As I was cleaning the exterior of the windshield on my 300CD today, I noticed what looks like a worn out windshield seal. I'm posting here just to confirm my observations and thinking about this.

I have annotated the attached picture.
In short: There is a gap, I would estimate 1/8", between the windshield seal and the chrome trim. The gap extends from approximately the middle of each vent across the windshield. The only area where the seal is tight to the chrome trim is at the outside edges. So, probably 80% of the bottom edge of the windshield has a gap. So far as I know, this is the original windshield and seal on the car. I imagine that leaving this seal in place is an invitation to rust (which I have seen no sign of in the area - from above or below).

Time to replace the seal?

Best to use a replacement seal from M-B (1985 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Base Coupe - Seals & Weatherstripping - Page 1

I see on Pelican Parts (above link) that for the car, they also sell something called an "Adhesive Pad for Windshield Installation". I am assuming that for $2.50, this should be used (though I do not know what purpose it serves) since it is provided by M-B?

And, of course, find a shop to do this work that has experience with the glass of these older M-Bs, yes?

Any other observations or suggestions?

Thank you.

Attached Thumbnails

   

The seal between the rubber and the trim is just for looks. It's the seal between the glass and between the rubber and the body that really matter. If that gap you have there is the only abnormality, no funny gaps or cracking other wise and there are no noticeable water leaks I wouldn't worry about rushing out to change it.

If you do decide to change it.. I can tell you that as of like 4 years ago that is exactly what I did. Bought the new seal from MB ($150ish back then), found a glass shop that could get the glass (PPG) and a glass man that could "rope it in". Worked out fine
Set me back like $400 all together.

Only thing that I would do diferntly now is remove the opt glass myself so I could spend more time cleaning and prepping the metal work underneath the seal area.

__________________
Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

That's great to know that the seal between the rubber and the trim is just for looks and that the seal between the glass and rubber and body is what really matters. Whew. The seal between the glass/rubber/body is just fine on the car. So, I think I'll leave it, given that I have encountered no signs of failure.

Thank you!