it reduces rear vision, but is it effective? I am very handy at fabricating acrylic pieces and am tempted to try making my own custom windscreen. Has anyone else tried that?
- I see threads about failing light bulbs but I have an odd problem. Starting Friday and continuing yesterday, my exterior lamp failure light comes on after I've been driving a while. Turns out to be the right brake light that's out, but it's intermittent. It always works when the car is first started and doesn't fail on the first application of the brakes, but instead after 10 minutes or so. I've always understood light bulbs as something that either was good or burnt out. This indicates to me that perhaps I have a poor connection to the bulb. Is it worth a try cleaning the bulb and socket or should I stock up on spares (or both)?
- At interstate highway speeds, the car seems to roll smoother with the top up than with the top down. Yesterday while rolling down I-75 with the top down it almost felt like I had a mildly unbalanced tire (I could see a tiny bit of vibration in my driver side rear view mirror). Is this normal or should I have the tires and suspension checked?
- One of the links I followed showed a modest rear spoiler for sale for the SLK for what seemed a reasonable price considering it comes painted to match the car. I'm not crazy about it but my wife thought it was cute. Has anyone installed one of these? How was the build quality?
I'm sure I'll have more questions and I've got a mental wish-list going that I'd like to post someday to see if I'm crazy or if others have the same thoughts. I'm very very pleased with the car overall though. Thanks in advance for any advice/tips on this stuff.
Did you buy your car from a M-B dealer? My mesh Wind Screen (Wind Deflector)was missing, so the dealer got one from another used car on the lot. Guess that explains how they disappear!
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2006 Mazda Miata GT Copper Red/saddle tan
2005 Mercedes C240 Sedan Bordeaux red/ash
2001 Mercedes SLK320 Black/charcoal (sold)
2000 Honda S2000 Black/red (sold)
1997 BMW M3 Sedan Black/black (sold)
1996 BMW 328is Black/gray (sold)
bodypainter - 3/15/2004 11:15 PM
- I see threads about failing light bulbs but I have an odd problem. Starting Friday and continuing yesterday, my exterior lamp failure light comes on after I've been driving a while. Turns out to be the right brake light that's out, but it's intermittent. It always works when the car is first started and doesn't fail on the first application of the brakes, but instead after 10 minutes or so. I've always understood light bulbs as something that either was good or burnt out. This indicates to me that perhaps I have a poor connection to the bulb. Is it worth a try cleaning the bulb and socket or should I stock up on spares (or both)?
This has happened to me as well. The problem went
away when I re-seated the light. I've had three
bulbs out on three years. You may as well stock
up on a few and be ware that the bulb assembly
sometimes fuses with the socket and you need to
be superman to get it out.
Quote:
- One of the links I followed showed a modest rear spoiler for sale for the SLK for what seemed a reasonable price considering it comes painted to match the car. I'm not crazy about it but my wife
Just say NO to spoilers! Buy your wife some roses
instead.
Your antenna is located in or behind the rear bumper.
Complaints of poor reception forced Mercedes to install the mast type starting in 99 model year. Some folks install one from a SL (I gather) so it would be paintable.
To fabricate a winscreen, you might consider Lexan plastic from a sign shop. It comes in various thickness and is really tough stuff. It is the type of plastic that they make "bullet proof" windows of[:(!]
A lot of guys (me too [^]) have had to replace rear lights starting with the intermittent light problem. [}:)] It seems, the more often the bulb is changed - the more likely the socket portion of the plastic light housing will be damaged. It doesn't have a true light socket - just some plated on portion of the plastic to carry current. Once this is cracked or scratched off, the tail-light is ruined [V]
Have not heard of your tire shake/vibration problem upon lowering the top. Maybe a cowl / dashtop shake
problem [?]
Go to the gallery section of the web site and look at some of the works of art by some of our fellowship.
That ought to really get you started on your mental wish list [:)][:)][:)][:D][:D][:D]
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