Author Topic: New member questions  (Read 2429 times)

Redrock2

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New member questions
« on: February 14, 2021, 17:21:15 »
New member and hopefully in the right place for these questions. I don’t know anyone who has a 280SL and no local MB dealer. Recently purchased a 1969 280SL in 542 with 140 interior. Data card does not list several options that are on the car. I understand that the radio and air conditioner can be added by the dealer. I also have bumpers with guards and head rests which are not listed. Are these usually added by the dealer? I have seen pictures of headrest cover adjustment ports. Mostly covered up as are mine. What did these do and is it beneficial to redo headrest with ports? Still getting use to the car and have only driven five miles. Area covered in snow so will be awhile before driving. Thanks

FGN59

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2021, 17:23:34 »
As far as I know, bumper guards and headrests were mandatory, and therefore standard, on US cars in 1969.
François

1994 Toyota Land Cruiser SW HDJ80 4.2L diesel
sold:
1969 280SL US specs, 4-speed manual, beige-grey (726H), parchment leather
1962 Jaguar MK2 3.8L (4.2L XJ6 engine), black, tan leather interior
1968 Peugeot 204 roadster, white, black interior
1955 Massey Ferguson TEF20 diesel tractor 😁

neelyrc

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2021, 03:35:59 »
Welcome to the forum, Redrock2.  If your car is a US version your data card will show code 491. The air conditioner and more than likely the radio would have been added by the dealer and therefore would not be shown.  Which radio do you have?

In addition to the 491 code my 1969 -chassis 007749- also includes code 440 - bumpers with guards.  My car has the standard headrests but their code -573- is not shown on the data card.  I believe these must be covered by the 491 code.  As a matter of interest what is your chassis number?

I don’t understand what you are referring to as, “headrest cover adjustment ports”.  Perhaps you can post a photo. 

Again welcome to the group.  We look forward to hearing more about your car.

Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

mrfatboy

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2021, 09:52:22 »
I believe the OP is referring to the side adjustment holes in the headrests. A lot of times when these cars get new seat covers the plastic hole rings do not get put back in. Either because the installer doesn’t want to bother or they are so brittle they broke trying to remove them from the original headrest coverings. The holes are there to access the tension nuts in the headrest.

Bud’s sells new ones as well as the dealer I believe. However they do not sell the very dark gray color, only black and some other colors.

« Last Edit: February 15, 2021, 11:51:07 by mrfatboy »
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Redrock2

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2021, 11:48:12 »
Data card does show 491 but not 440. Radio is Becker Europa. Chassis is 006100. mrfatboy answered my headrest question. Thanks for reply’s.

MikeSimon

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2021, 12:45:41 »
Maybe the car is not a US spec car. Check the country code.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Redrock2

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2021, 15:41:53 »
Country code is 705. First digit is 8. Car was first purchased in California from a local dealer.

49er

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2021, 16:19:53 »
As far as I know, bumper guards and headrests were mandatory, and therefore standard, on US cars in 1969.

 Not all 69 models had the overriders and headrests. Those, like mine registered in september 68 as 69 model, did not have them. The window sticker had a line item "allowance for omission of head restraint $71.00"

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

FGN59

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Re: New member questions
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2021, 17:52:19 »
My car, also a US registered 1969 280SL, has chassis number 6581, manufactured in early December 1968. Like a little sister to yours. It had bumper guards (which I removed) and headrests.
François

1994 Toyota Land Cruiser SW HDJ80 4.2L diesel
sold:
1969 280SL US specs, 4-speed manual, beige-grey (726H), parchment leather
1962 Jaguar MK2 3.8L (4.2L XJ6 engine), black, tan leather interior
1968 Peugeot 204 roadster, white, black interior
1955 Massey Ferguson TEF20 diesel tractor 😁