satx78247

As some here know, I just bought a one-owner, low mileage, 420SEL that is in excellent overall condition EXCEPT that the 420 SEL badge fell off.
(I have the correct emblem, thankfully.)


What's gotten me confused is WHERE the emblem fits on the rear of the trunk lid of the 1986 year-model.
EVERY Mercedes that I've ever seen has the series badge on the left/driver's side of the lid BUT in this case it looks from the remainder of the adhesive makes it look as if the emblem was on the right/passenger's side.


Can any of you S-class experts throw any light on this "small mystery"??
(I'm going to reattach the emblem but want to do it correctly.)


yours, tex

Plutoe

No free mystery---there is a template available at any MB dealer---give em a call

satx78247

Plutoe,


Pardon me for asking IF any of the 1986 420SEL cars came with the emblem on the right side.
(Our local MB dealer doesn't know what you're talking about, btw.)


yours, tex

Plutoe

Post your VIN and I will take my time to search!

satx78247

Plutoe,


pm SENT.


yours, tex

Plutoe

Go back and ask for a copy of document "RA88001260505z" in WIS-----all very clear as to template bla bla

satx78247

Plutoe; ALL,


I'd still like to see a "period photo" of any 420SEL of 1986 with the emblem on the right/passenger's side, as I want to do this task correctly.


yours, tex

sliver 126

tex. The emblems came on either side.
My 84 had the model designation on the left and the turbo diesel badge on the right.
The petrol cars had them mostly on the left but there are many on the right.
Probably to do with which side of the road the car was made to be driven on.
Google your year and model and pull images.
There are plenty of each.

satx78247

silver126,


THANKS. = Fwiw, a "google search" for 420SEL images was the first thing that I tried, with NO help. = What few rear views of a 420SEL had the badge on the driver's side.
(I've "messed about with" MB cars for 3+ decades & have never seen a gasser with the badge on the right side. = What has me "confused" is the "ghost of the badge" on the right side, since as best I can determine the sedan has the original factory paint.. = My 1986 300SDL has the series badge on the left & the turbo badge on the right..)


THANKS AGAIN, tex

sliver 126

tex. Most correct then might be to go with the majority and what you are comfortable with.
If there is no other evidence than the ghost of a badge that might even have been a dealer sticker from original sale or perhaps the trunk lid was replaced when the car was fairly new and it was taken from a euro import with badge on opposite side.
I thought the badges back then all had a mechanical fastening through the body.
There should be some evidence of filled holes possibly on the inside of the panel.