I fixed my seat switch on my 82 300SD. The early W126 had this wonky one off switch that is hardwired into the door. 83 and up had a completely different design with plugs. The switch is 1268202710. Not to be confused with the updated type or the memory type.

So when the thin toggle lever snapped off this week I was highly motivated to fix it on the car and not replace the entire mess. Not to mention the early 126 seat switch is unobtanium.

I documented the process with photos and a 3D model on Thingiverse. Feel free to print out the part if you have a 3D printer. I decided not to redundantly post details here.

I figure anyone with this car has already broken off their toggle years ago and retrofitted to the new style of switch. If not you can salvage your old switch using this 3D printed plastic part.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6878044

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79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles
97 C280 147k miles

YK - my 1981 300SD. Is this the toggle that protrudes from the door card and over which is pressed the black plastic cover - the cover that you press forward and back or up and down?

Mine broke many years ago and I have not been able to fix it. If this is it, is there any chance you are going to print more and sell them to us? My motor still works if I stick a screwdriver in the slot and toggle it back and forth but I would sure like to make the proper fix.

Thx.

This is the one that reclines the seat back. The top one in the photo.

I don’t plan on selling them. I can just send you one. Do you still want the rubber crankcase breather hose?

It’s the vertical one in the photo below that controls the seat back.

__________________
79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles
97 C280 147k miles

Gosh, forgot about the breather hose; need to look.

Need to go down to the garage and look at the door. Forget which one I need. Will be back to you.

Thx.

Do you happen to have a extra 3d printed switch pin ?

I sure do. I made a few extra and they’re in my parts bin.

But first I strongly recommend finding somebody local to print one out for you from the downloadable design linked above. My county library has multiple printers that they let the public use. Some libraries just take the file and give you a part the next day.

Or you can embrace the future and get a low cost printer used online. Part of the 3D movement is to download parts not ship them. Donate the useful designs and not sell them. Ok, I sound like a commie but seriously check out my profile at Thingiverse. I provide several w123 w126 designs for commonly needed parts there for free. The other members have generously provided all kinds of other stuff w123 related. Just do a search. You’ll be amazed at what you can get for free. All you need is a cheap printer. I mean really cheap…like $200 or less.

__________________
79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles
97 C280 147k miles

YK - cannot believe that I forgot about this. I have grandkids now but my kids broke the pin on the front seat switch for passenger side and then I broke driver side. So the finger pull for the seatback cannot activate the switch. Your printed piece is exactly what I need. Two.

Can I pay you to print two for me? Your capabilities are way above mine.

Thx.

I can mail you a check (need mailing address) and when it cashes, you can send me the pieces.

Have been grieving about this broken piece for probably 30 years. Orig owner of '81 300SD and just now having the driver seat recovered. Promised my wife I would get rid of the SD when it stopped running - that was in the 1990's.

Thx.

PM sent

__________________
79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles
97 C280 147k miles