[jokki]

Hello everyone. I lurked briefly on this terrifically informative site and then bought an 89 500SEL and am getting getting down to some maintenance as the PO wasn't very hands on. First thing was sort out the unholy mess underneath the battery tray. No rodents, just a lot of that white powdery corrosion. The question I have is how many clamps are there to hold the battery down. I only have one there, but it looks like there is a spare hole and place for another one. Should there be two?
I've also pulled out the non-functioning blind mechanism and have fixed it all ready to instal using an old antenna cable from a Saab I had lying around. I've included a shot of it for all those of you who wonder what goes on under the cover. If anyone's interested I could document exactly what I did after I get it al back in and up and running. The only thing I'm not sure of is how much tension to have in the spring retraction mechanism. It sure would have been a lot easier to remove if there was access from the boot to the four nuts that hold that motor and roller blind cover unit on.

 

[TechGuy420SEL]

Thanks for the photo! You seem to be the hands on type of person! Congrats on the purchase and I must say that you are off to a good start.

The steps to what you did would be helpful to me! Probably someone else would benefit as well! If you don't mind, document the steps as simple as possible...from the initial removal of cover/motor etc....to the final replacement. The more detail, the better!

Again, congrats and thanks for sharing!!!

Mark,
TechGuy420sel

 

[talbir]

Yep, there should be two clamps side by side, holding the battery down.

On the blind, adjust the tensioner, so that when you manually pull it up, it easily retracts back down, regardless of the distance you pull it up. The most annoying thing is when the blind will not retract fully because the tension is too low. Sometimes it's due to the guide rail not sitting right (the black pole sitting between shelf and roof to guide the blind up/down)

Don't want it too tight either as the force required to lift will break the cable again.


talbir

 

[jokki]

Thanks for the welcome. It's good to be in touch with fellow owners, particularly those who drive on the right side like me. I'll post the info to that DIY thread managed by snibble as that seems to be the place for it.
Talbir, how on earth can you have six Benzes? Are they all garaged? Must cost a fortune to maintain . . . especially in London . . . impressive collection for sure, a different car for every day of the week.

 

[PANZR]

Howdy jokki, maybe you can put some pics of your car up in the gallery sometime, I'd sure like to see it

 

[jokki]

Howdy jokki, maybe you can put some pics of your car up in the gallery sometime, I'd sure like to see it

Sure, next fine day I'll get the camera out . . .