Information for your Mercedes Benz W113 - 230SL/250SL/280SL
Starting the Car
No acceleration is needed. Turn the key to start. Leave it running and DO NOT
turn it off – let it run for 2 to 3 minutes before turning off and restarting.
Keys – For Cars with More Than One Key
The large square key is for the ignition. The small square key is for the doors, club
head key for trunk and glove box. The door and trunk/glove box keys go one
way in lock cylinder.
I do not like for the keys to rub the leather molding under the steering lock
(Ignition Switch). It’s better to have a longer strap that falls below the leather
molding.
Fuel
The best type of fuel to use is Ethanol free. I have sourced some from Bucee’s if
there is one near you. Regular or medium grade if they have.
A New Rebuilt Engine
Especially, when the car has a freshly rebuilt engine to start warm up the car for
2 to 3 minutes before you drive.
Drive slow the first 3,000 miles and kept it below 4000 RPM. Do not down shift.
Also, when driving long distances, do not drive for a long period at the same
speed. Drive the car at variable RPMs.
First Service
This should happen at 800 to 1,000 miles. Oil service should include oil & filter,
retorque cylinder head, adjust valves, tighten exhaust system, check timing,
grease suspension, etc… check and adjust doors & door glass, hood,
convertible & hard top etc…
Drain and flush the rear axle at the same time you do the first oil service. Drain,
flush and service transmission.
Lubrication
Use Castrol Motor Oil 20W50 (for 1st and 2nd service) – After 3,000 miles switch to
Pen Grade, same grade 20w50, as it has Zinc which this engine likes. You can
purchase this from the internet, but we also have it in stock. Always replace the
oil filter and grease suspension drive shaft and rear axle at the same time.
After First Service – Regular Service
Service the car every 2,500 -3,000 miles or once every year. Change the oil filter,
oil, air filter, lube accelerator linkages, ck the lights and tires, and check all the
fluids.
Major Service
Every 12,000 miles or four years you will need a major service that includes a
tune engine valve adjustment, transmission service, rear axle service, cooling
and brake fluid service, etc.
Rear axle flush & service every 12,000 miles.
On the cars that have a rear axle with a limited slip differential a special oil from
M/Benz must be used.
In Between Services
Check the fluids before you drive or once a month: motor oil, cooling, power
steering fluid and brake fluid. Check tire pressure to ensure it’s between 30 and
32 psi.
Closing the Doors
When you close the doors make sure the seat belts are not in the way and are
hanging outside the car. This can cause damage to the inside door panel or
door sill.
Trunk, Hood & Hatch
To close the trunk, push down only on the handle, NOT on the trunk lid.
To close the convertible top hatch, push down on the leather cover trim closer
to the seat only – this is because the actual hatch is aluminum and delicate. You
don’t want to dent it.
To close the hood, ALWAYS pull up a little on the hood spring to release front the
hood stop located by the battery. DO NOT let it drop. To shut the hood, push
down with your palm above the hood lock located on the center of the hood
close to the fresh air vent in front of the windshield.
Washing & Cleaning
If you want to wash and clean the car yourself. Use two different soap buckets,
two different rags/brushes. One soap bucket will strictly be for the tires, hub
caps/wheels, and lower part of the car. The other soap bucket for the upper top
of the car.
This prevents dirt/sand debris that is on the lower side that has accumulated with
its closer proximity to the ground to not get caught in the rag and scratch the
paint on the top side of the car.
After a car wash, always open the trunk lift the rubber trunk mat and make sure
no water is pooling. If so, make sure to dry it.
If your car has clear floor mats:
If you remove the clear floor mats, be careful as they have spikes to hold them
in place to the carpet. Lift upwards or roll up - do not drag across the carpet.
Also, be careful to not have the spikes touch the leather seats.
DO NOT use and chemicals or sprays on the top of the convertible top or rear
plastic window …. ONLY soap and water.
NEVER fold down the convertible top when wet. Let it dry first.
Storage
If you would like to buy a car cover look at the California Car Cover Company
or Griot’s Garage. Make sure to buy the correct size.
When storing the hard top on the hard-top cart make sure the cart is secured
from rolling around. I suggest it be next to the wall with hard top cover on.
If you do not use the car regularly, a battery tender can be installed to keep the
battery charged and the car will be ready for you drive when you need it.
Top Operation - See video:
How to remove hard top and lower the convertible top.
When pulling the convertible top out of the hatch, I recommend using this tool:
Due to the limited space between the top and the hatch compartment.
Insurance
Always have the car insured on an agreed upon value and yearly reevaluate
that value as the car values go up year over year for these cars.
Record Keeping & Tools
Keep all files, invoices, books, videos, photos etc, in a safe and easily accessible
location – NOT in the car. It would be a good idea to scan and keep a digital
copy. Also, always have an extra set of factory keys. Keep the extra key set,
factory tools, and tool kit in a safe place – NOT in the car. In the trunk you should
only keep the spare tire, spare tire cover, the jack and lug wrench.
If you ever need help please call me 713-977-9612 or email me
Beverly.hill.motors@gmail.com