Estimated miles for my '63 230SL?

[paults1]

When I purchased my '63 230SL the PO stated that the speedometer was disconnected when he brought over to the U.S. from Europe. He drove it approx. 39000 miles (63,000 km).  The mileage is now 48,000 miles.  After full diagnosis, I am now having the rear axle bearings replaced to eliminate a vibration that starts 110km (68 mph). It is a 4 speed manual, 4.08 rear end. Engine full compression all cylinders. Generally how many miles and/or age does the rear axle bearings need replaced? Can anyone guess what my estimated mileage might be?
Regards, Paul early '63 230SL restored as needed.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Paul,

Based on the information you gave I doubt that anyone can estimate the milage of your car. I can only add that each ball bearing is different, what I mean to say here is that there are no 2 ball bearings that are alike. I know a bit about vibration since it was part of my 25 year business (providing my customers with vibration anallysis using sophisticated vibration analyzers, some if there small auxiliary rotating equipment had ball bearings). While one bearing might be perfect another of the same type might have a slight defect that will lead to an early failure.

So if your bearings have been identified that they need to be replaced it might not necessarily be do to miles driven rather to wear and tear or one of them might have had a slight defect and is now showing signs of failure or wear. Some other members here might have experience when rear bearings need to be changed since they had there cars longer then I do.

Anyway, if you use our search function you come to this great write up/

Here ---> https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DriveShaft/RearWheelBearings

Best,

Dieter

[gimp]

Paul
I have 170000KM on my 1968 280SL and have not replaced the bearing yet.
Ref: your vibration I had that for a number of years and always thought that my drive shaft required balancing.
It turned out to be my tires.
I put a new set of tires on the car and had them balanced using the HUNTER Road Force system, now all is well.
Frank

[Benz Dr.]

Axle bearings should be repacked about every 60,000 miles. No indication of how many miles yours would have though.

Depending on care, I generally see rusty cars going dead about 110 - 130,000 miles. Non rusty ones will go farther at maybe 140,000 miles. They either break, wear out, or are so rusty they're not safe to drive and that's how we often find them. This is what you will find behind someone's house or in their barn. 

[gimp]

Dan
I guess mine will be due soon.
Frank

[Shvegel]

The original KPH speedometer was almost certainly replaced with a MPH unit when the vehicle was imported as US DOT would have required it (Some have slipped through).  There is supposed to be a sticker stating this somewhere but most are removed by previous owners.