Help solve the mystery!!
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1971 W108
Help solve the mystery!!
Hi all,
So I've owned my 1971 W108 for about 8 years and have been slowly addressing issues since I got it. I'm now trying to tackle what I can only describe as a mystery.
In the center panel where the electric window switches are, there is a 5th switch in the center. Its presently not doing anything but has the same design and action as a window switch. I assume its original/factory or dealer since its a stock design part. The car does not have a sunroof. Everything else electrical works.
In researching I can't find any clues. Most photos I find online of other 280SE sedans don't have the switch.
Anyone out there with the same switch? Any clues as to its purpose?
Thanks in advance,
So I've owned my 1971 W108 for about 8 years and have been slowly addressing issues since I got it. I'm now trying to tackle what I can only describe as a mystery.
In the center panel where the electric window switches are, there is a 5th switch in the center. Its presently not doing anything but has the same design and action as a window switch. I assume its original/factory or dealer since its a stock design part. The car does not have a sunroof. Everything else electrical works.
In researching I can't find any clues. Most photos I find online of other 280SE sedans don't have the switch.
Anyone out there with the same switch? Any clues as to its purpose?
Thanks in advance,
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1971 W108
So I've found 2 other photos that show a switch in the same place. One is a 1971 300 SEL 6.3 and the other is 1969 300 SEL 6.3.
Last edited by Alba108; 04-30-2019 at 09:14 PM.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Exactly which model do you have? What is your VIN/chassis number? This can help identify the function, based on the option content of your vehicle.
The three photos you posted: your vehicle, the 1971 6.3 and the 69 6.3 each have a different transmission shifter arrangement. Does this provide any clues?
The three photos you posted: your vehicle, the 1971 6.3 and the 69 6.3 each have a different transmission shifter arrangement. Does this provide any clues?
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thanks Chassis.
It’s a 280SE sedan, M130 engine.
vin: 108.018-12-083992
I’d considered options...maybe central locking?
Re the shifter, I have the steering column shifter but I could think how that related.
It’s a 280SE sedan, M130 engine.
vin: 108.018-12-083992
I’d considered options...maybe central locking?
Re the shifter, I have the steering column shifter but I could think how that related.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Just guessing:
- rear window heat
- rear window sun shade (probably not this)
- central locking
- window lift lock
Do you have the owner's manual?
- rear window heat
- rear window sun shade (probably not this)
- central locking
- window lift lock
Do you have the owner's manual?
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1971 W108
Good suggestions
- Rear window heat is part of the specification however the switch is a pull switch on the dashboard just below the clock cluster.
- Rear window shade isn't specified. I don't think this came until later model years.
- This is still a possibility. I haven't had a chance to investigate. I'm going to verify whether there are actuators behind the door panels or lines in the door connector hoses, Or any sign of pneumatic pump/valve in the engine bay.
- Not sure what you mean by this? If you mean stopping windows from being operated that is the small black square switch on the left between front and rear buttons.
Afraid I don't have an owners manual for this one.
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You need more information:
- parts catalogue
- service manual
- owner’s manual
- electrical diagram
- vacuum diagram
Remove the switch from the console. What comes out with it? Wires? What colors are they? Vacuum tubing?
You need to to keep digging.
- parts catalogue
- service manual
- owner’s manual
- electrical diagram
- vacuum diagram
Remove the switch from the console. What comes out with it? Wires? What colors are they? Vacuum tubing?
You need to to keep digging.