Seemingly another Mercedes 380SL Problem Solved

Hi folks -- this issue involved the door locks, which would not close. Or the gas flap and trunk either. So I did a lot of reading on this matter.  The master door locking system is one powered by vacuum, with its source ultimately being manifold vacuum that is routed to a storage tank.  From there the line goes to a "Master Element Switch" in the drivers side door, and then on to the passenger door and the rear of the car. Since the major culprit is the "Master Element Switch" according to internet reports, I just ordered one of those, replaced it, and "bam," the locks work!

This is a Mercedes vacuum system diagram, but not the one for my car.  The point is that there are lines running all through the car, rubber connections that can be disconnected, and diaphragms that can go bad.  The only way to diagnosis this is with a vacuum pump and patience, and I have neither. 

Replacing the Hirschmann Antenna on my 1982 Mercedes Benz 380SL

The first photo shows what the innards of the original unit looks like when you remove the cover.  Mine was pretty mucked up.  I disconnected the wiring harness and used it in the installation.  That way, rather than cut and splice, I still have the original connectors if sometime in the future  I go back to the original design unit. This is one sturdy and substantial device, unlike the new Chinese made Hirschmann unit. The second photo is taken from a M-B discussion board and illustrates the dilemma of the installation -- the wiring doesn't match up. Just follow logic, match red to read and white to yellow/green, and black to brown.  Don't worry about the two black wires that were a feature of the antenna switch on the dash.

This is what the new product looks like. Check around Ebay and don't pay more than $45 for one. Look at the parts several times before you start to install, and weigh the options concerning spacers and angled parts. 

This photo is taken from Mercedes Source where they will sell you a kit with instructions. A good information source, but you must pay for it.  Here the unit is about $90. Personally,  I would trim the wires and also save the connectors.
 So one of the problems on my 380SL that came from California in February was that the rear automatic antenna flopped up and down. That was a problem because it resulted in very poor AM reception, and I am a big fan of listening to the Reds on WLW and Colin Cowheard on ESPN radio.

OK so I needed a replacement unit. From what I read, don't even think about rebuilding the original Hirschmann unit unless you have more money than sense. The best strategy is get one of the Hirschmann replacement units, made in China.  If you buy a unit from Mercedes Source with instructions, you pay $90. I bought my unit new on Ebay for $45 including shipping. That is about right, as I installed one of these years ago on my 1971 Porsche 911. Taking the old unit off is easy -- look inside -- mine was all cruded up. I'll play with it sometime in the near future, but no hope of bringing it back to life.

The new unit isn't as easy to install as you might think. For one, the Hirschmann instructions are totally visual with diagrams.  So it took me a longtime to understand what parts to use to fasten the antenna to the body of the car.  The 0-35 degree set up has a rather cheap stainless top, so I opted for the all plastic set up. Play with the spacers, there are three and you can mix and match to suit your needs.

The other issue is wiring, made complex because Mercedes has a dash switch that on the original model enabled the owner to bring up the antenna to half full extension. What that means is that you have 5 wires on the original, but only three on the replacement antenna. I opted to take the wiring coming out of the original Hirschmann unit so I could keep the connector plug functional.  I connected black to brown (ground), Blue to yellow/green, and white to red, with the black wires just taped.

There are plenty of queries on the web but little definitive instructions.Whatever you do, take your time, work at a slow pace, always think of doing work on a level of quality that respects the Mercedes tradition.

Two Women and a 1930 Road Trip from West Virginia to Mexico -- from Ed Garten

Probably not for the blog (up to you) but this is a great photo that a cousin of mine just ran across.  This photo was taken in 1930 (detail of the auto's license plate shows West Virginia plates that say 1930).  These are late aunts who -- can you believe -- drove a car and as tourists and as women with no men along, from West Virginia to Mexico.  In this photo they are boarding some sort of ferry that has taken them or will take them across a small Mexican river.  Clearly the photo supports the argument that women took to the automobile -- even without men along -- and set out looking for adventure!  Note the sombaros two of the aunts are wearing (smile)

Bill Clinton' Opel Station Wagon -- a contribution from Ed Garten

So What Was Bill Clinton Driving When He Became Involved with Hillary Rodham During Their First Year at Yale Law School?

Answer: A 1970 Opel Station Wagon

Photos attached but not the actual car, but ones like it -- front and rear views.

Perhaps due to the fact that Bill had just returned from two years as an undergraduate at Oxford, he may have fallen for European cars?  Secretary Clinton recounts this in her recent biography "Living History."  One might disagree with her claim that the Opel was one of the ugliest cars ever manufactured as, indeed, it was little different in style from many other small European station wagons at that time.  Actually, it was a rather pleasant and generally dependable little car and in the United States sold through Buick franchises.

But in her book, our former Secretary of State observes:

"In between cramming for finals and finishing up my first year of concentration on legal issues related to advocacy for children, we spent long hours driving around in his 1970 burnt-orange Opel station wagon — truly one of the ugliest cars ever manufactured — or hanging out at the beach house on Long Island Sound near Milford, Connecticut, where he lived with his roommates, Doug Eakeley, Don Pogue and Bill Coleman. At a party there one night, Bill and I ended up in the kitchen talking about what each of us wanted to do after graduation. I still didn't know where I would live and what I would do because my interests in child advocacy and civil rights didn't dictate a particular path."

2013 Crossover Comparison -- Ford Escape, Mazda CX5, and VW Tiguan -- a contribution from Albert Tang

Crossover Comparison 2013

The crossover is a vehicle that combines the features of a sports and passenger car while at the same time giving the looks of a higher station wagon. This type of vehicle uses a uni-body construction layout rather than body on frame construction implemented in light trucks and wagons. These cars were introduced by the automobile industry in 1987 for the first time and were initially considered as a blend of a hatchback and conventional passenger cars. Some of the previous versions of crossover cars include Willys – Overland Jeepster, AMC Eagle, Fiat Sedici, and Honda HR-V.

Over the years, several improvements have been made in crossover car design and the latest 2013 crossover vehicles include the Ford Escape, Mazda CX5 and VW Tiguan. Today we have a closer look at these 3 cars.

2013 Ford Escape

The 2013 version of the crossover Ford Escape has been completely redesigned and is a compact version of older models of the Ford brand. In Europe the car is released under the name Ford Kuga. The Escape is available in three different types of engines:

·         2.5 Littre, 4 Cylinder Engine (168 HP)

·         2.0 Littre, Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Engine (240 HP)

·         1.6 Littre, Turbo Charged 4 Cylinder Engine (178  HP)

The Ford Escape offers a great fuel economy and you can choose between a diesel and petrol, and you also have the choice between manual and automatic transmission. Some of the other features of the Ford Escape include:

·         Advanced navigation system

·         Power lift gate

·         Stability control enhancements

·         Anti-lock braking

·         Automatic tire pressure monitoring

Moreover, the compact design, modern functional enhancements, advanced entertainment system and versatile aerodynamic shape differentiate the Ford Escape from other 2013 crossover vehicles.

Mazda CX5

This 2013 Mazda CX5 is referred to as a 2013 crossover car without comparison. It is one the finest outcomes of automobile engineering designs of this year. The comfortable drive, all-weather capability, spaciousness and advanced control features offered by this crossover make this vehicle modern and unique. The Mazda CX5 is equipped with the latest “Sky active” automobile technology that integrates the engine operations, transmission system, body and chassis attributes to enhance the vehicles stability manifold.

Some of the prominent features of the 2013 Mazda CX5:

·         2.0 Liter gas engine

·         Higher engine compression ratio

·         Improved Engine combustion delivering power up to 155 HP

·         Electronically assisted steering system

·         Reinforced suspension

The Mazda CX5 is unique in its interior design and handling capabilities as well. With smartly shaped wide opening doors, 34.1 cubic feet of luggage space, navigation touch screen, automatic HVAC controls and adjustable steering wheel are designed to provide ease and comfort while travelling over long distances. The Sky active technology further improves the vehicles handling and stability especially at high speeds and swift turns.

VW Tiguan

As far as 2013 crossover vehicles are concerned there is no better option than the 2013 VW Tiguan if you’re looking for a car with a simple design that focuses on practicality. Equipped with all the latest accessories known to modern vehicles, the 2013 Tiguan is no less good than any other crossover vehicles currently out there. Some of its features include:

·         2.0 liters, 4 cylinder engine

·         Cruise control enhancements

·         Telescoping steering vehicle

·         Keyless entry

·         Automatic transmission

·         Antilock disc brakes with traction and stability control

The Tiguan also gives improved fuel economy as compared to its older versions. It is an artistic piece of automobile engineering. Its interior design is attractive and unique although most people will probably agree that the Mazda CX5, and especially the Ford Escape, look more stylish. The front seats are firmer, heated on SE models, and they provide extra grip and support. The rear seats can provide three way split adjustments allowing the passengers to enjoy a comfortable long ride. The vehicle can also provide cargo spaces up to 23.8 cubic feet once the rear seats are pushed down. Also, the vehicle’s exterior body strength keeps the crash impacts limited and adds to the safety of the vehicle.

Overall, the 3 2013 crossovers mentioned above are great rides, are great examples of modern mobile engineering, and are designed to serve the multiple purposes of cargo and passenger travelling.

Author: Albert Tang is an avid automotive enthusiast, writer, and blogger for Las Vegas Honda Dealers.

Hatchback Comparison -- a contribution from Albert Tang

 Ford Focus

 VW Golf

Audi A3

Hatchback Comparison 2013

The name hatchback is generally used to refer a car that has a sloped back and a rear door that swings upward when opened. The automobile industry started manufacturing these cars as they wanted to provide cars that could seat 4-5 people and still offer a decent amount of cargo space. Some of the first hatchbacks released on the market are the Aston Martin DB2, AC Aceca, Chevrolet Nova and DB Mark III, which were introduced in the 1950’s and their improved versions were continually used later.

Most Popular Hatchbacks Today

Today hatchback cars are extremely popular. They make for great city cars, are not too expensive yet comfortable and are usually very fuel-efficient and thus very suitable for long journeys, too. In the early 2000’s the popularity of hatchback cars reached new heights when they became top selling cars in America. Some great new models released in 2013 are in example the Focus, Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf. Let’s have a closer look at these 3 very popular cars.

Ford Focus ST

One of the most modern versions among hatchback cars, the Ford Focus is a classic piece of automobile engineering from the 20th century.  Some of the features of the 2013 Ford Focus include:

·        Turbo engine

·        Extended engine torque up to 270 Lb. – ft. in just 15 seconds

·        3000 to 4500 extended RPM

·        Electronically assisted steering system

·        Torque steer compensation

·        Throttling enhancements

This hatchback car runs much like a sports car. The Focus ST has an engine with efficient torque speed adjustments and is capable to switch among different modes of operation. While sports mode is active, it picks up the top speeds within fractions of a minute. Moreover, the guided features like water temperature, turbo boost indication and oil pressure gauge keep the driver up to date with different car statistics.

Other than having a highly powerful engine and a modified classic exterior, the ST has the most fascinating interior that other hatchback cars of 2013 might lack. Front seats are spectacular with techy cloth inserts and leather bolsters. Moreover, a meaty leather wrapped steering wheel and contrast colored dashboard enhance the interior looks of the vehicle.

Volkswagen Golf

Following the Focus ST, the 2013 Golf is also one of the more modern versions of 2013 hatchback cars. It is known for its superior handling and for being a secure ride. The 2013 Golf has a 2.5 liter five cylinder, 170HP engine which is exactly comparable to its rival Focus St’s engine. Golf’s engine can offer torque up to 177 Lb. –ft., which is somewhat less when compared with the Focus. However, this high power engine can compromise on fuel consumption which is somewhat better than the ST’s.

To improve the fuel economy a Golf TDI 2.0 liter diesel engine is highly recommended. This engine is more robust than the engine in previous versions of the Golf and can deliver up to 236 Lb. – ft. of torque. Some of the other features of Golf worth mentioning include:

·        Six speed manual transmission

·        DSG optional transmission (manual plus automatic)

·        Traction and stability controls

·        Antilock disc brake

·        12.4 Cubic feet of cargo area

Audi A3

The Audi A3 holds a leading position among the most consistent and light weight 2013 hatchback cars. Having a weight of only 1,175kg this car is significantly lighter than other hatchback competitors in the market. Some of the specs of the 2013 Audi A3 are:

·        180-200 HP, 1.8 TFSI engine

·        Electromechanical braking system

·        Power steering system

·        Radar assisted adapted cruise control

·        Automatic traffic sign detection

·        MMI navigation system

·        Adaptive shock absorbers and magnetic ride technology

·        ESC stabilization control

The 2013 Audi A3 offers a unique highly efficient electromechanical driving experience while the improved chassis design and wheel suspension imparts high stability and enhanced road grip to the vehicle. The ESC stabilization control system integrates an electronic differential slip, which makes the vehicles handling easy especially during swift turns and at high speeds.

You can rest assured knowing all three vehicles discussed did very well in the crash tests monitored by Euroncap. The 2012 Audi A3 showed 95% safety, the 2012 Ford Focus was rated at 92% and the 2012 Golf rated 94%. You can count on all 2013 versions of these cars being as safe as or even safer than the 2012 versions.

As you can see all 3 of the discussed 2013 hatchbacks belong among the finest pieces of automobile engineering and are competitive in technology, design, efficiency and performance.

Author: Albert Tang is an avid automotive enthusiast, writer, and blogger for www.lasvegashondadealers.com