i know all about that barbecue pit feeling - in my 300E if I open the door I can feel the heat coming out from under the car. As for the heat affecting rubber parts, I replaced the belt tensioner when I bought the car about two years ago, it needed replacing again after 18 months because it was all out of adjustment. Not sure how long the new one will last but it stills seems OK.

In Singapore - equally hot - I have seen 124 model taxis with front fender louvres, these are Mk II models (post 92) but I don't know if they are diesels, special models, tropical spec or whatever. I have a vague recollection that they might be a special model but the louvres look kind of cool and if they are factory spec, there must be a reason for them.

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1987 300e manual 250,000 km (sold)