Dinoman

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Hi, everyone. Got back from Switzerland last Thursday evening, and upon uncovering the SLK, found the right mirror turn signal lens cracked on the lower inside edge. That will be added to my "water mark" headlight lens complaint when I do the courtesy 3K inspection. Several SLK 280's were available in Zurich for rental, but we were given a silver A170 with an automatic ( a new experience for me in Europe). It was great on the highway, and would make a wonderful NYC taxi, as it is very maneuverable in traffic. What we've all heard is true. Practically every R171 (and R230 SL Class) is either silver or black, with black appearing to edge out silver. Most R171's are unmodded (I saw two with aftermarket wheels), and no one bothers to add hood fins or change the whip antenna. The only SLK-themed license plate I saw was on a black R170 from the UK: "X12 SLK." I thought it was a nice touch. The most distinctive plate on an R171 (1, this is for you!) was on a black German-registered unbadged car in my hotel lot: "SLS G1." That's another thing--almost no one has a trunk badge on an R171 or an R230. The 200K models are a giveaway with their front-fender badges. I did spot a Caspian Blue 350 that blew away Zut's fuel consumption records--it was priced appropriately at 3.5 Euros, in 1/43-scale! No trip to Italy would be complete for me without a visit to Maranello, birthplace of my Dinos. My friend Brenda Vernor (secretary/translator/executive assistant to Enzo Ferrari for the last 25 years of his life) reserved us the top-floor corner suite at the Planet Hotel, overlooking the factory entrance. Members of the Ferrari Club of Basel were at our hotel for a track day at Fiorano, and brought a variety of Ferraris with them. Many who had been at Monza for the Italian GP came to Maranello the next day with their vintage Ferraris, Alfas and Maseratis. When we checked out, the hotel manager told us that the next occupant of our suite would be Ferrari F1 driver Felipe Massa and his girlfriend! We visited the Brandoli restoration shop (the owner had sold me Dino headlight "bubbles" in 1999) and saw the body bucks for Dinos and many older Ferraris. Yesterday, driving the SLK with the top down for the first time in about three weeks, I got a thumbs up and a shout of "Nice car!" from a kid in his family's minivan. Life is good. Now, back to work! Dinoman

DansSlk

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Sounds absolutely amazing man.

Just a shame about the mirror

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Dinoman

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Dan, I think it's possible that the car covers are too snug around the mirrors, and the lenses are too thin. I've had the SL, with identical mirrors, for two years, with no problems so far. I'm going to start watching them extra closely, from here on out. Dinoman

RacerCub68

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Is the car cover the one through Mercedes? I was thinking about getting one, especially to use during hurricanes since they seem to be able to lift my garage door seals.

DansSlk

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I don't use one personally mate but they do look quite snug don't they maybe it would be best to try and fold in your mirrors if you are using the cover that should help the situation a little

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Dinoman

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Racercub, The cover is indeed an MB factory model. I am very careful when putting it on and removing it, but it is a bit of a tight fit around the mirrors. I have not attempted to fold the mirrors before installing the cover, but wonder how that would affect the fit, since the mirror pockets are sewn into the cover. Dinoman

DansSlk

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I have never tried doing it with the cover installed on the car so i don't know how it would work sorry mate i just figured if the mirrors are getting stressed when they are in the cover then it cant hurt to try and see if it fits with them folded in.

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Dinoman

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Thanks for the tip, Dan. I'll give it a try. Dinoman

RacerCub68

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Thanks for the info.