I have just been poking around in the trunk of my 280E to see how extensive a patch of rust around the LHD tail-light is.

I pulled out the black plastic lining and found a slim aluminum tube that appears to have no purpose.

The tube is about 20 inches long, is slightly bent, and is connected to a black box sitting just forward of my (non-standard) antenna assembly. The tube is crimped at the unattached end, and appears to be filled with grease. It runs horizontal and parallel to the rear fender.

Does anyone know what this tube is? Is it something to do with drainage or the central locking? I've checked my M-B engine/chassis parts book and Haynes manual, and can find no reference to it in either.

Well so would I! I have a '79 300SD with the same strange tube hugging the inner part of the trunk lid. Next to the antenna. I wonder if it has something to do with the sunroof?

Patsy, The aluminium tube you "found" is indeed for the sunroof, and the black box is the motor. It has a nut/screw adjustment you can make if your sunroof won't open or close.
Bill Lewallen Lexington<ky.

Bill,

What exactly does the tube do?

Does one rotate the tube to adjust the sunroof?

Thanks

The tube just carries/protects the cable.

Sun Roof
 

To whom it may concern: The aluminium tube you "found" in the trunk of your car is the tube that holds the cable for the sliding roof. The opening/closing can be adjusted. To adjust,flatten the locking plate holding the lock nut. Hold the shaft with a screwdriver and tighten the lock nut. Bend locking plate to secure the adjusting nut. Don't tighten the nut too much. Just enough to make the roof open and close. It's that simple.Good luck.
Bill Lewallen Lexington,Ky.