Just purchased 280SL --- need a mechanic upstate NY

[1969GODA]

I might be the youngest W113 280SL owner on here (28) ?  Just sold my '08 BMW 135I that was still depreciating for a '69 280SL dark green (268) over bamboo MBTEX (139).  US-spec LHD with matching hardtop in 268.  Solid driver, little to no rust underneath (except passenger floor pan which will eventually need replacement), runs well & shifts smoothly.  Paint job is older, poor-quality respray with some very amateurish touch-ups.  Interior, carpeting & top replaced in '99.  Lots of books and records, all complete except tool kit.  Originally sold to Des Moines, Iowa Civic Reading Club.   Would like to find someone experienced in these cars in Upstate NY (I am located in Rochester, NY) for maintenance, repairs and advice.  Want to begin with a full tune-up and fluid exchange, etc.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you, Zack Goldman

[Jonny B]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Pagoda ownership! I am not able to assist with your search for a mechanic in NY, but you might want to consider looking through this website, as there is a LOT of stuff you can do yourself, and the site community is ready and willing to help along the way. These are great cars, but need to be set up correctly (and there are a lot of ways to set them up incorrectly). Some of the basic tuning and running stuff is not outrageous to perform.

The premium content is available to full members (a very reasonable $30 per year - and well worth it for the access to detailed information it allows). It contains a great deal of information on basic tuning, adjusting and running.

FYI we have a 28 yr old here in SoCal with a red 280 SL. Going to pull the tranny out of his car in a few weeks.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Welcome to the Pagoda SL Group you certainly have come to the right place to find a helping hand here. We have many very knowledgeable members here that at one time or another have been in the very same position as you are in now (a proud owner of a great car).

You are indeed one of the younger generation, however, as Jonny B pointed out there are more members here from your generation. How lucky you are, you can look forward to be participating in the 75th aneversary celebration when the time comes how great is that!

Johnny B is right of course, full membership here opened much history, information and valuable tips that I like to refer to as "worth it's value in gold"

As for your question regarding a source of help mechanically we have here just west of where I live The Benz Dr. As Jonny B mentioned, check our Tech Manual you will find a Vendor list. The Benz Dr. has been working on those cars for 35 years when I took mine to him he made some critical adjustments to the linkage and other areas on my car. Check the Vendor list perhaps you find someone closer to Benz Dr. However, I do recommend him highly (if he takes more projects on I don't know, he is quite busy).

Post some photos of your new addition and good luck!

Cheers,

Dieter

[Garry]

Welcome to the Group. As both Ralf-Dieter and Jon said, have a good read through the Technical Manual it will reveal all and what is missing will always be answered by many of our wise member guru's

There is a younger owner by far who shall remain nameless and has been very silent of late but he would be at least 10 years younger than your self.

Garry

[Benz Dr.]

 I have room for one or two projects this winter.

[w113bkk]

I don't know about Rochester but if you take a trip to Westchester County in Ossining Neves Auto Europe is the best for classic Mercedes repair! I used to take my 16v there 15 years ago and currently take my 230sl there for repair.
http://nevesautoeurope.com/

[tradjim]

My friend brought his merc to Star Motors in Endicott NY not to far from you and said they were very good