On my 300D I pulled the plastic liners out from the inside bottom of the rear fenders and totally removed the rubber pieces that were in the drain holes. The rubber pieces were pretty well deteriorated and around this part of the country you can run them without the rubber "inserts" year round - which I do. If this area does not drain it will collect water and cause rust.

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Jim

Mike,

You're doing all the right things, just keep on keepin' on!

I would not recommend removing the cowl grilles, you stand a good chance of screwing things up, and there's no need. There is a funny looking drain near the master cylinder that drains this area, it is rubber tube that is sort of squeezed flat on the bottom. As long as it is clear, you're okay. You can easily remove and poke around in the cowl area to make sure it is clear, then see that the rubber tube is clear.

Yes there is a hole below the gas cap to drain off water or fuel spill. Make sure that tube is clear so that it can drain.

I wouldn't worry about the color. When buying a used car, one of the worse things you can do is buy it because of a desired color, do that when buying a new car. With a used car, condition is everything. When that brown is shined up it looks great.

Keep up the good work and enjoy one of the masterpieces of automotive engineering, the Benz W123.

Have a great day,

Larry,

I had noticed that "Sumner" thing the other day. I live smack-dab in the center of my small town in southern Illinois. I'm a preacher and live in the parsonage on the main street. Since I bought the 240D and have it parked in the driveway, some folks call me "the richest preacher in town." They fail to realize that I only paid $350 for my MB while they're driving around $20-30,000 vehicles around!

If you ever get to Sumner, IL stop by. It's easy to find my house--just stop anyone on the street and tell them you're from out of town and need some money for gas to get back home. They'll direct you straight to my house, or at least I think that's what happens most of the time

I appreciate all of the knowledge I've gleaned from your posts on these forums. Keep up the good work.

Bill Greenwood,

You would have much more trouble finding my place. You would probably get directions something like "you turn where the old General Store used to be".

I appreciated very much seeing your encouragement for Mike. He seems to be having fun and getting good solid transportation in the bargain.

Have a great day,