SL500 points to ponder?

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OK gents, back to the original problem
Since my last comment, promising to keep you updated . . . I have been busy during daylight hours, building and decorating in the homes of my offspring.

However, today I managed a couple of hours in the drizzle, looking for the leak and I think I have it!!
It looks as though water is getting in via the vertical near side rear window seal.
Not sure yet if this is compounded by blocked drain tubes but, progress

As we are out in the car all day tomorrow and tied up (decorating again!) Sunday morning, I hope to be able to get the roof up and have a proper rummage on Sunday afternoon or Tuesday (busy again Monday)

As soon as I have had a shot at checking the shape of, cleaning & lubricating the seals, or if I hit problems, I'll be back to update you.

John
 
I have managed to spend a morning with the watering can, a black plastic sack and some towels.
I now know that the leak is in the seal along the lower edge of the rear window.

I have removed the seal, cleaned the metal seat below the window and the inside of the seal, removing as much of the old black sealant as I can.
I refitted the seal, utilising a black Evostick sealant.
Tomorrow, following 4 days of letting the seal settle, the watering can will come back into use.
Fingers crossed.

If it still leaks, now that I know what is what, I will strip it all apart again, clean and reseal with some 'Wonder Seal' made by a company called Cloverleaf.
This stuff is designed to cure leaks in fish tanks and can be used under water. At about £20 for a standard tube, I just wish I knew about this 2 weeks ago . . . . Hey ho.
 
I'll say this quietly, as I don't want to push my luck, but, I washed the car yesterday, using the old watering can to clear the suds and, once chamoised, I check to boot for water, lo . . . It was dry.
It looks as though I have stopped the ingress.

I still gave to check and if needed, clear the drain tubes, including those under the C pillar, but, right now, I'm pretty pleased.

John
 
Gents
These two have popped up;
Marcus James quality used cars Suffolk UK (2003/33,500 miles)
and
Used Mercedes-Benz SL Series SL 350 [272] 2dr Tip Auto 2 Doors Convertible for sale in Lowestoft, Suffolk - CMV Automotive
I know this is the V6, but, I would value your opinions

Thanks
John
I'm amazed -this Marcus James is about 1/4 mile from where I live and I had never heard of them!! Haven't been into that ind est for a few years but it wasn't there last time I did.
edit:- just round the corner from there is Kerridges who are TVR/Nobel specialists and usually have a good stock of used cars. Up the road a couple of miles is Derrick Wells, an indi who I have used but may not be using again as on the last visit the car came back with seriously kerbed wheels. Didn't notice at the time so couldn't accuse them, but convinced that it didn't happen between there & home.
 
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I'm amazed -this Marcus James is about 1/4 mile from where I live and I had never heard of them!! Haven't been into that ind est for a few years but it wasn't there last time I did.
edit:- just round the corner from there is Kerridges who are TVR/Nobel specialists and usually have a good stock of used cars. Up the road a couple of miles is Derrick Wells, an indi who I have used but may not be using again as on the last visit the car came back with seriously kerbed wheels. Didn't notice at the time so couldn't accuse them, but convinced that it didn't happen between there & home.
I've never used Derrick Wells, I don't know why, I have used Ale Crowe at Stowmarket who is very good just a little far away for convenience so I tend to use Prestige Car Repairs in Ipswich as I used to use them years ago for my 190E and W124 estate when I had them.
 
I've never used Derrick Wells, I don't know why, I have used Ale Crowe at Stowmarket who is very good just a little far away for convenience so I tend to use Prestige Car Repairs in Ipswich as I used to use them years ago for my 190E and W124 estate when I had them.
One I have been advised to try is David Howlett at Mendlesham Green - has been recommended to me by several different people. At last main dealer service they commented that the brakes & discs may need to be replaced before the next service. The car doesn't do a lot of miles a year but have got a European road trip planned in the summer. So was planning to ask Mr Howlett to take a look before then.
 
Hi folks. Good news to report! I did take the car to a local indie for my free health check and they gave it a clean bill of health. I have now done 1,000 miles in it and enjoyed each one. Now looking forward to doing a variation of Scotland's North Coast 500 later this month.
 
The last time I got prices from Derrick Wells he was no cheaper than the main dealer. Alex Crowe is excellent and significantly cheaper and very trustworthy.
 
Gents
Just to let you know that;
1. I still have the SL
2. The boot is still dry
3. I still smile like an idiot on happy powder every time I drive it

Yes, there has been the odd hiccup;
I had to repair an air leak under the drivers seat
The SRS warning light has come on twice. First it was the sensor system under the drivers seat, needed a reset, then, a week ago, it was the airbag sensor in the steering wheel, again, a simple reset.

Do I care? Not a jot, this car is a keeper.

John
 
Gents
Just to let you know that;
1. I still have the SL
2. The boot is still dry
3. I still smile like an idiot on happy powder every time I drive it

Yes, there has been the odd hiccup;
I had to repair an air leak under the drivers seat
The SRS warning light has come on twice. First it was the sensor system under the drivers seat, needed a reset, then, a week ago, it was the airbag sensor in the steering wheel, again, a simple reset.

Do I care? Not a jot, this car is a keeper.

John
Well done John! I have an update of my last post in here. I enjoyed the N Coast 500 so much in my 2007 SL350 that I decided to get a later one. It's a facelift version from 2010 with full MB and Indie service history and 40K miles on the clock. With a noticeable extra 40BHP and better bells and whistles I love it even more than the last one. I took it to my local Indie last week for a health check and they gave it 100%. As you say it's a keeper, for as long as old age will allow! ( I mean my old age!)
 

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