Perfect Weather for the Drop top!

Adamki83

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Just thought I’d share what I did for the evening in our SL, first time we’ve had the roof down in ownership, boy what a feeling!!
 

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LostKiwi

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Just thought I’d share what I did for the evening in our SL, first time we’ve had the roof down in ownership, boy what a feeling!!
Nothing quite like it.
You do need to get the wimpitis treated though as the top can go down when its much colder - one of the best experiences ever is a clear starry (preferably moonless) night on a country road with the top down. Feels awesome. ;)
Just put the heater on, wind deflector up and windows up (and seat heaters on if you have them) and you can have a toasty bubble of warmth as you drive even in near zero temperatures.
 

John Laidlaw

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Couple of years ago me and my lad drove across the tops on the M62 (after a breakfast meet) in the SL- January top down - when we set off it was bright sunshine albeit about -2oC , but then freezing fog- top down, windows up, wind deflector up , heaters on, heated seats on,airscarf on....lovely it was. Got some funny looks from other cars though!!:p
 
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Adamki83

Adamki83

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Nothing quite like it.
You do need to get the wimpitis treated though as the top can go down when its much colder - one of the best experiences ever is a clear starry (preferably moonless) night on a country road with the top down. Feels awesome. ;)
Just put the heater on, wind deflector up and windows up (and seat heaters on if you have them) and you can have a toasty bubble of warmth as you drive even in near zero temperatures.
It must be a lovely feeling, I must say I’ve always wanted to do that, only issue is this doesn’t have heated seats which is annoying, was it a popular option in 92??
I did drive it home last night with the top down and it was bliss!
 

John Laidlaw

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Just thought I’d share what I did for the evening in our SL, first time we’ve had the roof down in ownership, boy what a feeling!!
That’s a lovely looking car, real beaut!
You need to change your signature?
 
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Adamki83

Adamki83

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Couple of years ago me and my lad drove across the tops on the M62 (after a breakfast meet) in the SL- January top down - when we set off it was bright sunshine albeit about -2oC , but then freezing fog- top down, windows up, wind deflector up , heaters on, heated seats on,airscarf on....lovely it was. Got some funny looks from other cars though!!:p
I must try it when it comes round to winter again! This is somthing I would do! You have to make the most out of a convertible right!?
 

Wighty

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Yep , I'm a regular top downer in sub zero temperatures and at night as well . Had a lovely run south on the M1 last summer late at night from the peaks district all in the dark at temperatures in the mid 20's .
 
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Adamki83

Adamki83

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Adamki83

Adamki83

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In an ideal (read: wife free) world I’d have kept the SL as well, I did spend enough money on it after all!! :rolleyes:
My girlfriend doesn’t like it, she doesn’t like riding round in it, I love the top down down for another big reason and that’s tunnels!
 

LostKiwi

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this doesn’t have heated seats which is annoying, was it a popular option in 92??
I'd say about 20 - 25% of them would have had heated seats (they were an option).
My own 129 doesn't either (but the 230 does).
 
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Adamki83

Adamki83

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I'd say about 20 - 25% of them would have had heated seats (they were an option).
My own 129 doesn't either (but the 230 does).
So not a common option fitted, it would be nice if it was though, the 230 i was consider buying as my daily but running costs seem to be a bit steeper than my E270 :(
 

LostKiwi

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So not a common option fitted, it would be nice if it was though, the 230 i was consider buying as my daily but running costs seem to be a bit steeper than my E270 :(
Indeed 230s are not a car to be run on a budget.
The 350 is probably the one to go for if you want to keep costs down (no ABC to give you sleepless nights).
 
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Adamki83

Adamki83

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Indeed 230s are not a car to be run on a budget.
The 350 is probably the one to go for if you want to keep costs down (no ABC to give you sleepless nights).
Yeah, you’re probably right or I just bide my time and save up and buy one as a fun car as oppose to a daily, also ABC I’ve heard is a nightmare especially in the CL’s which was another car I considered!
 

LostKiwi

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Yeah, you’re probably right or I just bide my time and save up and buy one as a fun car as oppose to a daily, also ABC I’ve heard is a nightmare especially in the CL’s which was another car I considered!
ABC is fantastic when it works. Its a system based on the Oleo-hydraulic system first developed by Citroen but with electronic control for ride height and damping with additional active control for cornering, braking and acceleration.
It keeps the car incredibly flat when cornering but still retains a smooth and comfortable ride that can be firmed up when required by pushing a button.
The issues stem from the fact its a complex system that is heavily dependent on high pressures in the system and a super clean fluid being used. If the fluid becomes contaminated then the whole system can give endless trouble. If there is a leak the pump runs dry and flakes of metal contaminate the system which can then give endless trouble down the line.
Similarly the 'rubber' seals in the system will break down over time and give rise to leaks or erratic behaviour.
The system used in the CL is fundamentally the same as the SL.
 

Chrishazle

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Just put the roof down on the 968 cab and loaded luggage for the run from East Kent to Devon today, unfortunately much of it will be motorway and dual carriageway, but Exmoor tomorrow shold be lovely!! As many above have commented, roof down, windows and wind deflector up, heater on, who cares what the outside temperature is, we've had the roof down many times in Dec/Jan providing the roads are dry!!
 
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Adamki83

Adamki83

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ABC is fantastic when it works. Its a system based on the Oleo-hydraulic system first developed by Citroen but with electronic control for ride height and damping with additional active control for cornering, braking and acceleration.
It keeps the car incredibly flat when cornering but still retains a smooth and comfortable ride that can be firmed up when required by pushing a button.
The issues stem from the fact its a complex system that is heavily dependent on high pressures in the system and a super clean fluid being used. If the fluid becomes contaminated then the whole system can give endless trouble. If there is a leak the pump runs dry and flakes of metal contaminate the system which can then give endless trouble down the line.
Similarly the 'rubber' seals in the system will break down over time and give rise to leaks or erratic behaviour.
The system used in the CL is fundamentally the same as the SL.
It’s like SBC an incredible idea and when it works it’s fantastic but just when it goes wrong....
so if you’re looking to buy a Mercedes with the ABC weather it’s the SL, CL or S class is it a similar story to SBC where maintenance is key? My E class had plenty brake fluid changes which I’ve read in places extends the life of the SBC unit. So is it the same story as the ABC??
 

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