Yeah as suginami pointed out.. probably door straps. They're only about $20/each..at least on the w126 chassis.

Like on my 300SD the doors need to be slammed shut because some rubber on the door striker has eroded away. Not sure if the same can happen on the 124/201s

Might be too long? is there an adjustment on them?

at least on the drivers side it looks brand new. cad instead of painted.

There's an engine oil leak from the back of the motor somewhere but it does not look to be the rear main so there is hope that will be an easy fix.

Ooops! looks like I need a diff. There is over 90 degrees of play in it and its leaking like a sieve.

Are there multiple years that will work or is it fairly unique because of the traction/skid control devices?

How to tell if I have a locking diff?

Might be bad. Our 420SEL's broke at the ball/spring thing that retains the position of the strap, which made it difficult to close the door

http://w124-zone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/brokenstrap1.jpg

I found a diff.

Welcome to the club
 

When the ambient temperature was high, I got the best mileage, maxing out at a consistent 37 MPG, dropping in the winter to low/mid 30s.

Since I replaced the rear muffler with straight (though bent) pipe, its dropped to about 30.. maybe because I keep my foot in it most of the time for that sound, wailing up through the gears..