Me Blinkin' Blinkers

[highway41]

In the middle of a recent trip, when activated the blinkers would blink a few times, then kinda peter to a stop, and start again once the wheel was turned past the "trip off" point. After that, sometimes they would work and sometimes not. Same deal on either full or lane change mode.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Bill

 

[gerryvz]

Your multi-function (or "combination") relay has gone bad. It's one of the relays behind the fuse box underhood. This is a common issue with the W124 when these relays go bad.

This relay controls the blinkers, hazard warning lights, heated rear window and windshield wipers.

Here's a photo of it:

You can order them via aftermarket sites (autohausaz.com, buymbparts.biz, etc.) or you can get them from the dealer. Places like AutohausAZ.com sell the cheap aftermarket "KAE" brand relays for about $60.

It's highly recommended to spend the extra money to get the factory MB part (which at least has a one-year warranty on the part). The MB factory part price for this relay, through parts.com, is $43.12 + shipping (MB list price $63). This is a case where the discounted MB factory part is actually less expensive than the aftermarket.

The MB part number for this relay is: 201 821 02 47

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[highway41]

Thanks Gerry. This car does have more than a few quirks and mine at least has and continues to be a very beautiful shop queen.

By behind the fuse box, do you mean under the cover behind the lift cover over the fuses? Looks like it comes off via 4 or so screws? I'm hoping this is truly a "plug and play" repair.

Thanks again. Bill

 

[gerryvz]

Yes, it's underneath the screw-on cover, indeed. I think it's 4 or 5 screws and a couple of them are at a funky angle so it's difficult to get a bite on them with a screwdriver. But you can do it.

If you want to save a buck or three, you can get a used relay from Potomac or off of eBay for probably $5-10, or from a junkyard. I believe it just has to be from a later (1992-1995) model year 124, but I'd have to look it up to make sure. May be the same for all years. In any case, late 124s are easy enough to find in junkyards that that may be the route to go.

The symptoms tend to be non-functioning flashers (corners on all the time, not flashing), intermittent blinker (sometimes blinking fast, slow, or not at all). Like I said, I've had these relays go out on at least 3 124s (including my E500) that I've owned as well as the 1995 E320 sedan that a colleague of mine owns here in TX. Very common and a plug and play fix.

Good luck!
Cheers,
Gerry

DO NOT buy KAE / Kaehler brand relay if you do go new. They are junk!

Here is a better-quality Wehrle relay from Germany:

Here is a Hella brand relay:

 

[highway41]

Thanks again Gerry and also for the link to parts.com

See ya. Bill

 

[highway41]

Serendipity rocks. Checked parts.com and with shipping I was within a few bucks of dealer given the classic car discount. Needed to go near there anyway so I dropped by brumos. Parts guy said since it was electrical, they would have to order for next day. Declined and continued my errands thinking I would order. Since the battery had recently been disconnected, I thought I would jiggle all the fuses and particularly #6. Blinkers have not missed a beat for a week now. Missed two chances to buy a part that has not yet broke.
Bill