Car is now with david s poole, who posts here frequently. He too believes it is the conductor plate, and all the research I have done at this site and BenzWorld seems to point to that part as the culprit. Normally I would enjoy doing this myself, but the current painful condition of my back won't allow it. Hopefully it will be a straightforward job for david.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280