The drip rails are pretty solid, solid enough to carry more weight on top of the car than you probably should.

If going the DIY route, have a look at vintage roof racks for VW Bug and Bus. There were several feet/clamp designs used over the years. Could give you ideas for your own design. A vintage looking rack for a vintage Benz would be pretty danged cool.

My friend made one for his wagon, and it gets used quite a bit. I used the same photo on another thread, so it won't let me use it again. Check out:Celebration planned for a friends 500,000 mile 300TD
Starting on page three.

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All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

What's the fun in that? I can't wait to see the finished project.