The flush fitting was not original equipment. The original one-piece hose was cut (and, most likely, a short section of the hose was removed) in order to install the flush fitting. The correct hose is not straight, but it is one piece.

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&cookieid=2650Q36L326A0NRQJY&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&partner=mercedesshop&year=1983&product=R3030-16302&application=000027632