MB engineering riddle - test yourself!

[Pete Burton]

Many MB sedans (like mine) have a roof handle above each door. Why is there a handle above the driver? Granted, the roof design accomodates either right hand or left hand drive, but a plug could have been used over the driver. It certainly doesn't have a use while driving - hands are on steering wheel or other controls. Who knows the answer to this one?

[ascalise]

Some people use them to get in and out of the car.

[leathermang]

Also perhaps when adjusting the seat forward...

[Smooooth]

I have an answer - But this is a family place

[TX76513]

In the center of that handle is a button. Pushing on the center button releases the infamous missing cupholders in 123's and 126's.

[michael cole]

to be used at high speed only.hold oooooooon!

[Hatterasguy]

Well the back ones are good for hanging cloths. I guess if you flip it grab on. Or maybe going over really bad roads?

[Tirebiter]

Have stirrups>>>>>>> Will travel.

[phidauex]

No no no, you are all missing the point.

It isn't even a handle, its a structural component of the unibody. Its actually a spring-loaded clip that holds the front and back of the car together. If you want to disassemble the car you need to rent the special MB tool that spreads it apart so you can remove it, and the two halves of the car just fall apart.

Using it as a handle will void your warrantee. Or it would, if it was still valid.

peace,
sam

[diametricalbenz]

Originally Posted by Pete Burton

Many MB sedans (like mine) have a roof handle above each door. Why is there a handle above the driver? Granted, the roof design accomodates either right hand or left hand drive, but a plug could have been used over the driver. It certainly doesn't have a use while driving - hands are on steering wheel or other controls. Who knows the answer to this one?

Perhaps it's a design carryover from steam locomotives to sound the whistle to warn stagecoaches or lazy cows at railroad crossings

[pawoSD]

I bet its there for when you're going into hard left curves at 80+mph....not much use in the US, but the handles did come in handy when we were in a C220 in europe going down the mountain roads, now those were some G forces

[whunter]

in winter icy conditions, also for seasoned citizens getting in and out.

[97dieseldriver]

I hurt my back during the Holidays and I am glad it's there.

Better than putting wear on the top of the door frame or ripping up the rubber seal.

Some of the geriatric types in Ft Lauderdale and the like choose their cars on the basis of getting in or out. We all get old eventually. They usually plunk down cash for their $80k cars. It's a cheap carryover item to clinch cash customers, be it seniors or others.

[SD Blue]

Officially, for the record:
It's there for assist in getting out of the car, especially when parked with a side slope and on the uphill side.

Unofficially, it's a secret:
They are there for raising yourself, at the last second before impact, when your car goes over the edge of a mountain road. (Very similar to a runaway elevator, going down, and if you jump up at precisely the right second before impact, you will not be hurt)