Rubber boot mat

[gregdeklerk]

Where rubber boot mats produced right up until the end or were some of the later cars fitted with carpet mats like in the 126?

Greg

[Mforcer]

I have never seen a carpet mat. I have just the rubber mat in my boot/trunk.

[CraigS]

Mine has the rubber mat underneath the black carpet/mat.

Craig

I have never seen a carpet mat. I have just the rubber mat in my boot/trunk.

[WGB]

My 1979 car has a rubber mat and then on top of it is a carpet that matches the colour of the side trims in the boot

Bill

[Mforcer]

I think I need to look in my boot again. I removed most of the carpet in my boot due to water damage and have yet to replace it.

My 1979 car has a rubber mat and then on top of it is a carpet that matches the colour of the side trims in the boot

Wouldn't it make more sense to have the rubber mat on top of the carpet to protect the carpet? What purpose does the rubber mat serve under the carpet?

[WGB]

Don't shoot me - I'm only telling you what was in my boot when I purchased the car and the order it was in.

Bill

[gregdeklerk]

This is what I thought!! My 74 has only a rubber mat, but a 79 I had, had only a carpet, when makes me think that at some stage they changed from rubber to carpet or offered both.

Greg

[s class]

It is my understanding that at least in the South African market, the cars are supposed to have both rubber mat and carpet.  (rubber on top of carpet) My rubber mat is (like most I see) all perished and torn.  That white 350SE for sale still has both, in good condition.  Oh desire!

[robertd]

As per Styria,
Regards Robert

[OzBenzHead]

My 116 280SE (Dec '79 manufacture, UK delivery) has both carpet and rubber mats - obviously the 'real McCoy' as they are shaped and fit perfectly. I've no idea if that's how the car was delivered, or which mat was on top then.

[gregdeklerk]

I always understood that the carpet was on top of the rubber mat as the rubber one gets damaged easily. It also seems that the early cars or the South African ones anyway had the rubber mat only. I am just curious as to when the carpet made its appearance!!

[Mforcer]

I would still love to know what purpose the rubber mat would serve under the carpet mat

[Brian Crump]

My copy of Mercedes S Class. 1972-1979, Brooklands Road Test Books, shows a picture of a 280SE with the rubber mat over the carpet. The same for a 350SE but the photo of the 450SE boot interior is too blurred to tell.
Personally, I suspect the rubber went over the carpet to protect it from wet gum boots and bridles when having a day at the Polo.
Regards,
BC

[bahnstormer109]

my old 78 280SEL had a rubber mat under the carpet, and my 79 450SEL only has a carpet mat. dont know if this is how it came new or is the rubber mat has been lost along the way...


as for the carpet/ rubber, rubber/ carpet argument, who knows what was meant to be under what, if you like your rubber on top, swap them over!!

[gregdeklerk]

Looks like I may have started a chicken and egg debate. For the record gentlemen, I have my carpet over my rubber mat.

Greg