An '83 should not have the early style switches with the chrome trim. As you note, they aren't interchangeable.

I can only offer as a WAG that either the car came with wind-up windows and someone converted it from an earlier parts car, harnesses and all, or it's got the wrong year on the title or been re-VINed, etc. The chrome switches are the style from 116s, and early 123s.

If memory serves, the center console wood trim is different on a car with the newer-style switches, as well. (The black switches fit into a smaller opening.)

The '83 with the chrome switches: is it a 240d or a 300d?

As you note, for sure no one intended these switches to be cleaned by the hand of man. Though some people have succeeded (my hat is off to those intrepid souls... I just gave up and bought more used).

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22