What is the correct car jack?

[114015]

Hello Achim

Do you know if early 280sl' came with the jack (Type A) which has the exposed screw threads and is worked with a detachable ratchet. If this is the case, do you know when the change was made to the Type B jack.  Types are as referrered to in the glovebox parts book.

Thank you
Gus

Hello Gus,

Hopefully you allow me to make your request public since I think this topic is of general interest.
"When was the early style car jack, the threaded one with the detachable ratchet (part no 000 583 6315), replaced by the later one, the one with the crank mechanism (part no 000 583 6715)?"

Unfortunately, I do not exactly know this and therfore asked (again) the paper parts lists for the 230 SL (10126) and the 250/280 SL (10202; sadly I do not have hands on the US-version 10808). 
The both lists are nonambiguous; the 230 SL always came with the first type, the 250&280 always with the latter type.
At least that is what the parts lists tell us.

However, 'in the real life' this seems to be more differentiated and it was discussed that even some early 280ies came with the early style jack (with ratchet).

I like to direct you and others who are interested to our WIKI, which nicely describes the differences and exceptions.

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Accessories/Toolkit

Regrettably that's all I can contribute to this topic currently. 

IMHO, get one of each, and you are always on the safe side.


Best regards,

Achim
(owns both styles of car jacks )

[Jonny B]

For what it is worth, my 1970 280 SL (12730) has the later type jack.

[pagoden]

 As does mine, a 280SL from mid-August (04622) of 1968.     Cheers, Denny

[mbzse]

As does mine, a 280SL from mid-August (04622) of 1968.     Cheers, Denny

We are getting closer to ringing in the change-over point for jacks  
My car 280SL is built May 1968, Chassis No 3099
It has the earlier, visible screw type jack with separate ratchet handle
/Hans in Sweden

[mbzse]

removed

[Olazz]

Mine has the older screw type jack - yet my chassis no is -  04894

[bogeyman]

I also have the earlier screw type on my '69.  Ser. no 8014

[49er]

 The screw jack came with my car 003820 (June or July build date - not sure if the numbers listed in the tech manual are for the the first or last SL built in any given month)

john

[Iconic]

A jack is one of the easiest things to take out of a car.
You don't even need a tool to do it.
Therefore, it might be difficult for some of you to state, with certainty, that the jack is original to the car.
I'm sure John (49er) can make that statement, but before we start narrowing down the cut-off serial number, we should state how certain we are that it is original to the car.
2 other points:
There might not be a clean cut-off. There might have been mixed supply at a point in time where both were used depending on many variables, cost, speed of delivery, availability.
Also, how about the mating parts in the trunk floor. Did they stay the same as the jack was changed? If not, we should be comparing those because they are at least fastened down and a tool is required for removal.
Does anyone know if those mating parts are different for the two jack styles?
(By the way, mine is the late style in a 1970 VIN #012160, bought from original owner. But I really don't know if there was some reason that it got changed out prior to my purchase       )

[Olazz]

The screw jack came with my car 003820 (June or July build date - not sure if the numbers listed in the tech manual are for the the first or last SL built in any given month)

john

John,

Where is the jack handle stored in your car? I cannot locate any retaining lugs for a handle in the boot. (trunk).

[49er]

John,

Where is the jack handle stored in your car? I cannot locate any retaining lugs for a handle in the boot. (trunk).

 The ratchet handle slides down the inside of screw and locks into two notches in the screw. If you look closely at the picture in my previous post you will see it protruding out the end, facing forward.
John

[Olazz]

Now You've heard of stupidity before, but I think I've just wan the Gold Medal!!

Posted in WTB section for a handle for the jack as I thought I had no handle.
Dave B, kindly helped me out and I just bought a jack handle from Ebay!

So John, thanks for the post. My handle is indeed in the top of the jack. Geeze what a complete buffoon I am.

If anyone needs a new jack handle I will have a spare!
 

[69280sl]

I asked this question because my "later" type jack did not seem to fit the keepers with the precision one expects from Mercedes. It fit but it took a lot of twisting, pushing and levering to remove and replace it. I bought an early jack on eBay, and it fits like a glove. My 280sl is  car #1084.

Since 280sl cars 3099 (mbse), 4894 (olazz) and especially 3820 (John 49er) have the earlier jacks, I think it safe to say that the earlier type is correct, or at least not incorrect, for early 1968's. For those that keep track of such details.

Gus