Just bought a beautiful '88 190D. There is a little rust bubble forming just above and likely underneath the door guard strip. My question is by what method is this strip affixed to the door...is it glued on or attached using clips of some sort?
I don't want to start to pry it off and damage something.

It is clips, that are locked in there pretty good. You will destroy the clips getting it off, just be very gentle, I used a plastic trim removal tool, and got them all off. On my wagon the piece on the rear fender, and the tailgate also have threaded fasteners with nuts in a few places.

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1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

Does the same apply to the 420sec models

I'd like a part number for the clips/fasteners for the 1st generation 126 body style. I have a door which is a perfect replacement for one that was hit and dented. It's not a bad dent but the car is black.

The trim is fluted on the original door but smooth on the replacement. It must be changed.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic