Thanks for the help I'll look at it this weekend and post my results.

Oasis, did you check the wiring to your cigar lighter to verify that all 4 connections are intact? This thread after all is for you, don't want to steal all the attention....

BTW, today I'll be looking at getting another W124, a 1992 300E, 168K, original owner. Should be real nice, gonna meet her today.