BBB

[pablo_o2]

I read in several articles the title BBB or big blue book as a reference. Is this a guide for maintenance or repairing the SL? If so where can it be bought?

Paul Haems
'68 white 280 SL

[Richard Madison]

Paul:

The Big Blue Book is a shop guide that has "official" MB photos and procedures for various repair jobs. Each chapter starts with specifications which are quite handy.

The BBB is not complete as it does not cover some things that you might want to look up. It is also quite dry and technical and assumes you have all the special tools etc since it was made for professional or semi-professional repair people.

It is a good source to get the MB version of a situation but I then usually look in the more understandable and "friendly" repair guide from Haynes shown at the top of our Publications page.

http://www.sl113.org/publications.asp

The BBB is sold on eBay from time to time. I bought a new copy a year or two ago for about $65.

Richard M

[Kenneth Gear]

Is the BBB available in english?  I only seem to run across German versions.

[Klaus]

The BBB is officially the Workshop Manual. In the US it is printed by MBUSA. To order, call 1 866 MB Classic (1 866 622 5277).
For the W113 you need two, The Workshop Manual starting August 1959, and the Workshop Manual starting 1968. Sections that are in the first manual are not repeated in the second! Both are also available in a two CD set.

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[Kenneth Gear]

When I called, I was told the CD set was only in German.

[Jonny B]

Perhaps they have changed it, but I purchased the 2 set CD and it is in English and I got it directly through Benz. It was not directly listed on the web site, but when I called I was able to find it.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[Naj ✝︎]

Order Ref for 2 CD set in English:

P-2700-EV4-000
Version 1.0
STAR CLASSIC SERVICE MANUAL. PRICE $129.95
INCLUDING TAX AND SHIPPING US ADDR. $142.75

One set was aquired for me from MBUSA in Sept 2004.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[Klaus]

My CD set from MBUSA is in english; Star Classic, Service Manual Library, Early Models, Volume 4, Disc 1 and 2

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[Malc]

Paul,
It would appear that you can only get the english version from MB in the USA. I tried at my local dealer in the UK and after calling the MB offices in the UK and complaining I found out that for all its worldwide image the seperate divisions don't talk to each other, have seperate parts lists and generally ignore each other!!

You will need to get somebody in the US to order for you as MB USA will not ship to a none US address. I found out when I rang them

This what you did Naj?
Cheers
Malc

[Naj ✝︎]

Yes, Malc,
Then paid extra for registered airmail delivery!
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[Klaus]

Malc, if you need a US address (and want to pay for airmail...) e-mail me offline.

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[Klaus]

In all fairness to the 2 CD set (and its price) it should be mentioned that it contains not only the BBB but also other manuals. In detail, the CD set contains
Owner's Manual
Parts Picture Catalog
Automatic Transmission Manual
Workshop Manual, starting August 1959
Workshop Manual, starting 1968
Assembly Service and Repair of Automatic Transmission with Two Planetary Gear Sets
Electric Wiring Diagram (b & w)

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[hands_aus]

Klaus

Pity it doesn't include a parts number catalogue.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Klaus]

Bob,
the Parts Number catalog is a CD in its own:
MB EPC Compact plus (Electronic Publication System)
CDDB04, 11/2003
Artikel Number COMP 113 004

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[pablo_o2]

Thanks everybody, I ordered the Haynes manuel which I think will do fine for most of the repairs. I could even order it in Belgium and it comes with a free dictionary to my language. Pretty cool! There's also a German MB-club that frequently sells parts catalogues  on E-bay.They sell one right now http://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MakeTrack&item=4503061865.

Paul Haems
'68 white 280 SL

[hands_aus]

Thanks Klaus, noted

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[mulrik]

Will someone living in the US help me get my hands on the CD-ROM available from the classic center in the US, they are only $20 these days. They only ship to the US. I would be gratefull if one of our Americans will have the CD's send to him and have the trouble of sending it to me afterwards. I'll obviously pay all costs. Drop me a mail. Big thanks upfront.

(offcourse if someone is willing to burn me a copy I won't object, drop me a mail...)
Ulrik


'67 250 SL Papyrus White 113043-10-000023