OWNER TimL

[sheward]

We will all share the pleasure of your decision!

 

[744Brillantsilber]

Tim, glad to see you found a solution you are fine with.
Congratulations on your new home, both the garage and neighborhood look very nice (as does your 500E as we all know)!
Good luck with your Jetta.

 

[TimL]

My car has been sitting at MB for the last three weeks, held up by slower than usual part shipping. New torque converter and remanufactured transmission showed up recently though and work has started. The sportline steering box is going in and so is a new rear main seal. Also having a NOS cruise control switch and new steering wheel installed (surprised that MB still sells the steering wheel, so I thought I'd get one in case they go NLA). My front flex disk was about to disintegrate, so good thing it has held up until the transmission replacement. It should all be done by Wednesday. Since it's been a while since I've done a road trip, I decided to go to the IMSA race at Laguna Seca at the end of April and I'm really looking forward to a trip down the West Coast!

 

[dionphaneuf]

Can you get new Airbags? Or is it just the rim of the wheel w/o the center

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Oh my, that's a lot of goodies for your .036!!!

 

[TimL]

Can you get new Airbags? Or is it just the rim of the wheel w/o the center

As far as I know the airbags have gone NLA a long time ago

 

[maw1124]

My car has been sitting at MB for the last three weeks, held up by slower than usual part shipping. New torque converter and remanufactured transmission showed up recently though and work has started. The sportline steering box is going in and so is a new rear main seal. Also having a NOS cruise control switch and new steering wheel installed (surprised that MB still sells the steering wheel, so I thought I'd get one in case they go NLA). My front flex disk was about to disintegrate, so good thing it has held up until the transmission replacement. It should all be done by Wednesday. Since it's been a while since I've done a road trip, I decided to go to the IMSA race at Laguna Seca at the end of April and I'm really looking forward to a trip down the West Coast!

@TimL, you’re SO gonna love how this thing shifts when you get it back and get the Bowden cable and vacuum modulator dialed in! That flex disk is going to make a huge difference, believe it or not. I was shocked how much crisper was the chassis feedback. Enjoy!

Cheers,

maw

 

[TimL]

@TimL, you’re SO gonna love how this thing shifts when you get it back and get the Bowden cable and vacuum modulator dialed in! That flex disk is going to make a huge difference, believe it or not. I was shocked how much crisper was the chassis feedback. Enjoy!

Cheers,

maw

Awesome to hear, maw! The thing that has been bugging me with my old transmission was the 2 sec reverse delay. Everything else was fine, but if the transmission change delivers more improvements, then I'd be super happy!

 

[Jlaa]

@TimL your quest for perfection is frighteningly comprehensive. I wonder about your house as well. Are there any screws on any wallplates for electrical sockets and lightswitches which are NOT oriented parallel to the floor?

 

[dionphaneuf]

Pot...kettle....something something black?

 

[Jlaa]

... and new steering wheel installed (surprised that MB still sells the steering wheel, so I thought I'd get one in case they go NLA).

@TimL did you use 129-460-19-03-7102? That price doesn't seem unreasonable actually...

Pot...kettle....something something black?

Heh, guilty as charged. Except I use screwless wallplates.

 

[gsxr]

-7102 is likely NLA, and I'm not sure what color that is.

-9045 is what Tim has (black). Wee bit painful, but new ones are soooo nice. I stupidly sold a NOS one I had years ago. *sigh*

 

[Jlaa]

-7102 is likely NLA, and I'm not sure what color that is.

-9045 is what Tim has (black). Wee bit painful, but new ones are soooo nice. I stupidly sold a NOS one I had years ago. *sigh*

OK Holy Moly, that is too rich for my blood. Yikes!

 

[TimL]

@TimL did you use 129-460-19-03-7102? That price doesn't seem unreasonable actually...

View attachment 144687


Heh, guilty as charged. Except I use screwless wallplates.

@Jlaa , no, unfortunately no one had -7102. I had to buy -9045 instead. This has been on my list for quite some time and I finally decided to buy it before MB decides to stick a fork in it and call it NLA, like they have with so many other items recently.

 

[TimL]

Just got a picture of the caps that were installed a year ago. They had quite a bit of moisture in them (see picture). Spoke at length to Steve Geyer about it and he said that none of the things that he tried over the years has remedied the issue of moisture accumulating on these parts (be it slotting drilling or, coating). He did share this link from Stern Garage though- seems like that guy, who is running a well known MB repair shop in Germany, has figured something out

Stern Garage on Instagram: "M119 running WITHOUT distributor caps! Project is nearly finished! M119 Motor läuft ohne Verteilerkappen! Das Projekt ist auf der Zielgeraden! #sterngarage #stern_garage #mercedes #mercedesbenz #mercedesamg #tuning #car

1,698 likes, 19 comments - stern_garage on March 17, 2022: "M119 running WITHOUT distributor caps! Project is nearly finished! M119 Motor läuft ohne Verteilerkappen! Das Projekt ist auf der Zielgeraden! #sterngarage #stern_garage #mercedes #mercedesbenz #mercedesamg #tuning #car #amg...

www.instagram.com

In the meantime I’m having new caps and rotors installed again (the most annoying $1,200 recurring cost of this car) and will inevitably return in a few months to get them replaced under warranty when the misfiring returns. MB up here give a two year warranty on these, which is nice, but after that you are in line for another $1,200 fee

 

[a777fan]

Holy moly Tim. Holy Moly!

 

[gsxr]

Just got a picture of the caps that were installed a year ago. They had quite a bit of moisture in them (see picture). Spoke at length to Steve Geyer about it and he said that none of the things that he tried over the years has remedied the issue of moisture accumulating on these parts (be it slotting drilling or, coating).

Tim, the liquid/moisture is a non-issue unless you have misfiring that recurs often enough to be a problem, AND does not go away after a long drive to get everything fully heated. Slotting should significantly improve the issue if you live in a humid area (@JC220 reported excellent results from a green area of UK). Wiping the caps clean is usually all that is needed, you absolutely should not need to replace the components annually. If you do, I'd happily take your old/discarded items!

That said: The lower left mounting bolt of the cap in your photo appears to have oil residue on the orange area surrounding the bolt (screenshot below). Note the other 2 sections are dry. This looks a LOT like there is an engine oil leak from north of the cap, specifically the cam solenoid, or something close to it. While some may argue this is moisture dripping down from inside the cap, I disagree. I believe it's oil picked up from a leak that runs past the bolt, and the high voltage nearby is causing the liquid to vaporize and coat the cap internals. Click here for more details, see post #132.

IMO: replacing the caps and/or rotors+insulators is applying a fresh Band-Aid, but it not curing the underlying root cause of the issue.

He did share this link from Stern Garage though- seems like that guy, who is running a well known MB repair shop in Germany, has figured something out

LOL. Yeah, that involves replacing the engine management with something completely different. I'd like to know the details of what Bernard has done, as most of the time the ECU conversion means losing the factory CAN ecosystem (ditching LH, EZL, E-GAS, everything else) and relying on aftermarket fuel & ignition curves, including aftermarket knock control etc. This may work but also may not have Mercedes-level engineering or functionality. Need more details than a 5-second Instafacetweet video.

 

[TimL]

That is very good insights @gsxr . I had the camshaft seals done about three years ago so am wondering where the oil is coming from. I will check with Steve later today!

 

[JC220]

Yes the distributor fix worked wonders on my 500E it always had ignition issues until that was all done.

Thread 'Essential M119 Ignition "Tune Up" mods' FYI - Essential M119 Ignition "Tune Up" mods | M119 Engine

 

[JC220]

The DCS (Distributer Cap Smoo) has been a source of debate on 500E Board for years.

I believe it is a mixture of crankcase gases and engine oil spotting from the cam seals.

Others believe the mystery smoo may be leaching out of the plastic cups themselves over time / heat.

Yet others believe only the genuine MB caps come with a special clear unverified varnish which makes them superior.

Personally I think none of this really matters. Just follow every step of the Ignition Thread and it should be AOK. Occasional bi annual smoo checks will probably be a good idea also.

 

[gsxr]

I believe it is a mixture of crankcase gases and engine oil spotting from the cam seals.

JC, I agree this is one likely source. However my car referenced above had new cam seals and that area was 100% dry, while the cap had a healthy dose of oily liquid inside - hence my theory there may be more than one potential source for the oil.

Yet others believe only the genuine MB caps come with a special clear unverified varnish which makes them superior.

I believe the genuine MB caps used to come with a clear varnish/coating, but I am not sure if they still have this. The Beru caps do have the clear varnish, but are NLA.

Personally I think none of this really matters. Just follow every step of the Ignition Thread and it should be AOK. Occasional bi annual smoo checks will probably be a good idea also.

I agree with this 100%, after the oil leaks are cured and new ignition components are installed!

 

[TimL]

My car is finally back with the repairs completed. Only drove it back from MB (20 mile trip) but from what I can tell so far you were quite right @maw1124 - not only is the reverse delay gone but the overall drivetrain experience is much improved. The shifts are noticeably smoother and the manual shifting is way nicer/less harsh. Quite pleased with it.

The steering box is making a real big difference in that there is zero play and it feels quite a bit weightier and direct. Need to try it out on a twisty stretch of road on the weekend, but I was surprised how much improvement the new steering box brought, at least upon initial impression.

Getting a kick out of the new NOS stalk for the cruise control but the steering wheel is a bit of a let down. It’s the OEM piece but it looks a bit like a really nicely done recover job…..thought MB would have done a better job here in matching the color of the rim to the body of the steering wheel. I guess it supports my impression that NOS items are significantly better quality than new spares. Bit of a bummer, but oh well, it is what it is.

Can’t wait for spring and that long drive down to Laguna Seca at the end of April!

Oh and @gsxr , I asked Steve and the caps did not have any oil in them. The cam seals are, according to him, “bone dry” (they were only replaced 3 years ago), so that was a bit of good news

 

[a777fan]

bet it feels amazing tim! Looks awesome as usual

 

[Jlaa]

Awesome! I see you have multiple layers / multiple sources of lighting / recessed spotlights and window in your garage as well. That will go a loooooooooooooooooooong way for you to enjoy your car even when it is parked!

 

[sheward]

Post again about the steering box after you drive it some. Really interesting! Your car looks like a dream in that garage. I must have some of those Rials.

 

[TimL]

bet it feels amazing tim! Looks awesome as usual

Thank you @a777fan - hope you’re doing well and that V12 of yours is producing lots of smiles per mile! We ought to grab a coffee. Would love to see Uter’s new stablemate

 

[maw1124]

Awesome! That will go a loooooooooooooooooooong way for you to enjoy your car even when it is parked!

... almost as far as those 18" Rials!

I’m hoping the steering wheel leather will even out as hand oils soak into it, which looks like it should happen from the picture (admittedly not the best vantage point). Hopefully it comes to match the seat.

I too just LOVE new dials and switches in the cars. I probably spend too much time surveying the touch points inside the car wondering which ones can / should be renewed. Paint is for the outsiders, but the interior is for the owner.

maw

 

[744Brillantsilber]

As far as I know the airbags have gone NLA a long time ago

Tim, a friend bought one last autumn together with a new steering wheel. It was still available, but very expensive! Around 2.5k If I remember correct.

Your car and garage look great by the way!

 

[TimL]

Bought a NOS part I’ve been wanting to get for a while now. Last time it came up for sale (about a year ago) I didn’t buy it and I’ve been kicking myself for it ever since. It came up again a couple of weeks ago and I went ahead with it. It’s an aspherical driver side mirror that MB sold back then as an an accessoire. Being an OEM piece, It’s heated and has the right color tint, so no drawbacks whatsoever. While I love how good the visibility generally is in the w124, I always thought that the driver side mirror could cover a bit more of that pesky blind spot area. Installed it last week and LOVE every second of it . Apologies for the shitty photo, but difficult to capture the thin line that divides the aspherical section of the mirror

 

[TimL]

I am determined to make this POS work as I am 100% done with the look of the bulging U.S. lower dashboard. Some sort of support bracket is missing in the back to hold the panel in place, so I need to figure out more about that. Once I do and know the P/N, I will try it and let you know if it works.

Because I‘m stubborn and because I hate the bulging lower dashboard with considerable passion I bought yet another lower dashboard to see if it will fit. I followed @speedy300dturbo ‘s advice and searched for a first gen U.S. dashboard instead of the euro dashboard I had bought a while back (which wouldn’t fit without some additional support brackets that I was unable to source). Have an appointment at MB on Tuesday to make yet another attempt. We’ll see if this works…

 

[gsxr]

Tim, that piece doesn't look correct... what year/model is it from?

 

[TimL]

Tim, that piece doesn't look correct... what year/model is it from?

Dave, it was advertised as being from a 1987 w124. Will find out on Tuesday if it fits

 

[gsxr]

Dave, it was advertised as being from a 1987 w124. Will find out on Tuesday if it fits

Tim, I'm 99.44% certain that is not from a 124 chassis. Maybe @speedy300dturbo recognizes it?

EDIT: Speedy is right, it's a 124 panel, but a late version.

 

[speedy300dturbo]

Tim, I'm 99.44% certain that is not from a 124 chassis. Maybe @speedy300dturbo recognizes it?

That looks like standard issue North American underdash panel from a late model W124. Notice the protrusions below the headlight switch and ignition keyhole area.

I believe MB designed the bulkier "knee bolster" panel to better control the driver's movement in a severe front impact.

The difference is quite apparent in the attached picture. I personally prefer the early panel (slim version).

 

[gsxr]

Thanks, Speedy! On second look it may be from a 124 after all... the cutouts didn't look right but I may have been confusing them with some dash items instead (my bad - sorry).

Otherwise, yes, it's not the "slim" early version... it's the late version, possibly the same as what you have now?

Did the seller state the exact year and model it came from? Or was it advertised as "fits" early 124? The latter is pretty common on the 'Bay and causes all sorts of problems when you are looking for something from a specific year range.

 

[TimL]

... it's not the "slim" early version... it's the late version, possibly the same as what you have now?

Did the seller state the exact year and model it came from? Or was it advertised as "fits" early 124? The latter is pretty common on the 'Bay and causes all sorts of problems when you are looking for something from a specific year range.

Yep, you were right - the panel was advertised to be 124-680-21-87 (no bulge) and it ended up being 124-680-53-88 (bulge). Would be awesome if anyone had a non bulging version in black for sale

 

[TimL]

So, before I left for my road trip to California I was not quite happy with the way the new MB gearbox had been performing since its install a few weeks ago. There was flaring from gear 3 up to 4 when the gearbox was cold and the shift points were insanely low. The box would hurry into fourth no matter the load and in third it would shift up well before redline despite Steve G. setting everything exactly per MB instructions. So right before my trip Mercedes re-adjusted the vacuum modulator and throttle cable length for a couple of hours and that addressed the upshift and redline issues, with the car now feeling way livelier and more enjoyable to drive (similar to what it was before the new gearbox). However, the flaring issue was still there, albeit much less pronounced. Based on that Mercedes agreed buy and install another new gearbox under warranty without any issues, discussions or pressure from my side. They've been very accommodating and I appreciate that, as it seems to be rare in these times of generally crappy customer service everywhere you go.

So, long story short, the car will go into MB again for several days to redo the transmission. I'll be in Germany at the end of next week and will see if I can get the parts required for the E/S functionality and if I can convince Steve to retrofit this as part of the second try on the MB gearbox. Would only do it though if this isn't going to mess with the warranty which sits at 25k miles and 2 years.

We'll see how it all plays out

 

[gsxr]

Tim, FYI, adding the E/S switch only gets you the ability to select "Economy" mode, with early (insanely low) upshift points. Unless you plan to use the E/S switch for something completely different, don't waste the time or effort. Details at this link.

Strange that there is flaring on the 3-4 upshift, this is likely due to the valvebody, possibly the K2 piston/springs or related items. I don't know what MB does to test them after a rebuild but I'm disappointed it wasn't Just Right out of the box.

 

[maw1124]

I agree it’s probably the VB, which most don’t like to fiddle with as part of a transmission rebuild. It’s fiddly and time consuming, but I think worth it. @TimL I would ask them if they go through the VB as part of their rebuild, and if they could if they don’t. That will highlight matters. Your home guys might even if Mercedes won’t.

maw

 

[gerryvz]

I agree with the @gsxr with regard to the E/S switch. It's a nice "Yurro" option to brag about, but in practice isn't going to give you any beneficial functionality that is usable/desirable.

I use my E/S switch (which I've changed to "F/S") to switch between the Sport and Normal modes for my BergWerks FGS kit. F being "Fast" or Sport mode, and S being "Slow" or Normal first-gear upshift mode.

Other than switching something like that, I struggle to see the benefit of connecting the E/S switch with a dual-mode vacuum box.

On the transmission issue, despite MB replacing it, a call down to Marc at Sun Valley Transmissions over the phone, will help you pinpoint the exact issue through his encyclopedic knowledge of these transmissions and what causes their issues. It would be 10-15 minutes well spent.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[TimL]

I’m In Germany again for a couple of days and on Friday ordered all the parts needed for the E/S switch installation at the German MB dealership in my hometown. Thankfully all the required parts are still available and should arrive before I leave again next Sunday. When I get back to the U.S. I’ll drop those parts off at MB, as the replacement gear box has showed up earlier this week, so the box and E/S functionality can be installed at the same time. I totally understand that this will just introduce the low shift point Economy function, but to me it’s a memory of my youth. All the MBs my mom and dad drove in the 90s had that E/S switch and to me the interior just doesn’t look right if it’s not there- just like the big U.S lower dashboard pad that also just looks plain “wrong” to me (crazy, I know, but to each their own). The dealer in Germany was so kind to photocopy some of the old wiring diagrams, so Steve has some guidance on what connects to what when I hand him the sack of parts next week. He won’t be thrilled about the E/S thing but that’s ok.

Really hope the new replacement gearbox works out of the box unlike the one they installed a couple of months ago. I guess we’ll see.

On a side note, just drove from Frankfurt to Hamburg today with a Skoda wagon rental car and we do indeed live in strange and disturbing times when this 4 cylinder family car maxes out at 265 km/h according to the tach. This uninspiring family hauler would blow the doors off the 036 in a straight out Autobahn run any day of the week and somehow I find that thought mildly depressing. What is REALLY depressing is that this thing pumps fake engine noise through the speaker system, making it sound on the inside like a v10 and when you lower the window you realize that in reality a bland and muffled 4 cylinder noise emanates from the car, sort of like the mechanical equivalent of a yawn. Amazing, in all the wrong ways. Sorry. Rant over.

But while I’m at it, GET OFF MY LAAAWN!!!!!!!!

 

[nocfn]

Get off my lawn well received. Today, Climt may be forced to hold a Red Ryder.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Really hope the new replacement gearbox works out of the box unlike the one they installed a couple of months ago. I guess we’ll see.

On a side note, just drove from Frankfurt to Hamburg today with a Skoda wagon rental car and we do indeed live in strange and disturbing times when this 4 cylinder family car maxes out at 265 km/h according to the tach. This uninspiring family hauler would blow the doors off the 036 in a straight out Autobahn run any day of the week and somehow I find that thought mildly depressing. What is REALLY depressing is that this thing pumps fake engine noise through the speaker system, making it sound on the inside like a v10 and when you lower the window you realize that in reality a bland and muffled 4 cylinder noise emanates from the car, sort of like the mechanical equivalent of a yawn. Amazing, in all the wrong ways. Sorry. Rant over.

We were just discussing the same scenario with my cousin, he bought GTI for his wife, and it too has the "noise enhancer" build in, said it was driving them nuts... Luckily, VW crowd is in abundance, and there is an aftermarket "software" fix to delete this option that he used/bypassed.

Regards,
D

 

[Kyiv]

I’m In Germany again for a couple of days and on Friday ordered all the parts needed for the E/S switch installation at the German MB dealership in my hometown.

Tim, do you get home sick or has US and Seattle eclipsed your past life in Germany?

This uninspiring family hauler would blow the doors off the 036

Yeah, particularly the pace of change is unsettling

 

[TimL]

Tim, do you get home sick or has US and Seattle eclipsed your past life in Germany?


Difficult question, @Kyiv . On the one hand I miss my friends and family in Germany (parents, brothers and their families), but at the same time I found my wife here in the U.S. who is my everything, so I am lucky that my job takes me to Germany at least 6 times a year, allowing me to not lose touch with my folks there. How is it for you? I certainly hope very much that everyone of your folks back home are is safe from this senseless and criminal genocide that Russia is perpetrating

 

[Jlaa]

Tim, do you get home sick or has US and Seattle eclipsed your past life in Germany?

Difficult question, @Kyiv . On the one hand I miss my friends and family in Germany (parents, brothers and their families), but at the same time I found my wife here in the U.S. who is my everything, so I am lucky that my job takes me to Germany at least 6 times a year, allowing me to not lose touch with my folks there. How is it for you? I

This is a fascinating conversation. As my wife is a legal immigrant and I am the product of legal immigrants, I have seen this same story unfold over many decades. I think what happens is that in the first two decades, the home-sickness is there, and frequent travel back to the "mother/father land" is inevitable. Many if not most of your friends in the USA share your same experience - also immigrants to the USA from your "homeland."

Eventually, one has kids. Those kids grow up in the USA and speak English. The kids can still speak the mother tongue if they try hard and learn, but without 100%-all-the-time practice, English will always be stronger than the mother tongue.

The kids grow, and you make friends with other families here in the USA --- you start to set roots here.

You take family vacations back to the mother/father land, but, over time, you notice things at "home" have changed. It isn't the same "homeland" exactly as you remember. And, of course, your kids feel some kind of cultural connection, but they don't have the same tight connection that you do with the "homeland." They don't have the same nostalgia.

Your kids grow and become young adults. Once your parents in the "homeland" pass, if they have not done so already, a critical bond breaks. Your connection becomes less tight. You also see more changes in the "homeland" and, after perhaps 3 decades away from the homeland, you start to feel a bit like a stranger when you visit the "homeland" because the politics and the culture of the "homeland" have diverged from your memory - it progresses without you.

The decades pass. Maybe 5-6 decades later, you pass yourself, but more likely than not you choose to be buried/cremated in the country that adopted you - the USA. I have seen things unfold along this path and I think it is quite rare that things do not work this way.

 

[maw1124]

Yeah… I hate the ”creation” that is engine noise through the speakers almost as much as the creation that is minivans.

maw

EDIT… except for the R63… OF COURSE… @gerryvz reading my contrarian mind. I just don’t like the way they drive or the way people drive them… the R63 is the exception to both.

 

[gerryvz]

Yeah… I hate the ”creation” that is engine noise through the speakers almost as much as the creation that is minivans.

maw

We seem to have a minivan-loving contingent on this forum. I thought it a bit odd with @600Eric and his love for the R-class, but as I said in another comment, it has really taken a turn for the surreal. However, I pass no judgement on the individuals involved.....

 

[TimL]

This is a fascinating conversation. As my wife is a legal immigrant and I am the product of legal immigrants, I have seen this same story unfold over many decades. I think what happens is that in the first two decades, the home-sickness is there, and frequent travel back to the "mother/father land" is inevitable. Many if not most of your friends in the USA share your same experience - also immigrants to the USA from your "homeland."

Eventually, one has kids. Those kids grow up in the USA and speak English. The kids can still speak the mother tongue if they try hard and learn, but without 100%-all-the-time practice, English will always be stronger than the mother tongue.

The kids grow, and you make friends with other families here in the USA --- you start to set roots here.

You take family vacations back to the mother/father land, but, over time, you notice things at "home" have changed. It isn't the same "homeland" exactly as you remember. And, of course, your kids feel some kind of cultural connection, but they don't have the same tight connection that you do with the "homeland." They don't have the same nostalgia.

Your kids grow and become young adults. Once your parents in the "homeland" pass, if they have not done so already, a critical bond breaks. Your connection becomes less tight. You also see more changes in the "homeland" and, after perhaps 3 decades away from the homeland, you start to feel a bit like a stranger when you visit the "homeland" because the politics and the culture of the "homeland" have diverged from your memory - it progresses without you.

The decades pass. Maybe 5-6 decades later, you pass yourself, but more likely than not you choose to be buried/cremated in the country that adopted you - the USA. I have seen things unfold along this path and I think it is quite rare that things do not work this way.

Yes @Jlaa , I am sure that this is the experience of the vast majority of long term expats and while not necessarily an easy position to be in, it is, as so many things in life, a matter of attitude you take towards it. The older I get the calmer I look at this conundrum. The last thing I want to do is trying to be the jack of all trades only to end up messing both things up

 

[TimL]

I’m In Germany again for a couple of days and on Friday ordered all the parts needed for the E/S switch installation at the German MB dealership in my hometown. Thankfully all the required parts are still available and should arrive before I leave again next Sunday. When I get back to the U.S. I’ll drop those parts off at MB, as the replacement gear box has showed up earlier this week, so the box and E/S functionality can be installed at the same time. I totally understand that this will just introduce the low shift point Economy function, but to me it’s a memory of my youth. All the MBs my mom and dad drove in the 90s had that E/S switch and to me the interior just doesn’t look right if it’s not there- just like the big U.S lower dashboard pad that also just looks plain “wrong” to me (crazy, I know, but to each their own). The dealer in Germany was so kind to photocopy some of the old wiring diagrams, so Steve has some guidance on what connects to what when I hand him the sack of parts next week. He won’t be thrilled about the E/S thing but that’s ok.

Dropped my car off at Mercedes in Lynnwood earlier this week to get another MB replacement gearbox installed. Steve is running all the lines required for the E/S functionality but won't hook anything up just yet, so as to avoid any potential conflict with any warranty claim in case this one turns out to be faulty too (hopefully not very likely).

The car should be ready tomorrow, so I'll drive it for a bit and see if everything is well before the E/S system is hooked up. The good thing is that the gearbox won't have to be removed for that E/S functionality with the way Steve set everything up now, so it should be a fairly easy thing to do

I also dropped off an early generation lower dashboard for the driver side that I found after trying for quite some time (the one without the bulge) and I'm looking forward to having that installed. While already over at MB, the car will also get its scheduled maintenance so that everything is up to date.

Next thing on the docket is getting the headliner replaced, something I have been pushing off way too long.