Author Topic: POLL: Pagoda Idiosyncrasies (Read 62773 times)

JPMOSE · « **on:** February 12, 2006, 12:40:40 »

I thought I would start an interesting thread (hopefully not repeating a prior one). This will be a list of Pagoda idiosyncrasies and/or unique features (or flaws) that make our cars more interesting and special. :mrgreen:

The only "rule" that I suggest: If a discussion of any listed item is desired....start a new thread on that particular subject. This way it will not get off course.

OK...so let me start with a few:

1) The engine won't shut off if the brake reservoir is low or empty (at least on late 250SL and 280SL).

2) The trunk light only works when the light switch is on Park or Headlight.

3) The tail light assembly has a clear window that helps illuminate the trunk when the tail light or clearance light is on.

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL

hauser · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2006, 12:50:00 »

JP, my trunk light works without having the parking lights or headlights on.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

A Dalton · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2006, 12:58:27 »

<<1) The engine won't shut off if the brake reservoir is low or empty (at least on late 250SL and 280SL).>>

If there was ever a idiosyn on brake fluid monitoring, it was the circuitry fault of low res fluid on sensed fluid circuits having the possibility of an ignition shunt circuit that would be caused with both fluid low/door open condition...
Surprising they overlooked this simple circuit fault, but they did...
Takes an in series diode to cure the problem........

TheEngineer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2006, 20:11:02 »

JP, my trunk light works just fine without having any lights switched on, but it would be logical to energize the circuit only when the lights are needed.

Cees Klumper · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2006, 23:37:30 »

The steering wheel is slightly offset (to ease ingress and egress).

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

JPMOSE · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2006, 07:48:05 »

Regarding the trunk light, I guess this applied to earlier Pagodas:

http://index.php?topic=314,light

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL

Ben · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2006, 08:04:09 »

I like the way the trunk closes if you open the soft top compartment lid ............thats cool !

An idiosyncracie is the fact that they never swopped over the parking brake for Right Hand Drive cars making it very awkward to operate the brake in traffic !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

Ricardo · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2006, 08:10:39 »

But Ben..you're not supposed to use it in traffic...it's a "parking brake"....I guess it does make it harder to get to the girl when "parking" though

Ben · « **Reply #8 on:** February 13, 2006, 10:51:14 »

quote:
But Ben..you're not supposed to use it in traffic...it's a "parking brake"....I guess it does make it harder to get to the girl when "parking" though

........yeah true, but in our version of the rules of the road you are supposed to apply it ANYTIME you come to a stop !

Yeah I know............but still back in the 60's these were expensive cars and I would have been somewhat annoyed upon realising that they had made abeatiful car but saved a few quid by keeping that lever where it is on LHD cars !

I only use mine for parking so it's not an issue.........just an idiosyncrasy !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

Chad · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2006, 20:37:38 »

quote:
Originally posted by A Dalton

<<1) The engine won't shut off if the brake reservoir is low or empty (at least on late 250SL and 280SL).>>

If there was ever a idiosyn on brake fluid monitoring, it was the circuitry fault of low res fluid on sensed fluid circuits having the possibility of an ignition shunt circuit that would be caused with both fluid low/door open condition...
Surprising they overlooked this simple circuit fault, but they did...
Takes an in series diode to cure the problem........

A crazy low brake fluid warning device??

Douglas · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2006, 23:20:45 »

I like how the map light turns on automatically when you open the glovebox and illuminates anything on the lap of the passenger. Very clever.

jaxxonia · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2006, 15:35:16 »

One feature I love is the responsive steering & very tight turning radius.
It's great when I get lost on winding mountain roads.
I am surprised I have never heard any 113 owners mention
the tight turn radius!

Happy motoring!

Cees Klumper · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2006, 15:47:40 »

Other particulars:

- the heavy nose dive when braking hard
- on automatics, the first time you drive one you think the top gear is missing (very high revs and it starts in 2nd)
- the relatively low position of the fuel cap
- the screeeeeching sound that will eminate from the tach (sooner or later)
- the way the gauge dials will fog up on the inside over the years
- the heavy 'click' from the original clock from time to time (pun intended)
- the trouble light outlet on the firewall ("is that where they plug the diagnostic computer into?")

there has to be more!?

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

enochbell · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2006, 20:18:25 »

On the subject of light:

The "fibre-optic" light in the blower switch that illuminates to indicate "on" (when lights are on). And the transmission of light through the original plastic, colored heater and air controls.

Seems like everyone comments on how dim all of the dash lighting in, but I prefer to think of it as "subtle".

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

Ben · « **Reply #14 on:** February 16, 2006, 04:16:34 »

quote:
One feature I love is the responsive steering & very tight turning radius.
It's great when I get lost on winding mountain roads.
I am surprised I have never heard any 113 owners mention
the tight turn radius!

.........yeah thats true. Folk are always amazed when I swing into a "cul de sac" rather quickly, spin around and drive off without having to do a three point turn !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

JPMOSE · « **Reply #15 on:** February 16, 2006, 09:01:21 »

I thought of two more (although they may not be exclusive to Pagodas) items.

1) The small indent on the sheet metal, located on the inner side of headlight housing. This is often eliminated when a car is repainted.

2) The cloth strap to prevent the hood opening too far (isn't this Pagoda unique?).

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL

n/a · « **Reply #16 on:** February 16, 2006, 12:09:19 »

The overall solid feel to the car....................

J. Huber · « **Reply #17 on:** February 16, 2006, 14:19:38 »

Ok. Here's a couple more:

1. The way the sound of the horn seems to catch folks off-guard. It is not only unique but way different from most honks out there.

2. The way some of us have to use a metric conversion calculator just to figure out what kind of mileage we's a gettin'...

3. The way we get that frozen grin on our face when we take a winter drive with the top down... (just did it -- still smilin'!

)

James
63 230SL

JPMOSE · « **Reply #18 on:** January 04, 2007, 10:47:20 »

Just thought I'd revive an old thread of mine for fun!

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #19 on:** January 04, 2007, 11:59:56 »

Head light switch.
Ever try and turn the lights on while driving?

Dan Caron's
SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
slbarn.mbz.org
1 877 661 6061

al_lieffring · « **Reply #20 on:** January 04, 2007, 12:03:59 »

quote:
Originally posted by JPMOSE

1) The engine won't shut off if the brake reservoir is low or empty (at least on late 250SL and 280SL).

This type of problem was not unique to the pagoda sl's. Some AMC and Chrysler products made in the 70's would remain running (in sync with the flashers) if the turn signals were on, the brake pedal was held down and the 4way flashers were all on at the same time.

66 230sl
113-042-10-014715
904/396 blue, Ivory Tex
condition: not-as-rusty-as-before-bucket

Cees Klumper · « **Reply #21 on:** January 04, 2007, 16:35:48 »

quote:
Originally posted by al_lieffring

This type of problem was not unique to the pagoda sl's. Some AMC and Chrysler products made in the 70's would remain running (in sync with the flashers) if the turn signals were on, the brake pedal was held down and the 4way flashers were all on at the same time.

So it looks like there was some cooperation between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler long before the merger?!

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

mdsalemi · « **Reply #22 on:** January 04, 2007, 19:30:16 »

quote:

So it looks like there was some cooperation between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler long before the merger?!

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

'Round these parts it is referred to as a "takeover". The correct pronunciation in German of DaimlerChrysler is "DAIMLER".

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

Mike Hughes · « **Reply #23 on:** January 05, 2007, 22:34:43 »

How about hte most obvious "signature" feature of our beloved steeds: The lovely idiosyncratic "Pagoda Hardtop!" This feature both increases outward visiblilty and aerodynamic drag. Ir reduces interior airflow and wind noise at speed. It was initially derided as ungainly and now is hailed as the most elegant attribute of any sports car of the era. How more gloriously idiosyncratic can any aspect of a W113 possibly be than the hardtop itself? (Unless, of course, one considers the "California Coupe," a nominally closed car intended for use in the nearly year-round perfect climate of southern California!)

- Mike Hughes -ô¿ô-
1966 230SL Auto P/S
Havanna Brown (408)
Light Beige (181)
Cream M-B Tex (121)

JPMOSE · « **Reply #24 on:** January 08, 2007, 06:10:25 »

Mike...it's funny how the top was overlooked in this thread. Yet, it is the most obvious feature that is distinctive (hence the name "Pagoda")!

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

News:

Author Topic: POLL: Pagoda Idiosyncrasies (Read 62773 times)

hauser

A Dalton

Ben

Ricardo

Ben

Chad

Douglas

enochbell

Ben

n/a

al_lieffring