Greetings, has anyone had any luck or have any suggestions for removing the horrible stench that is old stale cigarette smoke from an 85 Benz?

smoldering sage

or

an ozone generator( caution it may degrade some plastics)

By smoldering sage do you literally mean burning sage in the car or is there a product by that name? Can you give me some details? Thanks.

what I was told to do was let some dried sage smolder in a bowl..

try ask.com

My wife smokes but neither of our cars has an odor. The problem is when the AC or heater is on, the smoke is recirculated through the evaporator. One can spray a "smoke eater" spray under the hood in the air intakes to the cabin (not the engine!!) while the engine is running. Also do not operate the heating/cooling when there is a smoker aboard.
A good way to eliminate residual smells is to get a sock or piece of cotton material. Soak it in vinegar and hang it inside the car overnite with the windows closed. Make sure there is a drip pan under the sock. A few nights of this treatment should take care of any odors.
Anziani
'87 300E 200K
'95 E420 110K