It's a Benz only part, for sure, and I don't see how you can drive the car without it (unless you NEVER want to put the top up!), so you really don't have much choice.

Most likely it is a leaking seal on the ram, and there is no real way to fix it, replacement will be the only option. Could be a leaking hose, but the mechanic would likely have told you that and ordered the part.

You can get another opinion if you like, but I'm not sure it will be any different.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!