The Door Locking System on the 500SL 1982

[ruby.petrovlm]

Greetings everyone;

A 1982 500SL is on my wish list.

The vendor claims the vehicle lacks central locking, but the garage is excellent. But I think that's normal on all 1982 500SLs; heck, even my 1971 450 SL has it. Can someone verify this for me?

The vehicle also lacks an electronic antenna. Was this a common feature? I'm confused about this.

Thank you once again for the input.

[omarwalkerah]

My reference book states that beginning with manufacture in September 1982, central locking became standard equipment. Whether you wanted a radio or not, you could choose between a powered or manual antenna. Starting in 1977, the power antenna became standard on all US automobiles.

[harper.castillocp]

While the antenna is electric, the locks and windows of my 1983 Euro are manual.

[omarwalkerah]

Either the book is incorrect or there are exceptions as it states standard (in two places) from September 1982 onward.

[harper.castillocp]

Apologies, I'm not arguing with your facts, but is that same reference book used for ALL 107s? Of course, there would be variations between the American and European versions.

[omarwalkerah]

I can't attest to the accuracy of the book's claims because I am unaware of its sources. "Auto-Forever" is a French publishing house that has worked with brands like Alfa Romeo, BMW, Porsche, and others to create volumes like this one. It is from 2020, thus there is likely to be minimal AI integration.

[harper.castillocp]

Every one of the 107 had a vacuum door lock.
If the suction is strong enough, the driver's door will lock all the locks that can be locked.

"Any lock - central lock" is likely what you suggest.
It seemed fantastic to me when I noticed 124 taxi drivers' locks from the trunk.

[harper.castillocp]

Here I'm just speculating, but it could be because the car didn't arrive with a radio, hence no aerial was installed. Maybe an electrical antenna was "not electrical" and replaced with a shorter, more contemporary coiled stick type.

[ellie.hernandezej]

It appears that there was a change in output midway through the year.

Verify the 500SL's production date. Before September of 1982, it could have been an 82 model. Might Nobby's 83 have an 82 build date before September?

That depends, to a certain extent, on when they began producing '83s instead of '82s.