Im a new mercedes owner and I'm looking for some suggestions. I recently got a 1979 450sl, it has been sitting in a driveway for 9 to 10 years with out being run. From what I was told it ran great before it was parked, they just didn't need it anymore. It would be greatly appreciated if I could get some suggestions on the first steps to getting her started. I've been told I should remove and clean the fuel tank, and replace the fuel lines. Other than that I figure I won't know any other problems till shes running.
Thanks.

 

Hi! Just got a '75 450 SL. So far I have changed all the fluids, Oil, trans. and filters and rear end. Brakes were pulling so I ended up rebuilding the calipers, they were almost frozen, but still rebuildable. Just got through changing the fuel filter and replaced a couple of fuel lines. I didn't clean the tank but drained it and put fresh fuel in it. I have a leak that looks like a front seal in the trans. Plan to run an additive in it and see it that works, but in what experience I have with cars that seldom works for me, so will probably have to pull the trans. and replace the seals and probably will replace to rear seal on the engine while I have it down.
A mouse or rat had made a nest in the blower for the heater and I had to pull that and clean it up, was unbelievable.
Mine runs about the same as yours, sounds like. I'm having a problem with the temp. gauge. I replaced the sending unit but did'nt work. All the other gauges work. Engine doesn't run hot but would like to know what the temp is. Think it will be a fun little car, not a mechanic here, Respiratory Therapist but enjoy working on cars (when they work, afterwards!) Have fun! Leont

 

thanks a lot for the help. haven't had much time yet to work on it, but Im very excited.

 

Posted on another thread that it wasn't the gauge. Found another temp sending unit at the back of the engine on passengers side with a wire broken. Fixed that and now have temp gauge working. Leont

 

I recently revived a 1980 450SL. I would change all of the fluids, belts and hoses. My only issues were the transmission seals took several attempts to stop leaking but persistence prevailed. Also had to replace the AC compressor and convert to R134. The AC is the bugger, but it works now after lots of cursing and hair pulling.