New member questions

[Redrock2]

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]

As far as I know, bumper guards and headrests were mandatory, and therefore standard, on US cars in 1969.

[neelyrc]

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.

[mrfatboy]

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.

[Redrock2]

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]

Maybe the car is not a US spec car. Check the country code.

[Redrock2]

Country code is 705. First digit is 8. Car was first purchased in California from a local dealer.

[49er]

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

[FGN59]

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.