Bike and ski rack for SL

[Terrapolitan]

I have recently moved to the US from the UK. I had a 2004 350SL for several years and loved it (should have bought the 500, I know).

I am now looking to buy a new (used) car and would love to drive an SL again. However, I want to use the car to go biking in the summer and skiing in the winter and I know this is not the SL's forte.

Does anyone know if there is an after-market solution available? Ideally a combined ski and bike roof rack but I would also be happy with two separate solutions.

I called MB in Manhattan and they were less than helpful (despite me telling them that I was planning to buy a car - I guess the recession hasn't hit MB yet...)

Thanks

[pleubner]

Here is the original Bike & Roof program for the SL from Mercedes.

Note: These items are often listed on the german ebay "ebay.de"

[pleubner]

....

[Terrapolitan]

Thanks - this looks like it'd do the trick. But I guess it only works if you have it installed when the car is bought new? Or can this system also be fitted to a used car?

[pleubner]

No you can have this OEM setup also retrofited.

There are facia A column covering and side mounts that need to be replaces.

This is the Original roof system for the SL.

Some models have the covering already there for it , others need to have a new A column covering with the hole (covered by a sliding piece) for the mounting.

[Terrapolitan]

This is indeed very promising. Any idea how much a retrofit would cost?

I'm in New York but since you're in Switzerland I guess a CHF guess would be pretty accurate given than CHF 1 = US$ 1 and that both countries are somewhat expensive.

[Terrapolitan]

Has anyone been able to do this in the US?

I've now purchased a 2005 SL55 and am very keen to get this solution.

Cheers,
E

[gqmagic]

I respectfully suggest you find another option for the bike and skis, but thats just me

[dave_n_s]

Suggest you give your local MB dealer the task of researching those part numbers in pleubner's excellent post.