That long metal rod doohicky looking thing.

What's its purpose? I had to keep moving it out of the way to remove the trunk liner to get to the antenna. I don't like moving it too much, it feels kind of loose, but it's still tight fitting to whatever its secured to.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

I believe that's the sheath for the sunroof cable/link. It supports the cable/link so the motor can either push or pull on the sunroof.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

when the motor fails? I defer to Pete....

That tube (as stated 2 posts ago) is the sheath for the cable for the sunroof.

Its basically like a window regulator sheath (manual windows) so that it protects the cable and makes it enter at the correct angle.
Don't bend it too much or it will either break off or bend.