Questions about W126 (380SE and 560SEC)

[jaques2k]

Hi guys! This is just some silly questions I have that can´t rest in my mind:
1. What´s the small, black, round "switch" with the white symbols N, 2,3,4...7, and S on it in the engine compartment in the 560 SEC. Is it as I read somewhere a thing for choosing which fuel you are using (Unleaded or...). Why are there so many steps on it? It´s located nearby the fuse box.
2. If you find a "bottle" with a label on it that reads "Hydraulic oel" or something like that (oh no - it´s german!!), (but it´s hydraulic oil in it), with one pipe going to the engine and one smaller pipe going out somewhere (can´t trace it without screwing away lot´s of stuff), what could that be? Self-leveling suspension? It´s beside the radiator on the driver´s side in the engine compartment. The 560 SEC again...
3. In the 380SE, there´s a small "hole" near the interior light, with small plastic bars over it. If I take the plastic "cap" away, I find some kind of sensor inside, and some cables going to it. What could this be?? I guess it´s the same thing that is near the sunroof switch on the 560 SEC.

If someone has any ideas - shoot! =)

Thanks, and have a nice day!

 

[talbir]

Hi,

In response to your questions :

1) The small black item is a resistor which is to retard/advance timing with different fuel usage. Best to leave it as it is.

2) That's the hydraulic oil reservoir for your self-levelling suspension, which was standard fitment on all 560SEC's. The hydraulic oil is pumped to the rear struts, when car is under load at the rear. The struts then raise to support the springs. With self-levelling suspension the car wll not sag at the rear under load, as a car does do with normal shock absorbers. I assume your car is LHD which is why your hydraulic oil reservoir is on the driver's side.

3) That sensor in the roof I think is a temp sensor, and regulates air temp accordingly. Maybe !

 

[jaques2k]

Thanks a lot Talbir! =)

 

[jaques2k]

Eh... soon somebody is going to ban me from this forum for asking silly questions all the time - but I´m taking the chance =)
On the gearbox on the 560SEC there´s the normal steps for P, D, R, N, 3 and 2, but beside the "2", there´s the letter "B", and I assume that you can push the lever to the side. What does this stand for, break? I haven´t seen this on any other car, so that´s why I´m asking. Maybe there would be a good idea to get a manual for this one...

 

[talbir]

The 'B' gives you first gear start - if you push the lever to position B and then move it back up to 'D', car will pull away in first gear. Only other way to achieve first gear start is to kickdown on standing start.

All MB autos upto 1995 start off in 2nd gear, unless you select 'B' on early models, or on later models with the E/S switch, select 'S' and give medium throttle on standing start.

 

[Malcolm Brown]

Talbir was right - the small grille by ther interior light covers the interior temp sensor. Air is sucked over it, through a tube that goes behind the roof/A-pillar trim to a small motor behind the glovebox. A disconnected tube is a favourite source of faulty heater operation.

 

[jaques2k]

Thanks a lot! I´ll have to try it out how that works with the "B" mode. Funny my gearbox has both the E/S switch and the "B" mode, but maybe there isn´t any difference in wich you use.