I need to install the reservoir for the windshield wiper fluid because it is leaking (for the 420 SEL). I am assuming that there is a hole in it somewhere at the bottom. It leaks profusively when I fill it up.

The cost of it is $45. Is this an easy installation?

Please advise.

I have a 300-SEL - 1991 - W126 body.

I had to pull mine last week to replace a battery. It's not hard.
The reservoir is not fastened by bolts, etc., it simply lays in the area in front of the battery.

There are 2 coolant lines that come off and 3 elect. connections. One elect. connection is on top, about in the middle towards the back. The other two are down below, in between the battery and the reservoir.

If your reservoir is full, it might help to first siphon out the contents. This is an easy job.

Before replacing the entire resevoir, check a couple things. Make sure that the braided hoses aren't cracked, broken or pinched in the hood hinge (can happen). If the hoses are all fine then check the washer pump(s) grommet(s). The rubber grommets do tend to break down over time and will leak profusely. The pumps are mounted low on the backside of the resevoir. Also check to make sure the pump(s) are pressed all the way down, if they aren't the grommet won't seal.

Depending on the year of your car your resevoir could be heated by coolant lines, or electrically.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

My personal experience with leakage from the washer reservoir may save you some time. The source of leakage was the brittle grommets that seal the two pumps, referred to in 'Tangas reply. However, I experienced great grief in trying to purchase the correct grommets from the dealer. They fit the preexsiting washer pumps but did not make a tight seal. I went through six sets of grommets, all slightly different in appearance. There was still some weeping. Finally, I had to change the perfectly good pumps for new pumps to stop the weeping. It was a case of MB producing "new" grommets to fit "new" pumps. Either that, or the Nylon pump housing shrank at the point it passes through the grommet into the reservoir. At first, I tried all sorts of gasketings to stop the weeping, but they did not work.