As vehicles age, various problems may develop with the hard and soft tops. If problems are encountered, it would be recommended to have a technician familiar with these tops perform the diagnoses.
Car problem reports
Report A Problem
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
Most reported 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300SL problems
Engine Oil and Coolant Leaks Resulting in Fulid Intermix
Internal and External engine oil & coolant leaks can develop from the head gasket and/or timing cover gasket; these leaks should be repaired before the engine oil and coolant intermix which can result in severe engine damage.
6 Reports
High Usage Vehicles May Experience Ignition Lock and Tumbler Failures
On high usage vehicles, the ignition lock may become difficult to turn due to wear of the ignition lock and tumblers. Replacement of the ignition lock cylinder will generally be required to correct this concern.
6 Reports
Electrical Issues Due to Degraded Engine Wiring Harness
The engine wiring can degrade because the insulating material falls off leaving the bare wire exposed. This can cause many problems depending on which wires are exposed and what they touch.
5 Reports
Coolant Leak/Overheating Due to Radiator Leak
A coolant leak may develop form the Radiator due to degradation of its plastic components. Replacement of the failed radiator will be necessary.
5 Reports
Bad Switch/Blower Motor Resistor Assembly May Cause Inoperative Heater Blower Motor
Other than a defective motor, a bad switch or blower motor resistor assembly can cause an inoperative heater blower motor.
5 Reports
Squeaking/Worn Brake Pads May Require Rotor Replacement Also
The brakes may begin to squeak at about the 50 percent wear point. This is due to the size and material used for the brake pads and rotors. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge. This will generally require replacement of the rotors when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
5 Reports
Rough Running Engine Due to Misfire
A rough running motor or lack of power can be caused by a failed distributor cap or rotor, ignition wires (or their resistors), or valve cover gasket leaks. If the valve cover gasket leaks, oil can pool where the ignition wire resistor connects to the spark plug. The resistor can fail and the spark plug may not fire because of a short circuit through the oil.
4 Reports
Shifter Lever Bushings May Break Causing Loose Feel/Noise
The bushings for the shifter lever wear out to the point where they break and fall out. This causes excessive movement (loose feel) in the shifter lever and a clanging-type noise when changing gears.
4 Reports
Excess Free Play in Steering and/or Alignment Issue
The tie rod ends, idler arm, and/or drag link components of the steering linkage may wear prematurely. Please keep in mind the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted when any of these items are replaced.
4 Reports
Throttle Valves May Experience Electrical Failure
The electronic throttle assembly may suffer an electrical failure. It is often cheaper to send the valve to a service center for repair that to purchase a new part.
4 Reports
ABS Modulator Failure Due to Dirty Brake Fluid
As brake fluid becomes dirty over time, it can cause a failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) modulator assembly. Our technicians recommend a complete brake system flush every two years to help prevent this issue.
4 Reports
Part that attaches distributor rotor to camshaft may break
The part that attaches the distributor rotor to the camshaft can break; the starter will still crank, but the engine will not start.
4 Reports
Coolant Hoses May Fail Unexpectedly
The cooling system hoses may fail unexpectedly. The hoses can look good on the outside, but the rubber can degrade and erode on the inside. If not carefully checked, the hoses can burst at any time.
4 Reports
Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration
A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by cracked and/or shredded driveshaft flex discs, resulting in excessive driveshaft movement. If not repaired, damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, transmission, or differential can occur.
4 Reports