W126 rim care: These wheels are PAINTED silver, they are not clearcoated "aluminum rims" like on other cars. So treat them like you would the rest of the paint on your car -- don't spray or use anything on the rims you wouldn't feel comfortable using on the hoood! I have found a 1/2 bottle of full strength Simple Green and a brush will get off 90% of the dirt. Spray GENEROUSLY on cold rims and brush. Spray again and wait 5-10mins, then hose off. If they don't look significantly better at this point, nothing will help much and you're better off repainting them.
W126 tire "bouncing" at highway speed: You are driving down the road and feel a wheel "bouncing" off the ground back and forth. Steering shakes and it's really scary. Slowing down makes it go away. The problem is 99% wheel balance. These cars are sensitive to wheel balance and will behave like this until the wheels are balance properly. Get someone with a Hunter wheel balancer -- ther is a special model of Hunter that works REALLY well (search forum for info). Or try someplace that specializes in Porsche racing, high performance MB/BMW, etc, etc. Or try calling around to MB/BMW/Jag dealers to see if they have one.
Want to trade my MB for a BMW: Don't do it. Been there, done that. Huge mistake. Expensive parts, not as logically constructed, not as durable. Yes, they're more fun to drive but how many 1981 BMWs (or even 1991 for that matter!) do you see on the road? And how many W126's? See what I mean?
What color diesel W126 should I buy?: Here's a tip I heard somewhere -- "Buy a color your grand kids like because they'll most likely be driving the car for a good portion of their life". Seriously. I have a black on palomino one and could drive it for most of my natural life if I wanted to. Will certainly get bored of it before I die.. and I'm in my 30's
Bulb out indicator is on, but all bulbs are working!?!?!: Check the two bulbs that light up your rear license plate. They are on the same circuit and will set off the indicator. You never notice them, but if they are burned out, the indicator will come on. Also check the taillights, as there are two tiny "marker lights" in the outboard corners of the car (ie. furthest away from the license plate). Look at both taillights when on and see if they look different (one has a light were the other doesn't)
Neal
Neal