300E fuse caught on fire! Fuses blow intermittently! Can anyone help?

[bavalova]

Okay, to start off, I'm not being a typical newb. I searched the forums for answers but can't find anything.

My problem is very odd. To start off, the car is a 1991 300E. When I bought it, I knew some things weren't working right but the price was right and I needed a car so I took it anyway because most of the things were working. Well now, I have some downtime. I am trying to trouble shoot the problem so I started with the fuses. When I opened the fuse box, the guy had some weird connection happening. Fuse 1 and 9 were connected via a wire. I disconnected it and replaced Fuse 1 because it was blown. I also replaced fuse C because it was blown.

Anyhow, at first only fuse C blew.

Before I go on, here are the descriptions:
Fuse 1 (16A): cigar lighter, switch heatable rear window, glove compartment light, rear wipe/wash system, folding head restraints/rear compartment, radio (ortho. back rest)

Fuse 9 (8A): diagnostic term. 6, hazard warning system, clock, front roof light, radio, vanity mirror light, relay comfort circuitry term. 86

Fuse C (16A): rear roof light, trunk light, rear door locking system, safety belt handover arm, seat back arrester, central locking system, door lights, reading lamps, aut. antenna, control unit seat adjustment

Fuse 1 and 9 were fine for a while. Fuse C blew instantly, twice. So I used a 25A fuse instead and it was fine for a little less than a day, then it blew along with fuse 1. As i took C out, I accidentally touched it to fuse 9 and that blew. So I disconnected the battery, replaced all three, reconnected the battery, and the 25A fuse in C lit turned bright red and lit on fire instantly, melting the plastic. Fuse 1 and 9 were otherwise fine. I disconnected the battery, left fuse C out and reconnected the battery. Now fuse 1 blew. I am extremely confused because for a while, everything was working despite the weird hookup.

Can anyone help or is it completely FUBAR?