Defrost Indicator

[dtuttle123]

Did the early 250SL's have the "Defrost" indicator in the center of of the attached photos?

Download Attachment: Defrost Arrows.jpg
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[Jonny B]

The defrost label was not on the early 250SL's. I am not sure when that was added. The acrylic control levers were changed at 2980 (correct? - I am traveling and don't have my reference book availabe) when all the other US safety stuff was added and the defrost lable might have been added then.

[dtuttle123]

Thanks Jonny B!  Appreciate the information.  Doug

[Richard Madison]

Took a ride with a guest passenger this weekend. He owns a 1969 280SL Euro version from France.

While riding in my 1969 Euro version car, he mentioned that I was missing the Defrost Tag on my dash. (Is it proper etiquette for a guest to mention defects?)

He's owned his car since the 1980's but as he's not the original owner he does not know if the tag was added. I admit that's not very likely.

Does anyone know if 1969 Euro version Pagoda should have this tag?

Where can I get one?

Richard M, NYC

[JamesL]

I have a sneaking suspicion that Euro cars were label free on the dash. Mine is label free as are all the other RHD cars I have seen

Perhaps the French needed the written instruction. Not that they'd follow it!

[66andBlue]

Tosh and Richard,
no Defrost sign on the center chrome piece and also no Defrost on on the heater/blower knob, just a blue arrow, on non-US cars.
Sorry for the blurry picture.

[W113SL]

I believe the defrost label on the chrome escutcheon was probably mandated with the rest of the DOT changes at serial number 2980 on the 250SL's, but  not for the euoo on non-usa cars.

Pete Lesler
1967 250SL

[Rolland]

My 68 280SL is a Euro model, no "defrost" tag in the middle.  Guess I better know what I'm doing if I use it.....

Rolland

[rmmchl]

it is not, and never was on my early 250sl

[pagoden]

I have one on my US spec 1969 280sl built and picked up in Germany in late August of 1968, for what that may be worth, Richard.  [It has its original control levers, seems unmolested in that area.]  Does sound like you're good without one.

Regards,

Denny

[Garry]

None on my '69 UK delivered 280SL, as Alfred picture shows.

Garry

[Shvegel]

I am with Pete that it was a DOT requirement. Current climate systems are designed to fail in the Defrost/ heat / blower on mode. You may get hot but there will not be any frost on the windshield.