Good point I didn't notice that, so the rear window has got to come out either way.

Unless they were putting it back in, and used an electrical cord insted of string. Sill why use the old seal and not put the aluminum strips in?

NFW would I reuse a 25 year old seal, spend the $100 for a new OE one.

I would have them pull the window too. It looks like there are little rust bubbles just above the primer and under the yellow cord in the last picture. Below is what I found when I followed a rust bubble.

Too late for that now; she's already been painted.

They pulled up the seal to get to all that stuff and got a good look in between the body and the seal. He told me they didn't see any problem areas to address, I think that last picture is deceptive, so he did not see the need to pull the rear window.

Good advice, guys, but unfortunately its too late to do anything. I'll let you know in a few years if it was a mistake.:D

I would be really hesitant to sell either of my Benz's to a 16 year old!:eek: I'd repaint it and keep it.:D Maybe your friend should get his kid something he can trash that has no guilt attached, like a Subaru or something you don't really care about like a W123.;)

These cars were designed and built to a standard, not a price!:scholar:

OK:
I was just quoted $400 in labor to cut out the old seal and put in a new one, and repair the rust hole that's causing water to leak into my trunk. They are willing to use a seal I supply. Does that sound reasonable?
Has anyone used a Meyle seal, and do they fit properly? There is one for my car for $54 from europartsdirect.com. One from the Mercedes dealer is $130.

I have thrown out two aftermarket seals because they have been junk, and didn't work. I only buy OE seals now, get it from the dealer.

LOL, wtf??

What no pictures of the car after it was painted. That's just mean. LOL Lets see all the hard work that went into it.