[R129 SL] New to the 129

[Satish Tummala, MD]

Congratulations on the new purchase.  The last year of the M119 engine
proved its most reliable moment.

You absolutely MUST use the MB-specific transmission fluid.  Also, you
will need the service dipstick for fluid level checks as well as the STAR
diagnosis machine to check transmission operating temperature for
adding/topping off fluid.

Definately change your transmission fluid every 30000 miles.  All of the
Mercedes 5-speed automatics produced after 1995 are very unreliable unles
frequent fluid changes are performed.

Satish


> Hello listers...
>
> We are new to the world of the 129, recently purchasing a beautiful 1998
> SL500.  It took us a year of searching, be we finally found "the" one we
> had been looking for.  It's white with a grey interior.  Panoramic roof.
> Heated seats.  ASR, but no ESP.  On a 1-10 scale, easily a 9.5.  Came with
> records, and always dealer serviced.  Perfect CarFax (assuming it's
> accurate, which isn't always the case).  Patience paid off, and we are
> still grinning about our finding this one.
>
> I've been doing my own maintenace to three different 300E's we've owned
> since 1986.  Now it's time for me to learn about the SL500.
>
> While the new car has but 51,000 miles, I'm looking and learning about
> it's servicing, in preparation for doing a 60,000 mile fluid and filter
> service.  I probably already know the answer to this, but thought I'd ask
> anyways.  Is it a must to use the MB specific transmission fluid?  I'm not
> opposed to it, or the price, but wanted to know if there was an equivalent
> or better option?
>
> Looking forward to a few years more fun in this great machine.
>
> Regards,
> Howard M. Ginsberg
> 1998 SL500, 51KMiles
> 1993 300E, 110KMiles
> 1988 300E (Sold at 162KMiles)
> 1986 300E (Sold at 180KMiles)
> The MB Coupes Website!
> R129 SL Mailing List