Author Topic: POLL: Pagoda Idiosyncrasies (Read 64589 times)

rwmastel · « **Reply #50 on:** January 19, 2007, 22:20:20 »

quote:
Originally posted by bsimaz

I wonder why the '6' on the odometer looks like it was made with a different font than the rest of the numbers. It's skinnier than the rest of the numbers. But only the '6' ??

I've not openeded an odometer, but here's my theory:

There is a small notch beside the "6". When the "6" is in the back, the "0" is in the front. It's at this point that the notch rolls around the back and grabs the mechanisim and turns the next number over.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

hands_aus · « **Reply #51 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:09:06 »

MB never shifted the hand brake to the RHS of the transmission tunnel on RHD cars.

It is a very long reach to operate the hand brake.

It was one reason I gravitated to an auto.

Walter,
I open the bonnet from the inside by leaning across the console or by reaching down through the LHS window.

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

Amanda · « **Reply #52 on:** January 25, 2007, 17:57:36 »

This is fun to read through. I always wondered why I seem to start moving the window crank in the "wrong" direction.

I also love the "switch" for the high beams, maybe not that unique, but I've never seen another one like it.

Amanda
1966 230SL
Manual
Red/Tan
Los Angeles

n/a · « **Reply #53 on:** February 09, 2007, 10:27:30 »

Don't forget the way your points get fried within minutes if you happen to leave the key turned to the right when the engine is off.

nick350 · « **Reply #54 on:** February 09, 2007, 11:16:32 »

I find it amazing how you can go to the garage to spend a few hundred quid and it costs you thousands...that always make me laugh.

Nick350
r107 SL red

Sam SL · « **Reply #55 on:** February 12, 2007, 23:06:19 »

I may not be old enough but I think the way the spare tire is stowed in the trunk, with its cover and the button top storage compartment is quite unique.

What about the heavy action required to flip forward the seat backs in order to access the parcel shelf behind the front buckets?

The turn signal stalk that does not stay in a locked position on right turns and certainly does not automatically return to its neutral spot after the return of the steering wheel spin. A very expensive part that does not last long.

Aluminum hood, trunk lid and doors but not the removable hardtop that weighs in just a tad beyond what 2 young men can lift comfortably.

Oh there must be more to these wonderful handbuilt machines !!

Sam

France · « **Reply #56 on:** February 13, 2007, 07:32:36 »

I love the primitive connecting bushings on the tranny--just look at all the postings and threads on their failure...but another reason to appreciate these cars. It's remarkably easy to get the broken tranny in gear and get it home with baling wire and twine!

Trice
1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder seat
Sarasota FL; Alsace France; Switzerland
You only need 2 tools in life: WD40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop.

nick350 · « **Reply #57 on:** February 13, 2007, 12:08:50 »

baling wire and twine?...I keep a spare gearbox in the boot /trunk.

quote:
Originally posted by France

I love the primitive connecting bushings on the tranny--just look at all the postings and threads on their failure...but another reason to appreciate these cars. It's remarkably easy to get the broken tranny in gear and get it home with baling wire and twine!

Trice
1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder seat
Sarasota FL; Alsace France; Switzerland
You only need 2 tools in life: WD40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop.

Nick350
r107 SL red
w113 SL white

lurtch · « **Reply #58 on:** February 13, 2007, 22:18:45 »

I will have to chime in and add that on my '66 there FOUR keys required if you want to lock and unlock everything. (gas cap, glove box, doors, and ignition). Also noteworthy is the fact that of the TWELVE '63-'67 paint color choices FIVE of them are in the White/Biege color family. A little on the boring side - - . Regards, Larry in CA

Ben · « **Reply #59 on:** February 14, 2007, 05:57:35 »

quote:
Just learned something interesting. And please pardon my ignorance, no insult intended.
The ignition key for the right hand drive cars is on the left side of the steering column. Thought they were the same all over, on the right side.
Also the hood/bonnet release cable is on the left side too. So you basically have to operate both doors to get out/in from the drivers seat and then open the passengers to open the hood/bonnet. Strange!
How do you Right sided drivers deal with that?
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel

......yeah some of that can be a pain, though IMO the worst one is that the soft top release lever is still on the left side. It's actually possibly easier to open this in a RHD car by leaning back with your left hand !

However on my particular car the lever is a little sticky, as is the soft top cover, so I end up getting out, walking around, pulling the lever, setting the soft top over the pins at the front, pressing the lever back, slamming the soft top cover, then the soft top rear latch. Then I walk back around,get in and sort out the front pins !

I wondered if, when new, it was possible to open the compartment, pull out the soft top and set it up............all from the drivers seat??

Hardly !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

Mike Hughes · « **Reply #60 on:** February 14, 2007, 13:02:18 »

quote:
Originally posted by lurtch

I will have to chime in and add that on my '66 there FOUR keys required if you want to lock and unlock everything. (gas cap, glove box, doors, and ignition).

If my '66 with all original keys can be used as a guide, the door key also fits the gas cap lock.

- Mike Hughes -ô¿ô-
1966 230SL Auto P/S
Havanna Brown (408)
Light Beige (181)
Cream M-B Tex (121)

Kemal · « **Reply #61 on:** February 25, 2007, 16:05:24 »

Hi There
Heres a minor issue ... Cleaning the rear window with a sponge or sham leather ,part of it tends to get caught up in the side of the glass & hard to remove !

Kemal 280 sl manual

quote:
Originally posted by JPMOSE

I thought I would start an interesting thread (hopefully not repeating a prior one). If you think it is silly then move on! :evil:

This will be a list of Pagoda idiosyncrasies and/or unique features (or flaws) that make our cars more interesting and special. :mrgreen:

The only "rule" that I suggest: If a discussion of any listed item is desired....start a new thread on that particular subject. This way it will not get off course.

OK...so let me start with a few:

1) The engine won't shut off if the brake reservoir is low or empty (at least on late 250SL and 280SL).

2) The trunk light only works when the light switch is on Park or Headlight.

3) The tail light assembly has a clear window that helps illuminate the trunk when the tail light or clearance light is on.

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL

paulr · « **Reply #62 on:** February 26, 2007, 01:28:10 »

I think that there were originally two options....1, to have one key fits all locks and 2. a 'Valet" set that opened everything apart from the glove box, I think. I'm also under the impression that this lock conversion kit is still available. Cool eh?

quote:
Originally posted by Mike Hughes

quote:
Originally posted by lurtch

I will have to chime in and add that on my '66 there FOUR keys required if you want to lock and unlock everything. (gas cap, glove box, doors, and ignition).

If my '66 with all original keys can be used as a guide, the door key also fits the gas cap lock.

- Mike Hughes -ô¿ô-
1966 230SL Auto P/S
Havanna Brown (408)
Light Beige (181)
Cream M-B Tex (121)

paulr
lovely 1970 280 SL

J. Huber · « **Reply #63 on:** February 26, 2007, 13:38:14 »

The later cars had one key to do it all (and maybe the valet option) but Mike is correct that the earliest cars originally had three...

However, like Lurtch, I have 4! I believe my gas cap was changed out -- thus the fourth key. In my case, the gas cap key and the door key are very different sizes so I doubt I can rekey cap to get back to three... whos on first?

James
63 230SL

rhersberger · « **Reply #64 on:** February 28, 2007, 18:12:27 »

I have four keys for a very early 280 SL: ignition; doors; trunk and glove box; and gas cap. No way of knowing if the gas cap is a replacement. It's sure a bit different locking up and unlocking unlike modern cars where you press a button once or twice.

Rod Hersberger

Santa Barbara

'68 280 SL, red, tan, 4sp, two tops
'01 Jag S Type brg
'07 Cayman S Carmona red, sand beige

al_lieffring · « **Reply #65 on:** March 01, 2007, 08:15:01 »

quote:
Originally posted by rhersberger

I have four keys for a very early 280 SL: ignition; doors; trunk and glove box; and gas cap. No way of knowing if the gas cap is a replacement. It's sure a bit different locking up and unlocking unlike modern cars where you press a button once or twice.

Rod Hersberger

Santa Barbara

'68 280 SL, red, tan, 4sp, two tops
'01 Jag S Type brg
'07 Cayman S Carmona red, sand beige

As I was walkikng toward my SL the other day in the Publix parking lot I reached into my pocket looking for a remote entry button.

Modern cars have more wires in the door harness than our SL's have in the dash. I kinda like that level of simplicity, No plans for installing keyless entry in my Pagoda.
Al

66 230sl
113-042-10-014715
904/396 blue, Ivory Tex
condition: not-as-rusty-as-before-bucket

ami · « **Reply #66 on:** March 01, 2007, 08:31:35 »

I like the way you have to push the trunk shut rather than slamming it.

1970 AC 428 coupe
1970 Fiat 850 Bertone
1970 Fiat 130 Coupe
1964 Porsche 356c
1966 Ford Mustang
1974 Lotus Europa
1988 Maserati Biturbo
1973 Maserati Bora
1983 TVR Tasmin
1979 BMW M-1
1973 Mercedes 3.5 280 se c
1955 Jaguar XK140 FHC
1968 Jaguar E type XKE
1970 Mercedes 280 SL
1954 Mercedes 300 SL
1989 ferrari 400i
1974 Ferrari 246 GTS

All perfect and used as often as possible. Currently having 1958 Aston DBS (301) and another 300 SL restored.

nick350 · « **Reply #67 on:** March 01, 2007, 11:59:50 »

quote:
Originally posted by ami

I like the way you have to push the trunk shut rather than slamming it.

1970 AC 428 coupe
1970 Fiat 850 Bertone
1970 Fiat 130 Coupe
1964 Porsche 356c
1966 Ford Mustang
1974 Lotus Europa
1988 Maserati Biturbo
1973 Maserati Bora
1983 TVR Tasmin
1979 BMW M-1
1973 Mercedes 3.5 280 se c
1955 Jaguar XK140 FHC
1968 Jaguar E type XKE
1970 Mercedes 280 SL
1954 Mercedes 300 SL
1989 ferrari 400i
1974 Ferrari 246 GTS

All perfect and used as often as possible. Currently having 1958 Aston DBS (301) and another 300 SL restored.

[:0]

Nick350
r107 SL red
w113 SL white

KevinC · « **Reply #68 on:** March 01, 2007, 15:06:22 »

I believe that the door and gas cap key should be one in the same.

quote:
Originally posted by rhersberger

I have four keys for a very early 280 SL: ignition; doors; trunk and glove box; and gas cap. No way of knowing if the gas cap is a replacement. It's sure a bit different locking up and unlocking unlike modern cars where you press a button once or twice.

Rod Hersberger

Santa Barbara

'68 280 SL, red, tan, 4sp, two tops
'01 Jag S Type brg
'07 Cayman S Carmona red, sand beige

Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex
2007 Lava Gray Audi Q7

J. Huber · « **Reply #69 on:** May 12, 2007, 21:59:48 »

Well, I had to dig up this thread as I was reminded of one today (which, by the way, wasn't very easy since I couldn't seem to spell idiosyncrasies the right way...)

Anyway, the Pagoda and I headed to the Health Club for a little workout this afternoon. As is my custom since I hooked it up, I listened to my Ipod Shuffle on the way there. Then wanting to take the Ipod inside with me, I unhooked it... and dropped the little rascal between the seats :oops: . And then -- I remembered Idiosyncrasy Number 87 -- Getting anything out from under our seats!!

I first tried to fish it out with an extra fan belt I keep in the trunk. That only pushed it further into the Abyss. So then I headed back to trunk and grabbed the lug wrench. Finally flicked it out. Sadly, it took me longer to rescue the bloody thing than it did to run out of gas on the treadmill!

James
63 230SL

TheEngineer · « **Reply #70 on:** May 13, 2007, 09:29:56 »

Yes, that reminds me of the old Playboy magazine that slipped under the passenger seat. You can just see a portion of it: Passengers sometimes comment on it but for the time being, I feel it's a good place for it and not worth the trouble of fishing it out.

enochbell · « **Reply #71 on:** May 13, 2007, 11:41:31 »

and another thing...

You have to be a contortionist or a carpal tunnel candidate to turn on the headlights. I sometimes resort to sticking my hand through the steering wheel to get lights on. So when did the "pull-for-on" feature disappear from most cars' light switches?

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

bas · « **Reply #72 on:** May 14, 2007, 01:07:55 »

He who dies with the most toys, wins

Bu©©er me, are you sure you have enough cars? What are you a garage?

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by ami

I like the way you have to push the trunk shut rather than slamming it.

1970 AC 428 coupe
1970 Fiat 850 Bertone
1970 Fiat 130 Coupe
1964 Porsche 356c
1966 Ford Mustang
1974 Lotus Europa
1988 Maserati Biturbo
1973 Maserati Bora
1983 TVR Tasmin
1979 BMW M-1
1973 Mercedes 3.5 280 se c
1955 Jaguar XK140 FHC
1968 Jaguar E type XKE
1970 Mercedes 280 SL
1954 Mercedes 300 SL
1989 ferrari 400i
1974 Ferrari 246 GTS

All perfect and used as often as possible. Currently having 1958 Aston DBS (301) and another 300 SL restored.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bas

1964 230 SL

glennard · « **Reply #73 on:** May 15, 2007, 06:26:04 »

After forty years- every Pagoda is idiosyncratic. Even if MB built two which were identical(which I doubt), we tinkerers, mechanics, neophytes, saturday sophisticates, etc. have modified the CSV, relays, ignitions, FI, sound systems, steering wheels, horns, etc, into beasts rivaling NASCAR wheels. And all on pretty small budgets by comparison.

dasvinger · « **Reply #74 on:** May 15, 2007, 21:45:50 »

Headlight switches on MB cars were changed to rotary when they lost a couple of engineers off the road in the Alps in the early fiftys.Seems one of the passengers pushed the lights off while trying to find the cigar lighter.This according to an archived MB memo.
Seems smoking is hazardous after all...Fred

News:

Author Topic: POLL: Pagoda Idiosyncrasies (Read 64589 times)

Amanda

n/a

nick350

nick350

Ben

paulr

rhersberger

al_lieffring

ami

nick350

KevinC

enochbell

bas

glennard