A fire extinguisher is a great idea for all cars, not just 126s. I carry mine on the floor in the back seat because a rear-ender could leave my trunk inaccessible. The first aid kit is back there for the same reason. Obviously those who need the back seat for other things including (gasp!) people may not be able to do what I do.

Although certainly better than nothing, the white powder extinguishers do make a mess. Many years ago I had the opportunity to use a powder extinguisher on an alcohol stove mishap in a sailboat on San Francisco Bay (out in the water, not tied to the dock!). The extinguisher put the fire out but we were cleaning up white powder for weeks afterwards.

CO2 is more expensive but doesn't leave a mess and is excellent for electrical and fuel fires. Note that an electrical fire may re-ignite if you don't quickly disconnect the power source. I still have a halon extinguisher but they are no longer available, I believe, because halon is an ozone-depleting chemical.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970