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S-Class (W126) 1979-1991: 300 SE, 300 SEL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 420 SEL, 500 SEL, 560 SEL, 360 SEC, 500 SEC, 580 SEC, 300 SD TURBODIESEL, 300 SDL TURBO, 350 SD TURBO, 350 SDL TURBO

What are these connectors please? 1987 300SDL

     
Old Nov 19, 2025 | 08:35 AM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Question What are these connectors please? 1987 300SDL
Dear All,

Just bought an 87 300SDL and noticed these 3 connectors with transparent connector ends and what look to be brown wires. Couple may be brown with white. They are right next to the battery on passenger side.



What are these and where do they connect? Would really appreciate any input please.



Kind regards
Right next to battery
Right next to battery
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 09:13 AM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Also, what is this part. I seem to be missing it on mine. saw a pic online
The circled part
The circled part
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 09:25 AM
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Connectors look aftermarket like what is supplied with accessory lighting. I'd trace the cable and see where it leads.
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 09:33 AM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Originally Posted by streborx
Connectors look aftermarket like what is supplied with accessory lighting. I'd trace the cable and see where it leads.

Thank you. Do you have any idea what that black circled part is in my 2nd post? I seem to be missing it.
Regards
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by C_R
Thank you. Do you have any idea what that black circled part is in my 2nd post? I seem to be missing it.
Regards
No idea about that. Maybe related to whatever the dangling connectors were for?
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 05:22 PM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Originally Posted by streborx
No idea about that. Maybe related to whatever the dangling connectors were for?

Thanks what I'm thinking but I can't figure out what it could be.
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Old Nov 19, 2025 | 05:24 PM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Would really appreciate if a fellow owner of 86-87 SDL would look under their hood and if they could jot down a part number.
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 03:47 AM
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looks like a hood switch.
So car knows when hood is closed.
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 04:54 AM
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2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Lots happens in 38 years. The three connectors may have been part of an aftermarket alarm system or radar detector system?
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 05:12 AM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Originally Posted by ygmn
looks like a hood switch.
So car knows when hood is closed.

Thank you. However, I don't get any alarms in the car as hood being open since this is missing.
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 05:16 AM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Originally Posted by smiles201
Lots happens in 38 years. The three connectors may have been part of an aftermarket alarm system or radar detector system?

Could be.
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 06:46 AM
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300sel- w109 .1971
Originally Posted by C_R
Thank you. However, I don't get any alarms in the car as hood being open since this is missing.
the wire conhectors were added for powering something. . Best Removed
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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 08:46 AM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Found out what that was.



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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 09:55 AM
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Cars of this era were equipped with small incandescent 12 volt bulbs for this purpose (my '95 Jeep has one). But it's so dim and hits me in the eyes such that its illumination is worthless. A $5 LED light with a magnetic hanger from Harbor Freight does a much better job!
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Old Nov 21, 2025 | 02:07 AM
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maybe those wires connected to the missing switch?

SO hood switch but for a light?

On my GM truck the light uses a level switch so when hood open fully it comes on...
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Old Nov 21, 2025 | 12:06 PM
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2012 GL450 1987 300SDL 2006 E350
Originally Posted by ygmn
maybe those wires connected to the missing switch?

SO hood switch but for a light?

On my GM truck the light uses a level switch so when hood open fully it comes on...

No. I think, hood swith for the alarm system.
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