Rubber stripping/deflectors on side panels and doors
 

I'm Confused...while ive seen this on basically all 123 300D's and thought of the rubber stripping attached the doors and side panels (to prevent/deflect dings associated with grocery carts and other such things) to be stock on these cars, Ive noticed it on a few 126 300sd's as well. On the 126 I've always assumed this to be an aftermarket accessory. I have recently bought a very good mechanically sound 83 SD with a solid interior, but it requires some minor body work and a paint job. My new car does have this rubber or vinyl stripping attached to the body and I kinda want to remove it entireley when I have the body work performed, as it has shrank and no longer fits its metal sleeve which is attached to the body of the car. It looks terrible at this point. My question is exactly what is the history of this "accesory" and was it offered by mercedes at the point of sale for the early 80's 126 chassis or is it an aftermarket addition?

As far as I know MB never released a w126 with the linear side mouldings similar to the ones in a w123. The last big body sedan I know that has that in the MB line up is the w116 on the level of the bumpers, not like the w123 where the trim is at the belt line. The 108 and earlier models had them too but not the w126. That may well be an aftermarket add on?

Unless you're referring to the body panels on the lower half of the doors?

No. I am referring to exactly what you are describing as "linear side mouldings" as were seen on the 123's and 116's. Honestly it looks terrible on this new car I purchased, but hey....with a nice sd in solid mechanical shape and good interior for 1 grand I can overlook such things.