What is the timer in the glovebox for?

[864Lightning]

During some of my trips to the boneyard scrounging for parts. I have run across a couple of late 70's mercedes with what looks like a timer in the glovebox. The only search result I found mentioned a aux heater to prewarm the car.

One was a 116 350se with a locked trunk,,, this car is missing its right tail light, any tips for opening the trunk thru this tail light opening? This would have been a nice car in its prime.. Heated seats, rear head rests, its a shame to see it the way it is now.

[300SDog]

Could be windshield wiper electic timer relay. I believe the w/w motor is passenger side mounted on the 116.

[864Lightning]

The timer looks like a kitchen timer and if you give the knob a twist is ticks like a clock. I guess I should be careful twisting timers I find in junk cars. KA BOOOMMM

[Rashakor]

you can effectively open the trunk from the taillights. from the left it is pretty easy. from the right it may be much trickier.

The vaccum locking mechanics is hidden behing a steel plate left to the lock. It is held by 2 screws in the middle. Remove the plate and pull on the vaccum valve you can unlock the trunk.

[864Lightning]

Good idea Rashakor, I might see if I can cut the vac line and hook my pump to it. I need to get back there quickly,, that 116 is headed for the crusher soon.

[Jorn]

Is this what you are talking about, see the middle of the page . Translation is: "Very rare additional heating"

[864Lightning]

Thats what it looks like Jorn,,, thanks.

[david s poole]

very common in europe.i imported several cars with the engine heater fitted.gasoline heater fitted under hood with coolant lines and a pump.exhaust for the heater joined to exhaust down pipe.considered dangerous and i removed and junked every one i found.