Starting after storage
Q I recently purchased a 1984 380SL and am looking for advice on starting the car after it has been sitting for 4–6 months. I have had older American cars and am concerned about the correct procedure for my Mercedes-Benz. Thanks in advance.
A If you are located in a part of the country with below-freezing weather and have a non-heated garage, here are some steps to take. Be sure you are using Mercedes-Benz recommended oil (generally Mobil 1, 5W-30), which has low-temperature viscosity for cold-starting. It helps to either use a crankcase heater or a small electric heater to warm the crankcase before starting. Having the battery on a battery tender or trickle charger for any non-driving time of more than a week will usually keep the battery strong enough to start a car that has been stored for 4-6 months (depending upon the age and condition of the battery when the car was put into storage). Following these recommendations is ideal, but if you don’t have those options, you should start the car in the usual way, but let it run to get the oil circulating (modern oils and faster-warming engines in newer cars do not require more than a minute or two of idle time), then drive with a light foot on the accelerator until the engine comes up to normal operating temperature. Finally, be sure to check that the brakes, steering and other operational controls are fully functioning before driving with full confidence that all is well with the entire car. Long-term storage can allow gremlins to show up unannounced in the system. A good checkup at your dealer or service center can boost your confidence that you’re ready for warm-weather driving: engine, transmission, brakes, steering, tires and other systems should all be checked.
AMG floor mats
Q I have a 2017 C43 AMG. Overall it is a great vehicle. I particularly like the floor mats that came with it. They are not made of the carpet-like substance from which most mats seem to be manufactured. These AMG mats appear to be covered in some non-absorbent material. If some dirt or trash gets on them, I can just remove them from the car and simply brush them off. I was a bit late this snow season in changing the mats out for my wintertime WeatherTech liners; the stock mats got some slush on them, but suffered no discoloration or other problems. As a result of my good experience with these C43 AMG mats, I‘d like to see if I could locate floor mats made out of the same material for my other three cars (two of which aren’t Mercedes-Benz products). Do you happen to know what this floor mat material is, and where I might find similar mats for another Mercedes-Benz and my two other vehicles?
A Manufacturers are always very protective of their sources and, thus, of the composition of their parts. Using my various sources, no details could be found about the actual material used in the AMG-branded floormats; like yours, my 2015 C400 Sport came with the same exceptional floor mats. In addition to contacting MBUSA Customer Assistance Center at 800.367.6372 to inquire about the AMG floor mats to fit your other Mercedes-Benz, you could go online to www.mbparts.com and do a search. I found the same mats as your 2017 C43 at that website, but not knowing your other cars, you will have to enter the specific year and model to find what the company offers. Also, Mercedes-Benz customer service associates may know the name of the material that is used in Mercedes-Benz floor mats and may be able to find out whether it’s available for your other cars from other automotive supply sources.
R129 parts list wanted
Q Can you help me to locate a diagram (with part numbers) for the R129? My R129 is in near-concours condition and I am trying to address a few outstanding items. Thanks.
A A good place to start is with the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, CA at 866.622.5277. Another option is to call the Mercedes-Benz USA Customer Assistance Center at 800.367.6372. If you prefer, there are numerous advertisers in The Star magazine that offer parts for specific models and specific sub-systems within a model. A side note: Unlike classic Mercedes-Benz models (pre-1980s), all of which came with a handy little black booklet called the “Parts Picture Book,” newer vehicles are simply not intended for do-it-yourself owners. Good luck in finding the information you need to enable you to get your R129 into full concours condition.
New Parts from the MBUSA Classic Center
IDLE SOLENOID: Great news for owners of classic Mercedes-Benz models with fuel-injected inline-six engines built between 1963 and 1972: The idle solenoid is now available again after a long absence! Fits all M127/129/130E engines. Club members $1,680 (retail $2,100).
WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR: The factory washer fluid reservoir is now once again in stock. This reservoir fits the classic Mercedes-Benz 280SE / SEL 3.5 / 4.5, 280SE 3.5 coupe and cabriolet, and 300SEL 3.5 / 4.5 / 6.3 models. Club members $151 (retail $189).
For more information or to place an order, call our parts specialists at 1.866.622.5277 (toll free from within the United States), or 1.949.598.4850 or email [email protected]