Square Weave in a 1970 280SL

[JCM]

I am told by my Houston restorer that several high end late 280 SL's have passed thru his shop wearing square weave carpet instead of the correct multi-loop. He advocates for square weave because it allows a more finished, tighter installation. I'm interested in the anyone's experience or opinion on this.  Pro's and Con's of going this way.  I personally like the square weave better but worry about deviating from the original build sheet.  Thoughts? 

John 

[Shvegel]

Only my opinion but personally I just don't like spending money on anything that makes my car less valuable. 

[Pawel66]

My 280SL produced in March 1970 for dealer in Dortmund had the square weave carpets for upholstery code 245, which is blue leather. This is how I restored it.

I was also writing a couple of times on the forum: some years ago, during the fair in Essen I had a chat with an elder gentleman working on Mercedes stand, who in the old days was working in the factory. I asked him this (and some other questions): I see remains of original square weave carpet in my car while I know from literature that it should be a multi loop type - could this happen? He said that sometimes they had been installing different than standard (for given time) types of upholstery (or other equipment) either on special request or because they just had the previous type on stock. He said that sometimes, but not always, they asked customer if it is ok to install a previous version as they would have to wait some time with given car manufacturing for the new stock.

So: is it possible? Yes. Is it contrary to general beliefs? Yes. Would it decrease value? I do not know. If Shvegel says so, it may.

[JCM]

Invaluable insight, thank you. 

[Benz Dr.]

I found remains of dark brown Wilton wool carpet in my car. No idea if it was original or not but that type of carpet was being used by MB at the time. Seems odd to me that if someone was going to change it from Square weave that they would fine the exact product that was being used in the much more expensive Coupes of the day and then expertly cut and bind it like the factory set.

So, maybe what we think is standard may not be at all.

[thelews]

this is original carpet in my 1967 250 SL with Caviar interior

[JCM]

Based on their signature details, both Dr. Benz and thelews cars are 250SL's. It has been my casual understanding that the 230sl and 250sl's had square weave and the multi loop started with the 280SL model, so their 250sl's having square weave makes sense. 

My question boils down to this: Is it a terrible mistake to put square weave into an 280SL when it probably came with multiloop? In the broader sense, how married to the data card are we? Is this any worse than changing body color, upgrading from MBTex to leather or adding petronix in place of points?

Thanks again John

[Pawel66]

I think for 250Sl square weave is the typical one. Beautiful condition by the way!
Below is my square weave in 280SL - restored to what it was originally (do not fully trust colours on the computer screen).
John, if I were you and if I knew my car came with the new type of carpet, i would do the new type of carpet.

[Benz Dr.]

The multi loop carpet is much easier to care for as the square weave will actually start to mould or stain if it gets wet. My car is actually a 230SL but is now fitted with 250SL livery.

[Alex D]

It really depends on what you wan to do with the car long term.  If you want to take it to shows, collect trophies,, then go with multi loop. If you plan on keeping it for your own enjoyment and no plans to sell it near term, go with what you like.  In the over all scheme of things, (engine rebuilt, IP rebuilt, paint body work) the cost of replacing back to multi loop is not that much. 

[Pawel66]

It really depends on what you wan to do with the car long term.  If you want to take it to shows, collect trophies,, then go with multi loop. If you plan on keeping it for your own enjoyment and no plans to sell it near term, go with what you like.  In the over all scheme of things, (engine rebuilt, IP rebuilt, paint body work) the cost of replacing back to multi loop is not that much.

This is a good point, actually.

[JCM]

That's a pragmatic way to think about it.  (And having done all those expensive things Alex D mentions, carpet whether done once or twice is not a large expense)
Thanks to all for the discussion and input. 

John