w123 Rain gutter/drip rail trim differences?
 

I recently had a close look at a "newer" 300TD ('83 or '84, mine's an '81). I noticed there was a difference in the plastic moulding on the rain gutters. On mine, it's about a centimeter tall from the hood of the car all the way back to the end. On this later car the front edge, from the hood to where it curves at the top of the front window, was an inch tall or more; from the turn back it was the "usual" centimeter high.

What was the reason for this change in the trim? Reduced wind noise, maybe? If that is the case, I may see if I can buy the newer version. I need to replace it soon anyway, since that bit of trim has been trying to fall off my car for a few years now (I read somewhere that once this trim has been removed it needs to be replaced with new). Where can I buy it? It doesn't seem to be on fastlane or at performance products...

You can see the trim in question here:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=45091
(and no, gluing it has not helped mine stay on)

Go back to Fastlane, get the phone number, and call Phil. He can get a multitude of parts that are not listed on the web site.

The plastic part looks like it could be removed but how does one remove and then replace the aluminum part? I've got so much crud up in there especially at the rear pillars. I've tried all kinds of methods to clean in there but none have gotten all of the crud out which seems to collect even more every time. I think it may partial to blame it for the leaks in my trunk.

A couple other differences going from 81 to 82 are a joggle/step in the wiper arms and something of a plastic fin between the drip rail and the c-pillar in sedans.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

>What was the reason for this change in the trim?

I could be high, but I thought it had to do with channeling water across the windshield better at speed.

I know the "drip rail" on the A-pillar at the edges of the windshield are to help keep the side windows clear in rain, snow etc. The purpose was to direct the airflow over the roof rather than around the sides. There is some aerodynamic/ anti-drag effect as well, as the forward facing edge is airfoil shaped. In the case of the revised "bigger" size- probably the old adage that the engineers determined that bigger is better.

The C-pillar added black plastic fin (splitter?) between the body and the chrome rail was to keep more foreign debris from entering the vents in the pillar.

As for replacing the trim, the rubber is available separately from the chrome part of the drip rail. It is glued to the chrome rail with one of those special MBZ adhesives. MBZ might not even stock the older size rubber and has possibly superceded it with the newer rail. (I know that MBZ is trying to reduce the number of replacement parts stocked as I recently purchased a new underhood pad for my 240D and the one I got has the aluminum heat shield pad attached for the 300D Turbo cars. The 240D's as such is no longer available without the heat shield.)

The chrome part of the drip rail is attached via pressure to the body. You need to use one of those nifty nylon MBZ trim wedges to gently tap the chrome rail off from the body. I'm sure you could use another improvized tool to do the same, but watch that you dont scratch the rail or the painted body underneath!!

Hope this info helps!

J.G.