I brought my new-to-me 98 SL500 home yesterday so I am sure I will be having a lot of questions. I would sure appreciate anyone addressing the following:
1. The driver's side sunvisor's light is broken. The light does not come on and the mirror/light insert part is loose and rattles. What should I do? Should I get an entire replacement sunvisor with the mirror/light included? Do I just unscrew the one screw, take off the old one and replace it with a new one? What about the wiring for the light, is it exposed and easy to work with once I take the old one off?
2.One of the two light for the interior that are located above the rear view mirror is out? How do I go about fixing it?
3. As I am typing this, I forgot about the rearview mirror situation and I forgot to check for a place to tighten it, so forget this question if I find it obvious when I look, but the rear view mirror is very loose. How do I tighten it? Will it be obvious when I look.
4. The car has 53k and is a one owner. I really do not have records of service history. What would you suggest I do as to having a good base on it being checked and service without paying a fortuate? I am located just north of Little Rock, Arkansas and do not have a great non-Mercedes dealer machanic, so I am thinking of taking it to the Little Rock Mercedes dealership and having all of the fluids changed (oil, transmission, brake, antifreeze, etc.), checking hoses, belts, maybe plugs, fuel filter, and suspension. Maybe I should just be asking for a major service and they will do all of this, but I am not interested in them telling me to fix everything in sight.
Thanks

 

I had similar light problems but had my Indy do them. Not terribly expensive for new switches/bulbs, but I couldn't find any info on how to get to them. Hope you have better luck!

As far as MB Tech's in the Little Rock area, check out this other forum that provides referrals from other owners...FYI

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...splay.php?f=32[/align][/align]Bob[/align]

 

Please read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...ml#post2503930
Ask the dealer to run a VMI=M-B Vehicle Master Inquiry. This will give you any service information that was done at a M-B Dealer. No INDY information will be included.
The transmission is filled for life but it is suggested that you have an fluid change at 50K=$250-$275. Brake and Antifreeze renew should be done every three years. My dealer recently did both of mine for a special price of $105. In addition I would have a B Service ran at $350.00. Plugs are usually replaced at 100K. Engine and cabin filter should be replaced. This is an easy DIY for about $55.00 for parts. Alignment and balance tires$125.00 approx.
BTW, you could find a local INDY to do most of this work for a much better price.