I just put my '90 500SL on the road and realized what a pleasure it is to drive. But, I have some questions I hope you guys can help with.

1. My temp guage runs a little above the middle (about 105 deg)normally, and a little higher if driven hard. Is this normal for this car?

2. The header bolts for the top will not latch automatically, only with the tool, is there an adjustment for them or just weakened motors?

3. I'm thinking about using synthetic transmission fluid. What's the mercedes reccomended fluid?

4. Finally, after the car sits for a few days, when it's first started, I hear a loud pump noise with heavy smoke out of the exhaust. It goes away when the car is restarted,(pollution pump?).

Thanks in advance, Eli.

In the manual it states that you have to use your hand to guide the top into the hydraulic latches. If they then do not pull down, I would suspect that the hydraulic cylinders are at fault.

Don't use any synthetic stuff! The tranny runs fine like it is!

Check and make SURE that the auxillary fans are working properly.

__________________
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Benzmac, thanks for the reply. Here's more info:

I may be missing hydraulic fluid, my top is very slow moving. Where's the reservoir and pump?

My transmission shifts erratically when the car is hot (starts in second gear, delayed shifts, and skipped shifts. It is fine when cold). I've heard synthetic may help this, is this true?

When are the auxilliary fans supposed to come on? I don't think I've ever seen them run without AC.

Again, thanks for all the help, it's nice to have a place to turn to when dealers aren't much help.