-W126 wipers: Use the original MB wipers (or buy a set if you have aftermarket blades). Some members have had great experiences with Anco blades, but I find the MB ones to work perfectly. You only replace the rubber in these blades (search forum for instructions on swapping blade rubber) and keep using the same blade "frame".

-W126 smearing windshield: After trying a ton of things (bending wiper arms, new wiper blades, scrubbing windshield w/glass stripper, etc, etc.) I found a solution. Put about 6 drops of dishwashing soap into the washer reservoir with each gallon of washer fluid. Use a "degreasing" detergent like Dawn or one that says it "cuts grease" on the label. Works perfectly (don't worry, there are no suds with this little soap). Keeps my nozzles from clogging and keeps the windshield clean.

-300SDL vacuum pump: There are 2 types of gasket for the vacuum pump (one with a "dam" and one without) and there may be a basket installed that has to be removed. Search the forum for instructions -- depending on model year & engine number, the instructions and parts needed to do the job differ.

-W126 stereo installation: Do NOT screw an amp to the rear wall of the trunk like you can do in many other cars. The fuel tank stands up (rather than being under the trunk) and is directly behind that wall. Diesel+amp screws=fuel smell in trunk. Gas+amp screws=BOOM!

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'83 300SD 335,000km (207k) mi SOLD
'87 560SL 163,000km (101k mi) SOLD
'86 300SDL 356,000km (220k mi) SOLD
'92 500SEL 250,000km (155k mi) SOLD
'90 300SL 140,000km (87k mi) SOLD
'01 S430 260,000km (161k mi) SOLD
'03 SL500 167,000km (104k mi) SOLD
'07 S550 4MATIC 235,000km (146k mi) SOLD
'07 GL320 CDI 4MATIC 348,000km (215k mi)
'13 GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC 170,000km (105k mi)
'14 SL550 72,000km (43k mi)