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#11
Mechanicals / Re: Suspension sphere failure ...
Last post by raueda1 - 03 June 2026, 08:52 AMQuote from: Rolo on 01 June 2026, 05:39 PMI have a strip of highway I drive daily with big expansion joints. When good, the suspension sucks up the bumps while other cars pogo around. They go slowly in my experience. The FSM recommends some very frequent replacement interval.Yikes!
A bigger issue I just discovered. The bell crank linkage between the level controller and sway bar has uniballs that disintergrate My rear dropped at 65 mph. The part is still available and I am replacing the fronts as well.
I replaced mine about 6 years ago. Time to do it again just cause, why not? #12
Shop / Re: part/grommet search 116988...
Last post by ptashek - 03 June 2026, 08:08 AMA1169880978 is the number that comes up in Xentry. Looks to be NLA from MB.
You could try going the 3D printing route, if you can't find one. Or, worst case, forget the pegs and use double sided panel tape instead?
You could try going the 3D printing route, if you can't find one. Or, worst case, forget the pegs and use double sided panel tape instead?
#13
Mechanicals / Re: Suspension sphere failure ...
Last post by Rolo - 01 June 2026, 05:39 PMI have a strip of highway I drive daily with big expansion joints. When good, the suspension sucks up the bumps while other cars pogo around. They go slowly in my experience. The FSM recommends some very frequent replacement interval.
A bigger issue I just discovered. The bell crank linkage between the level controller and sway bar has uniballs that disintergrate My rear dropped at 65 mph. The part is still available and I am replacing the fronts as well.
A bigger issue I just discovered. The bell crank linkage between the level controller and sway bar has uniballs that disintergrate My rear dropped at 65 mph. The part is still available and I am replacing the fronts as well.
#14
Shop / Re: part/grommet search 116988...
Last post by Jed - 31 May 2026, 10:04 PMYeah. I ordered that, as well from 2 different sources. It's too small for the bigger pegs on the back of the 6.9 emblem. Thanks anyway. I was hoping someone might have a couple spares to sell me.
#15
Interiors & Exteriors / Re: Window straining after doo...
Last post by raueda1 - 31 May 2026, 08:03 PMThanks all. I'm happy to say that it's now all fixed up and working better than ever. 
#16
Shop / Re: part/grommet search 116988...
Last post by daantjie - 31 May 2026, 05:42 PMI see a 123 number pop up, not sure if it'll work though. Do you have the dims perhaps?
Number 123 997 03 81, maybe these are the ones you already tried?
Number 123 997 03 81, maybe these are the ones you already tried?
#17
Shop / part/grommet search 1169880978
Last post by Jed - 31 May 2026, 09:28 AMHi
Wondering if anyone has a source for the very specific grommet that fits the trunk mounted emblems. Specifically the "6.9" emblem and I suspect also the "450SEL" emblem. The ususals send out a grommet that is too small and will not fit the pegs on the emblems. See picture below please. thanks!
1169880978
Wondering if anyone has a source for the very specific grommet that fits the trunk mounted emblems. Specifically the "6.9" emblem and I suspect also the "450SEL" emblem. The ususals send out a grommet that is too small and will not fit the pegs on the emblems. See picture below please. thanks!
1169880978
#18
Mechanicals / Re: What have you done for you...
Last post by raueda1 - 29 May 2026, 05:00 PMFinally finished a couple annoying yet gratifying fixes:
Last but not least, I'm expecting a tax refund. That will cover upholstery replacement alter this summer! Cheers,
- Replaced a strip of damaged window chrome. Big improvement! Now all my door trim is all-but-perfect! But that lead to...
- Replacing the driver door window regulator. Ugh. I had to drill the door holes to get the motor out, but it was all surprisingly smooth.
So now the window doesn't tilt in the track and goes all the way down. I also replaced the outer weather seal. I did this on the other side too and was surprised to find that wind noise was reduced a little.
Last but not least, I'm expecting a tax refund. That will cover upholstery replacement alter this summer! Cheers,
#19
Mechanicals / Re: What have you done for you...
Last post by johnnyw116 - 28 May 2026, 05:17 AMI bought an extra set of valve covers to refurbish for my 350SE and i am quite pleased with the result , the valve cover sticker i bought at Oldtimer-ersatzteile24.DE and they sell more nice parts for the older Mercedes models , the next thing on the to-do list is the airfilter housing and a few other parts in the engine bay
#20
Test Drive / Re: New W116 Owner
Last post by PradoTDI - 28 May 2026, 12:41 AMI haven't been driving the 450SEL nearly as much this year as I did last year, the price of fuel has relegated it to weekend use while my VW TDI has taken over daily duties. Finally got around to replacing the RH side tie rod, the original one was badly worn and made nasty popping noises at low speeds. Just need to make an appointment to get it aligned now.
When diagnosing the power steering leak this spring I noticed that the reservoir cap had completely lost its gasket, so I cut a makeshift one out of a sheet of paper gasket material. Over 500 miles later and the fluid level hasn't dropped, looks like that was the bulk of the leak.
When diagnosing the power steering leak this spring I noticed that the reservoir cap had completely lost its gasket, so I cut a makeshift one out of a sheet of paper gasket material. Over 500 miles later and the fluid level hasn't dropped, looks like that was the bulk of the leak.