Park it in a climate controlled garage and drive it about 2k miles a year on sunny dry days. That seems to be the best way to preserve something. Rust or another crazy driver are old MB's biggest killers.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

My dash is crack free at this point. What do you guys recommend for preserving it. I've heard that Armor-all is actually bad for it, like chapstick for lips.

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Rich Mason
Chapel Hill, NC
1990 300D 285k miles
1993 VW Cabriolet converted to 1.6 TD
1985 VW Westfalia 1.6 TD

Vinylex from the makers of Lexol.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

303 is the best stuff I have found so far.

Also try to keep it out of the sun.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I'll second Vinylex. I use it and think it is great stuff. Not to discount 303, as I have always heard good testimonials about it, but I have no personal experience.

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'78 300D 310K Maple Yellow / Bamboo
'87 300D 81K Barolo Red / Safron (RIP @ 113K)
2003 E320 34K Pewter/Charcoal
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Dittos. It really (I mean REALLY) bugs me when I see a nice car, particularly a nice older one, parked in the sun with the dash unprotected. Sheesh. At least toss a beach towel on there, people.

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'78 300D 310K Maple Yellow / Bamboo
'87 300D 81K Barolo Red / Safron (RIP @ 113K)
2003 E320 34K Pewter/Charcoal
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Brian,
My daughter drives my 115 and has been for a year or so...she hasn't been a teen for a couple of years but is in a highly peer-intense environment at a small private college. Strangely, over the last couple of years, she's become somewhat of a local hero having the one car that always starts in addition to running on cooking oil.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

When the consideration of whether a vehicle starts or does not start, becomes the determining factor for "local hero" status, then she has nothing to worry about.

Now, when the consideration of what the color is and whether it is two years old or brand new, and whether it has two doors or four, and whether it has a four cylinder or a V-6, become the determining factors, that is when some "problems" may arise.

It is a pleasure to see priorities placed in perspective, especially for a college student.

That's how I got my 240D.

Dad took care of the car, but the sons didn't want it.

- Patrick

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1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6

Tints are a good idea to protect the interior. Mine will get done in May probably. I am not wild about the looks but I am wild about the results!

Also a sun shade helps, I bought one from AZ for $8 last year it fits ok. This summer I am going to see if Griot's will cut me a custom one. It will cost $50 but a nice dash is worth more to me.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200