For all of you that have had wet floorboards caused by water leaking through the rubber accordion tube boot jobbie that goes from the door to the door jam, or the other way around if you look at it from the other side, I have the answer.

When I refurbished my 115 2 years ago had to buy 2 new boots from MB and to say they aren't cheap for what you get is only a slight under statement. Not only is there not much there, what is there is crap. Mine gave up after about a year.

To solve said problem:

1. Remove the door panels and disconnect the vacuum and electric lines. Label them because in spite of your best intentions you will not remember what goes where.

2. Remove the tube from the door and jam. Measure the length of the accordion part.

3. Cut out the accordion part of the tube. It is about 4" long. Trim square the ends of the two ends-the parts that go in the door and jam. Clean each piece with carb. or similar cleaner go get out any oil or dirt from the inside.

4. If you are going to do all 4 go to your local parts house and get a foot of 5/8" dia. auto water hose. Make sure it is only single braid. Heavier will not bend properly. Each tube takes about 5". Get a small tube of silicone sealant.

5. Cut the hose so that you have the length of the accordion plus about 1/2 to 3/4" sticking inside each end piece.

6. On a wire wheel GENTLY roughen about 3/4" on one end of the hose. Just take the gloss off the rubber.

7. Take the end piece that goes into the door JAM, goop the buffed end of the hose with silicone and slide it in about 1/2 to 3/4". Most hoses have a slight bend in them so be sure to turn the hose so that the bend will go in the direction of the door in the closed position. Put a bead around the hose both on the inside and outside of the piece.

8. Important--let this connection dry over night.

9. Do not glue the top piece. I think that as you open/close the door that this joint needs to slide a bit.

10. Put all back together, pat yourself on the back for saving about $50 on each boot, go have a beer and see if you can remember where you put the $200 you just saved.