R107 panel fit -- advice required

[lorenzowood]

Hello. I recently bought a 1989 300SL for my wife through a specialist broker who found a very nice example and lovely condition with only 36K miles. My wife is very pleased with it.

A couple of weeks after I got it I was walking away when I noticed a slightly large panel gap on the bonnet. Figuring it just hadn't shut properly I popped it open and shut it again. This didn't fix the problem. Looking from the front, I realised the bonnet was slightly up at one side. It doesn't seem to be a matter of flexion. You can't push on the bonnet to make it straight — it's seating firmly, but not in the right place.

It shows up quite well on this photo I took for the insurance company (but on which I didn't notice at the time):

I also notice that the headlight is a little further away from the front on that side of the car, as marked in the enlarged area.

Has anyone seen this sort of thing before? Can anyone recommend a Mercedes specialist (preferably not too far from South London/Surrey) who could take a good look? In my untrained judgement it seems to drive perfectly well and doesn't show any signs of damage, but having noticed this problem I'd prefer to have it checked out properly.

Thanks.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I know nothing about the SL but most bonnets sit on rubber stops that are adjustable. These set the heights and gaps when it is closed. The hinge points are also slightly adjustable and you may find this would cure it. I also noted my own car has slots rather than holes for lining up the headlights and you may well have the same. It could be worth going to a body specialist to check if this is the problem. Its possible for example but at the same time unlikely given the mileage that the bonnet was removed at some point for maintenance and not repalced correctly.

 

[stats007]

SS Motors in Weybridge used to look after my old 350SL. They specialise in older MBs and will do an hours inspection on the car for £45 + VAT with you there.

Joe is the man to speak to but he's generally quite busy - his son Carlos is very knowledgable.

 

[Myros]

I've just had to change a bulb on our SL

the headlights aren't adjustable on the wing, they sit solid. So if the wing isn't square, neither is the lamp. The bonnet does have some range of movement, and the little cover that hides the headlamp securing screws is a one-fit only as well. All I can think is the bumper is out, or the wing is in, or some combination of both. Perhaps a jig test to see what is the problem.
Do the measurments of clearance both sides, and I have a data book somewhere which might have the info to compare.

 

[television]

I think like Myros that the bumper is out on the other side. you can measure from the edge of the wheel arch to the bumper where it goes around to the side. do this both sides.

Malcolm

 

[mioba]

not to worry you, but offer some insight.

if the car has been involved in accidednt at some stage and any panels have been replaced that are not MB originals, this could account for the gaps between the panelling.

check the paintwork on the panelling, does the texture from panel to panel look identical, its near impossible for a bodyshop to replicate factory paint finishes.