Winter Storage Precautions

Jim Sharpwasakr · 09-16-2009, 11:31 PM

It has been my practice to warehouse my (2) collector cars for as long as 6 months during the winter/cold months. The normal routine is to disconnect the batteries for the winter storage and reconnect them in the Spring.
With my recently acquired 1999 SL500 I suspect it will not be that simple.
If I have the battery disconnected or connected and say "dead "will I have a code problem when I try to put it back in service?
I know not to jump start it, but how long will the system retain its sequence information without a battery or with a low or dead battery?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

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luda · 09-17-2009, 01:41 AM

I don't think you will have a code problem, except for the Radio code.
The window and steering/ESP are easily reset.
Close the windows and hold the switch down for 5 additional sec.
Turn the steering wheel to full stop each way 2-3 times.

Jim Sharpwasakr · 09-19-2009, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the help.
My next problem was getting the radio code.
Believe it or not, I was able to get the code over the telephone from the MB dealership that had been servicing the car since new.
Jim

JoeG · 09-21-2009, 08:49 PM

I was wondering what is recomended before storing 2000 SL500 1) Should oil be changed before or after being stored? 2) Is there anything that should be done with the brakes/rotors? 3) Any other recomendations?

Thanks!

Joe

Jim Sharpwasakr · 09-22-2009, 10:45 AM

It depends upon your climate but if you are storing for just a few months (6mo or less) there is little if anything you need to do.
I usually disconnect the battery and cover the car.
It is also smart to make sure that the car is closed up tight. Mice and insects can be a problem. Mice don't like moth balls.
Good Luck,
Jim

luda · 09-26-2009, 02:17 PM

Hi JoeG.
I reckon you are following the recommended oil changes.
In that case I would leave the car as is & change the oil and filter when you start using the car.
Please also remember to change the transmision, diffirantial oil AND the oil for the top at max 50,000 miles, (in my opinion). A cheap and easy insurance.

09-17-2009, 01:41 AM	#2
luda Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Beirut, Lebanon Posts: 46 Drives: ML 320, 1998	I don't think you will have a code problem, except for the Radio code. The window and steering/ESP are easily reset. Close the windows and hold the switch down for 5 additional sec. Turn the steering wheel to full stop each way 2-3 times. __________________ ML 320, 1998 SL 500, 2001

09-19-2009, 11:38 AM	#3
Jim Sharpwasakr Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Yorktown, In Posts: 5 Drives: 1999 Mercedes Benz sl500	Winter Storage Precautions Thanks for the help. My next problem was getting the radio code. Believe it or not, I was able to get the code over the telephone from the MB dealership that had been servicing the car since new. Jim

09-22-2009, 10:45 AM	#5
Jim Sharpwasakr Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Yorktown, In Posts: 5 Drives: 1999 Mercedes Benz sl500	Winter Storage Problems It depends upon your climate but if you are storing for just a few months (6mo or less) there is little if anything you need to do. I usually disconnect the battery and cover the car. It is also smart to make sure that the car is closed up tight. Mice and insects can be a problem. Mice don't like moth balls. Good Luck, Jim

09-26-2009, 02:17 PM	#6
luda Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Beirut, Lebanon Posts: 46 Drives: ML 320, 1998	Hi JoeG. I reckon you are following the recommended oil changes. In that case I would leave the car as is & change the oil and filter when you start using the car. Please also remember to change the transmision, diffirantial oil AND the oil for the top at max 50,000 miles, (in my opinion). A cheap and easy insurance. __________________ ML 320, 1998 SL 500, 2001

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09-21-2009, 08:49 PM	#4
JoeG Newbie Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2 Drives: sl500	I was wondering what is recomended before storing 2000 SL500 1) Should oil be changed before or after being stored? 2) Is there anything that should be done with the brakes/rotors? 3) Any other recomendations? Thanks! Joe

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