W126 First/Second Gen Fender Differences
 

Hello everyone,

My 82 300SD needs a new fender. Its got a dent at the top that needs painted, rust on the top molding mounting that goes up into the body line and metal missing at the bottom where it bolts to the chassis.

My friend has second gen fenders he bought for his 300SE, however he never used them.

I looked it up in the EPC and they're not the same part numbers, I was wondering what was different about them so that I cannot use them?

I know gen2 fenders have a VIN tag on them. Beyond that I have no clue :S

-J

I've owned several early and late W126s.
I don't think there is any basic difference.

The trim is different, which COULD require different mounting holes.
If so, then the fenders would have different part numbers.

Jim

Hmmm I was thinking cladding holes/positions but I'm not sure. I'll have to grab one off him and test fit it.

I put a 2nd generation fender on my 1st generation car as a replacement with no noticeable difference.

Alrighty, I fitted up the fender. Took some doing to get it to fully seat.

The only issue I have is the hood-fender gap. When I reseated my old fender (long time ago) I had this same issue with the gap too, so I dont believe it to be something with the fender.

Here's some pictures:
http://i.imgur.com/oPuOZl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/hAbnpl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/idoFxl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EsRVxl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zOixpl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PFVvxl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/oePqLl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rOX9gl.jpg

The hood-fender gap:
http://i.imgur.com/tvEjYl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/CuI7sl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/RfdlKl.jpg

Hm there must be some trickery and witchcraft to get these fenders on and set the proper gaps.

I thought by tightening down the bolts on the top of it, the gap would normalize, but it seems to be out more in the front. The rear seems OK. It also seems to be sitting too far forward as well.

Interestingly enough, the first gen part number 126 881 13 01 doesnt show up on XXXX

I need front fenders. But I know the day I get some is also the day my whole car needs a repaint :(