Idle cable linkage and manual shutoff info...
 

My cable end broke on my idle, and I dont really know what type of end is supposed to be on it! Cable I have seen at fastlane, have a fishing sinker appearence ball on the end of the cable. On my 1980 240D I can see where that will work, as it fits into a little plastic circle on the shut off arm. BUT, on my 1979 240 D, I don't have the little plastic circle, I just have a verticle slot. Nobody can seem to tell me what type cable is supposed to fit in there. I am attaching a picture, so you can take a look. I suppose I can just use the cable that fastlane has available, cut the end off, slide the cable through the slot and fasten a cable stop to the end?
Jim

Believe that the early ones, even going back to the 220D's, have a short stubby bullet shaped metal cylinder mounted on the cable. It may have a set screw arrangement to keep it tight to the cable. Then the "bullet" nose rides in the verticle slot that you mentioned. Certainly wouldn't take much to make something like that from scrap pieces.

Geez, I like the slotted smashable fishing sinker idea......

(LOL) I might actually try that! If my present cable wasnt too short that would be a good one to experiment on! I have found a used cable from a member on here, so I might go ahead and get it. Then cut the end off, pass it through the slot, and then get me a lead sinker and smash it on(would be curious how long it would hold:D)

The problem with the lead sinker is that engine vibration will steadily rub the steel oval aginst the lead and eventually wear thru the sinker. Are there no junque yards in your area?

I live out in the country, 15 miles from any towns. The small town I'm near, doesnt have any cars that are not crushed as of late, and certainly no Mercedes! Wichita is 50 miles away, but I havent searched for any Benz's in them.