It's been a while since I've been on the forum and I'm glad to be back! I learn something every time I'm here.

Anyway, My turn signal relay is no longer functional, again. I replaced one a couple years ago with a used part which was working up until a few days ago. Now the turn signals and hazard lights just stay on and the relay buzzes like crazy. I took it apart and cleaned the contacts, but it is still not working. So it seems like my only option is to pick up another relay (I may have tracked one down).

However, I'm wondering if anyone has "upgraded" their turn signal/hazard system to something newer or more easily replaceable. Ideas?

These older hazard/turn-signal combo units are getting more expensive and harder to find!

Thanks!

I guess your talking about the one piece and not the newer one that has the button plus an external relay?

Its a chance you take buying a used part, and who knows what may have been spilt in there.....good rule of thumb, if you want to go used.....have a dozen spares in the trunk.....

But if you plan to keep the car for some time, just buy a new one....it will work for a long time and easier then attempting an upgrade....

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Yeah, it's the all in one unit. I've got a local shop checking to see if they have a used one, but you might be right about going all in for a new part. From what I understand MB no longer makes this part, so the new ones that are still out there are pretty expensive. I was kind of hoping there was a way to just patch in a newer relay/switch instead of just relying on the OE setup.

I wouldn't think it would be easy to switch over to say the newer style....though I have never tried or seen a write up....

I wouldn't get a used one, you will still be dealing with a 30 year old electronic device....and just think about all the money you put out for a used one....that you could have put towards a new one....unless you were like me, and just pocketed a few st picknpull...its a waste to pay for one..

Over at auto haus....they have one that says its genuine Mercedes part number W0133-1609775

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Looks like the one you mentioned is the 8 pin. I don't think that one has the built in relay. My part number is 1238200205. I did find this thread over on benzworld detailing the process of replacing the capacitors. Glad to know there's an option if no replacement is around. Too bad I don't know anything about soldering capacitors though.

I still haven't found anything about switching over to the post-'81 set up.

thanks for the h/t to my thread. it's not a very hard soldering job; find someone who has the tools.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

Oh I see that....was just looking at the style.....I guess the went from the all in one unit, to a big switch to the smaller one....well I learned something, I think I have the all one large switch but now I am curious if I just have the large switch and an external relay....

I would imagine if you pulled up the wiring diagrams for an early w123 and a late....you could figure out how to wire the late model in....although it will probably require a junk yard visit for the right connectors and wires...

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Well, I found my old relay switch in my toolbox and plugged it in and lo and behold it seems to be working - most of the time. I didn't think it would work because it was non-functional when I removed it a couple years ago. Must have just needed a rest. I also ordered the replacement capacitors for the broken unit, so I'll update this post after I solder them in place and try it out.

Looks like a retro-fit will be on hold for a while.

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1981 240D, 4-Speed Manual, 261,000 miles