129 Don'ts of R129 Mercedes-Benz SL Ownership - Part 3 - Avoid these to save on costly repairs

Рет қаралды 1,894

Ай бұрын

In this series, I go over 129 things to avoid (don'ts) during ownership of the 300SL, 320SL, 500SL, 600SL and all years ( (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001).
Part 3 covers the don'ts 41 to 60. The list of 129 items are in no particular order - obviously some are more important than others, and some will surprise you. There will be 6 parts to complete this series.
Part 1 - • 129 Don'ts of R129 Mer...
Part 2 - • 129 Don'ts of R129 Mer...
Some of these cars are now into their fourth decade. By not doing the things shown in the video, you will help your car last well into its fifth decade and beyond - and why not? Bruno Sacco designed a masterpiece and Mercedes created an amazing car. Let's all do our part to keep them looking and operating at their best.
Car shown is 1992 300SL M104.980 engine
Mercedes Handy Val DIY Playlist: • MERCEDES DIY Handy Val...
Some fixes to the items shown in the video:
R129Stereo: • Mercedes Benz Original...
R129 Key Fob Battery Change: • Mercedes R129 Infrared...
R129 Ragtop Cleaning: • Convertible Top Clean,...
R129 Oil Change: • Mercedes Benz Engine O...
R129 Check Fluids: • Mercedes-Benz How to C...
If you want to see my upcoming R129 videos, please subscribe to the channel as I will be posting more shortly. My channel also has many other Mercedes how-to videos.
Disclaimer - The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. I do my best to provide accurate and complete information, however, I assume no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from any of the information contained in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Handy Val, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Handy Val always recommends safe practices.

Пікірлер: 19

@RG-cz1tc 27 күн бұрын

This is great information, I will look at the whole series. I appreciate the insurance tip about asking for a "cherished salvage" clause.

@HandyVal 27 күн бұрын

Thank you. Much appreciated. Sadly, many insurers deal with autobody places that only want to work on more modern cars where parts are in abundance and don't want the hassle of dealing with slightly older cars, like the R129. But many smaller shops and there are many, are more than happy to work on the older stuff and take great pride in doing so. Cherished Salvage is offered by most insurers. Hagerty offers it.

@markbaker6029 Ай бұрын

Thanks Val - AWESOME information as usual!!! Your R129 is looking immaculate as always. And thanks for the heads up on the information utilized as I saw where you used some of my thoughts for your viewers on a couple of important issues. Luckily down here in Indiana we have a few ‘import vehicles only’ salvage yard(s) with numerous R129’s in each of their inventories. But when I need a salvage part with a warranty then I purchase from a California & Arizona company. ALSO, I found that FCP Euro (East Coast Area) handles OEM MB parts for a fraction the cost than what MB sells them for (very same parts). Really enjoyed your “Dont’s” video(s)! Great insight into the ownership of a vintage/historic/classic MB in general as it saves US ALL money in the end. Blessings to you and again - thank you my friend🙏

@HandyVal Ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. There’s so much in it that is so helpful to the R129 community. Parts for these cars exist, some are easier than others to find. Patience is required. Love your AMG R129 and everything you’ve done to it. Keep it up.

@ericbradway7067 Ай бұрын

I never noticed how your wiper rests on the passenger side, rather than the driver side. In the US ours are left hand drive too but it rests on the driver side

@HandyVal Ай бұрын

Eric - my car is the North American R129 and the natural wiper stop spot is on the driver side. I don’t take the car out a lot in the rain and last time it rained, I shut the wipers while they were on the passenger side. I haven’t turned the wipers on for many months now. I hope this clarifies, and good observation. I’m always looking at differences too, all the time.

@brandonfowler6013 Ай бұрын

Thank you Val for another great video!!! Keep the r129 videos coming!

@HandyVal Ай бұрын

Thanks Brandon. Much appreciate it. #58 was inspired by your relentless pursuit to not give up on your autobody repair.

@brandonfowler6013 Ай бұрын

@@HandyVal wow! That means a lot!

@patrick89109 Ай бұрын

Thank you very much for good advice so you can drive it with less complications👌👌👌👏👏

@HandyVal Ай бұрын

Thank you. It’s my personal mission that all R129s look and operate at their best!

@yuriyv4239 23 күн бұрын

Dear Sir, any advice on the dashboard glovebox compartment door? opens one of around six times and does not stay in line with the dashboard. Thank you

@HandyVal 23 күн бұрын

There’s two things that can be wrong. 1. The box may be misaligned making it difficult to shut. In the back of the box you’ll see two adjustment screws. Try those and see if you can align the box more straight and see if that works. 2. The lock mechanism may be broken, or simply needs to be cleaned and lubed. I hope this helps to get you started on fixing it.

@yuriyv4239 23 күн бұрын

@@HandyVal locker is definetely fine and thanks a lot for the reply. Is there any email I can post a photo with the issue? Many thanks and whenever you are in Germany you are welcome to my house!

@HandyVal 23 күн бұрын

@@yuriyv4239 send me an email - handyvalauto@gmail.com Danke. Very kind of you. Much appreciate your offer.

@yuriyv4239 21 күн бұрын

@@HandyVal Thanks a lot, mail sent

@XSAILOR65 Ай бұрын

Thanks, just purchased a 1997 sl280, its super fun driving it. I love the sound of the m104, particuylarly in the 1500-2000 rpm range....One question. Should the paint on the bumpers be exactly the same( the gloss) as on the rest of the car? On mine, the paint is in pretty good condition, but on the bumpers and side trim looks like there would be less gloss?

@HandyVal Ай бұрын

Thank you. Congrats on the purchase! Pre-facelift cars, from 1990 to 1995 were known for their two tone. All two tones had matte plastic trims. Some of the pre-facelift were single color and I believe they were all gloss (metal and plastic). All cars, 1996 and after had single color and those should have been all gloss (metal and plastic). I hope this helps. Because of the car’s age it’s likely it might have been repainted, or parts repainted. I wouldn’t sweat it. I wax both metal and plastic with the same wax and the plastic is fairly shiny, even though it’s originally supposed to be more matte.

@XSAILOR65 Ай бұрын

@@HandyVal Thanks for Your prompt reply! I suspect they have repainted the bumpers and the lower side trims at some stage, and for some reason used less gloss( or bad lacquer). But you would not know before You look very close, so its not a problem. Its a "high" mileage car( not really considering the age) , 273K, but everything works, and the MOT guy told the frame is totally rust free(so no winter driving). Best 10K i ever spent, so much fun, and it looks very expensive still after all these Years!