R230 Boot space ?

[derin100]

A basic question from someone new to this model...

Is it permissible, when packing the boot, to safely utilise the two spaces either side of the boot separator (i.e the two spaces in this photos with the slightly stripey carpet) without interfering with the roof mechanism as the handbook doesn't make this clear to me?


Many thanks in advance.

 

[ToeKnee]

My answer would be no. Although the space is there the chance of accidentally opening the roof and damaging it when it hits the stored items is too great. The answer is to remove the cover (it unzips and comes away after removing a few catches) and then there is no chance of operating the roof. At the very least unhook the cover which would also stop the roof mechanism.

 

[c63chris]

As above, that space is used when the roof is down. The roof wont operate if the cover is cover is up or out.

 

[derin100]

Many thanks, Chaps!

 

[dionysus]

There should be a warning label on the top of the separator with red crosses on the centre and two sides meaning not to put anything on those surfaces.

 

[Codger49]

My copy of EPC lists this part number (A171 817 09 20) as the label for a 230.471. Seems to be still current according to this US parts supplier:

2012-2018 Mercedes-Benz Info Label 171-817-09-20 | Keyes Mercedes Parts

 

[derin100]

Thanks Guys. I don't seem to have that label on my car???

 

[V6GBJ]

Hi folks. Along the lines above, has anyone sacrificed the space saver spare wheel and replaced it with a tyre repair kit and compressor? My R172 SLK had this and provided space under the floor for a small case. Heading for the Scotland's North Coast 500 next week and extra space would be useful for longer trips (according to my Senior Management).

 

[derin100]

I'm actually driving all the way from Lincoln to Leon tomorrow but I'm keeping the space saver.
The only experience I had in a car with no spare and a foam inflator kit was in one of my Z4s. An inner sidewall burst and no foam kit would have saved that!
So I was well and truly stranded and ended paying £180 for a cheap budget tyre because they had me over a barrel.
If I were you I suggest the Management gives up the extra bag and you keep the space saver tyre!

 

[Merc220cls]

You can also fit two thin cases behind the seats on top of the storage boxes. Best to have the safety straps fitted though, my 350 has them.

 

[V6GBJ]

You can also fit two thin cases behind the seats on top of the storage boxes. Best to have the safety straps fitted though, my 350 has them.

Thank you both. I'll take your advice.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

MB, and others, do fancy tailored cases for the space behind the seats, but I quickly worked out that they're a waste of space (sic).

Our solution, for a two week tour of France, was to use large squishy sports bags which can be eased down to fill the whole space.

To state what may be the bleedin' obvious, simply drive with the top UP when travelling to the destination, so increasing your usable boot space by about 50% (from 350 to 500 cubic feet perhaps) only putting it DOWN when you're touring once you've arrived there. With the roof up you've easily got the same boot space alone as a hatchback with the rear seats up.

You're not the only person to have Senior Management who want all the benefits of a convertible AND unlimited boot - or should i say "shoe" space.

If you do want tailored luggage, I think they're called "Roadster" bags.


.

 

[Merc220cls]

Yes indeed, a few years back we hired a Ford Mustang Convertible in Florida. We stayed a few nights at Daytona then travelled south to Miami Beach then onward down the Keys to Key West, but as we wanted the top down we could only fit one case in the boot along with hand luggage and our other case had to sit behind the seats.
Fortunately the Mustang had more space there than the SL has but you had to be wary when parked up for a coffee break with a case sitting inside the convertible, top up of course.

That was one hire car I didn’t want to hand back !

 

[V6GBJ]

MB, and others, do fancy tailored cases for the space behind the seats, but I quickly worked out that they're a waste of space (sic).

Our solution, for a two week tour of France, was to use large squishy sports bags which can be eased down to fill the whole space.

To state what may be the bleedin' obvious, simply drive with the top UP when travelling to the destination, so increasing your usable boot space by about 50% (from 350 to 500 cubic feet perhaps) only putting it DOWN when you're touring once you've arrived there. With the roof up you've easily got the same boot space alone as a hatchback with the rear seats up.

You're not the only person to have Senior Management who want all the benefits of a convertible AND unlimited boot - or should i say "shoe" space.

If you do want tailored luggage, I think they're called "Roadster" bags.


.

MB, and others, do fancy tailored cases for the space behind the seats, but I quickly worked out that they're a waste of space (sic).

Our solution, for a two week tour of France, was to use large squishy sports bags which can be eased down to fill the whole space.

To state what may be the bleedin' obvious, simply drive with the top UP when travelling to the destination, so increasing your usable boot space by about 50% (from 350 to 500 cubic feet perhaps) only putting it DOWN when you're touring once you've arrived there. With the roof up you've easily got the same boot space alone as a hatchback with the rear seats up.

You're not the only person to have Senior Management who want all the benefits of a convertible AND unlimited boot - or should i say "shoe" space.

If you do want tailored luggage, I think they're called "Roadster" bags.


.

Hi Mike. I had a set of "Roadster" bags for the SLK and fortunately the two main bags fit the SL quite well and I could stuff the smaller one that used to be under the floor, behind the seats. This will be handy in that since we're doing one night stops, we'll be able to have the roof down any time. Glad i didn't get rid of the SLK bags, since they've been in the loft for two years!

 

[Benzmanc]

Hi folks. Along the lines above, has anyone sacrificed the space saver spare wheel and replaced it with a tyre repair kit and compressor? My R172 SLK had this and provided space under the floor for a small case. Heading for the Scotland's North Coast 500 next week and extra space would be useful for longer trips (according to my Senior Management).

My SL has no spare nor a space for one. Thought nothing of driving to Germany. I carry a small compressor and a tyre puncture kit and have used neither. Then again that's what breakdown cover is for......

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Hi Mike. I had a set of "Roadster" bags for the SLK and fortunately the two main bags fit the SL quite well and I could stuff the smaller one that used to be under the floor, behind the seats. This will be handy in that since we're doing one night stops, we'll be able to have the roof down any time. Glad i didn't get rid of the SLK bags, since they've been in the loft for two years!

Understood re the boot. My comment above was more about the tailored Roadster bag that goes behind the seats of the R230. They're a funny shape, and with my two R230's we found that soft sports bags did the job and were more flexible for when they were out of the car. The tailored bag assumes the driver and passenger are both tall - if you're normal size, there's the possibility of more storage back there - AND it's easier to get to.

 

[Benzmanc]

Just pretend it's a Morgan...

Mercedes SL R230/R231 Luggage Rack ; No Clamps No Brackets No Damage | eBay

 

[Deletedmember130310]

Hi Mike. I had a set of "Roadster" bags for the SLK and fortunately the two main bags fit the SL quite well and I could stuff the smaller one that used to be under the floor, behind the seats. This will be handy in that since we're doing one night stops, we'll be able to have the roof down any time. Glad i didn't get rid of the SLK bags, since they've been in the loft for two years!

i'm on the look our for some bags for my SLK - could you fit the full set of Roadster bags in?
There seems to be some confusion whether the one for the spare wheel well can used on UK modesl