SL as a daily car?

[mdsalemi]

The thought came about on a recent visit to Continental Automotive (formerly Siemens) automotive electronics testing lab, where I saw skids containing barrels of failed ECUs of various kinds, which of course were made for a variety of manufacturers. Auto manufacturers don't make this stuff themselves, relying on firms like Bosch, Continental, Denso, etc. Being a testing lab, the failed ECUs were actually useful in their testing setups.

Programming an ECU is wholly different than replacing a failed one.  I can only imagine what a 2013 car will look like in the future kluged together with some African parts...

Let's see.  Your airbag controlled by a mechanical module made in Mali.  Brakes controlled by box made in Bophuthatswana. Engine management by a massive assemblage of mechanical sensors, all cobbled together in Eritria?

YOU FIRST!

(oh, yeah--they said the same thing about petrol back in 1973...)

[Peter van Es]

Michael, in these re-engineering efforts, everything that does not make the car go (airbags, electric windows, traction control), and, dare I say it, brakes, is considered completely optional!

[Flyair]

Michael,
in your evidently and obviously politically incorrect post you forgot to mention that every piece made in Bophuthatswana, as it ceased its existence about 20 years ago, would nowadays have a huge value as items with high collectible value 

However, we cannot exclude that some metal parts of our Pagodas were not made of the ore mined in that region... 

[peterm]

A few other thoughts-

Safety- though they were high tech 40 years ago- the antique seat belts, no airbags, lack of cockpit isolation, no rollover bar etc. etc. all make these cars quite a bit less safe than even the most inexpensive new car. 

Additionally, when you in with a group of commuters i think there a much greater chance of accident.  Daydreaming , texting, or coffee drinking morning or night commuters are less attentive.

[Cees Klumper]

True of course that rhe car is less safe. But I ride motorcycles ... :'(

[49er]

 When I purchased my car it was a "Daily Driver" for nearly 6 years. Drove it to work every day rain or shine and I thought nothing of taking anywhere (well almost anywhere) in the LA area. This was back when you wanted to see the "Big" movies or plays you had to go down to Hollywood or the Music Center to see them. Parked it on the street and never had a problem. Got another car in 74 and drove it daily while the SL became a weekend car. Strictly for pleasure these days:-)

John

[Jonny B]

Automobile Restorer magazine in the February 2013 issue has an excellent article on use of a vintage car as a daily driver. Check the "Back Issues" at www.autorestorermagazine.com.

PS - this is the same issue that has the ongoing story of the restoration of a 1964 230 SL.

[Flyair]

John,
I followed the link and saw the title in the january 2013 preview, but - as usual - for no subscribers it is not letting you in… alas...

[Jonny B]

Yes, I saw that when I looked at the link. It is a reasonable $7 US for the PDF. It did present a number of points to ponder about the use of a vintage vehicle for daily use. One of the more significant beyond what has been mentioned in this link is the issue of insurance. Most in the US have "old car" insurance, with limited use and a set value. Say daily use would be beyond that, and might even void a claim if nothing is changed when making the jump to regular use.

To assist a bit, the main topics of the article:

How do you intend to use the car as a daily driver, that is, how do you define "daily driver"
Are you willing to accept the wear and tear that comes with increased use?
Accept loss of automotive technology (anti lock, overall maintenance requirements, increased emissions, fuel economy)?
Is it the best approach for daily driving (mainly if you are looking to buy a car for daily use)
Financial considerations, maintenance, parts, fuel
Vintage insurance
Reliability issues (ignition, coolant)
Modifications (electronic ignition, disc brakes, extra cooling fan, fuel pump- new fuels issues)
Safety items (brakes, seat belts, headlights)