Hello there again.

Since discovering these on-line 107 forums I have admittedly become more obsessive with what my car may be missing.

I have had it since new, and never remember seeing a screwdriver in the red fabric rolled tool kit that is in the trunk. Some other MB models from the same years have a screwdriver in the kit, but I can't determine if the 107 came with one. They all have different contents for some reason.

My car is an '85 SL. Anyone with a similar series (e.g. '85 380SL, etc.)...do you have a "factory" screwdriver? Maybe the tool kit changed from year to year? 1982-85 would be the most precise, I guess.

I never thought of this until I recently saw all these older OEM MB tool kits for sale, some with a black screwdriver and some with a double headed version.

Just wondering if the screwdriver may have disappeared somewhere along the way, or if they came with this series of 107s at all.

Also, did the euro versions of the 107 (like the '85 500SL) have a emergency reflective warning triangle mounted under the trunk/boot lid? I can't remember if mine had one in europe, or not...I do have the "factory" foldable triangle kit with the orange/yellow plastic case mounted in the space to the right in the trunk.

A few things may have disappeared in shipping from europe. They warned me about that. But I don't remember having these 2 items (screwdriver and mounted warning triangle), anyway.

Otherwise, other than factory plastic wrappers on items (I'm amazed that some cars have those), I think I am finally back to -nearly- complete. =)

Except that clear plastic MB manual/tool holder that I stupidly threw away years ago...and the small front air dam (replaced in Germany by AMG with an AMG air dam when I ordered the car in 1985, and they kept the original one)...and...it never ends, does it?

I have decided that the condition of my '83 280SL Euro will never be "concours" so I have decided to relax on the "missing" stuff. It was driving me nuts AND costing a fortune. Ironically, one of the few things left to get was a tool kit which someone just recently gave me. It was from a 79 450sl and had a screwdriver. My 280 also has the fold up triangle in the yellow case stored with the jack behind a panel in the right quarter panel.

I am missing the entire tool kit, I did get one off ebay and somehow misplaced that too, you would understand if you saw my garage. Anyway, every tool kit I have seen has had a screwdriver in it. Search around ebay and I'm sure you can find a suitable replacement. If your tools are like mine, they ALL have legs and like to take walks.

The tool kit thing I have trouble understanding.
Every SL came with one. They can be described as "cheezy" at best and I would use them as a total last resort. But what the hell could you actually fix with this kit? They came with the car so why would someone remove them from the car? How do they get "misplaced"? I happen to know there is now a 79 450 sl missing a kit but a 280 sl gained a kit. I can't believe the dealer wants $285.oo CAD for one and Ebay between $80 and $150 US for a used.
And while I am on a rant, who the hell needed my owners manual MORE than me and my car. And that keypunch card thingy. And a soft top handle. I think I was probably lucky to get the spare tire.

The tool kit may have strong tools but they appear to have been forged in Taiwan sometime in the 1970's. My kit was pulled from my car when I bought it and is in storage. The car deserves better tools than this! I bought a breaker bar, appropriate socket and extension for the wheels, and even a torque wrench from Harbor Freight. Incredibly, they don't rattle in the tire well.

On the logic behind it even being provided, I just don't get it (some European law at the time?). I can see the 1980's owner pulling out the golf clubs to to a quick plug changeout while on the way to the country club...

I do, however, like the idea of a first-aid kit; I didn't have one with the car, but I was lucky enough to obtain the kit (and the not easy to find holder for it). I did, however, relocate it to the trunk, over the battery.

I agree...why people bother to take these "worthless" things that are only of value to the car itself, I have no clue...

A family member took ALL my factory MB spare keys (why?) and lost them.

My screwdriver probably ended up at a (now deceased) friend's house who "borrowed" my "amazingly versatile" MB tools out of my car...his house is where I also found my wrench lying around about 12 years ago, now that I think about it.

I was missing a convertible top handle too. Maybe a valet took it or a repairman..who knows. The original handles can be absurdly overpriced as well. I fought a hard battle for one on eBay, lost, then found one that the seller has mislabeled as a "handel" (bad spelling sellers can be a blessing for buyers on eBay as they don't show up on searches)so I "won" it fairly cheaply.

People take car manuals, too. It's bizarre. I have been luckier with mine. Someone nicked my friend's Lamborghini Countach manual and that cost her over $250.00 US to replace with an original. She could not enter a concours without it.

A Malibu CA policeman went through my trunk several years ago and ripped open my nice factory sealed MB First Aid kit (probably looking for contraband, as if anyone would hide stuff in there!) when I was pulled over because I still had the Swiss plates on the car (was waiting MONTHS for the US title to arrive in the mail after the conversion so I could get the US plates). No apologies given. He just rifled through the trunk, checked the car's papers, looked confused, and let me go. At least he left the bandadges and things sealed. It is a relief having the car totally CA/USA legal now.

I threw away the clear plastic manual holder...I thought it was worthless and it was falling apart. Now I see sellers on-line bragging about them.

I guess it's time to start locking my glove box.

It may be time for me to get obsessive with something else other than every little 107 part I may be missing.

...And boy do I want to rip off those little yellow turn lights from underneath the front of my euro bumper. Retrofit rewiring will be a pain, though.

quote:

Originally posted by nobby:
The tool kit thing I have trouble understanding.
Every SL came with one. They can be described as "cheezy" at best and I would use them as a total last resort. But what the hell could you actually fix with this kit? They came with the car so why would someone remove them from the car? How do they get "misplaced"? I happen to know there is now a 79 450 sl missing a kit but a 280 sl gained a kit. I can't believe the dealer wants $285.oo CAD for one and Ebay between $80 and $150 US for a used.
And while I am on a rant, who the hell needed my owners manual MORE than me and my car. And that keypunch card thingy. And a soft top handle. I think I was probably lucky to get the spare tire.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 107_AMG,

Hello Strife,

My battery is and has always been in the engine compartment ('85 500SL). I'm curious what models had this...as I was unaware until recently that most 107s had the battery in the trunk/boot.

That's neat you have a First Aid Kit holder.
I have the rear "kinder" folding seat option in my car, so guess the guys at the MB factory...well, after they put in the seat, they just threw the First Aid Kit in the trunk where the battery was supposed to be, I guess. Probably the same guy that later drove the car to AMG or wherever and took my "Bundt wheels" and front air dam after they put on the AMG stuff. He must have had fun that day. I'm sure they sold my stock 14" Bundts to somebody. Why I never thought of asking for them, too....they would have fit in the trunk and the back seat area and I could have used them for winter tires.

My FirstAid kit just floats around in that "battery" space. Now I want a holder for the first aid kit, too.

Oh no, here it goes again.

quote:

Originally posted by Strife:
The tool kit may have strong tools but they appear to have been forged in Taiwan sometime in the 1970's. My kit was pulled from my car when I bought it and is in storage. The car deserves better tools than this! I bought a breaker bar, appropriate socket and extension for the wheels, and even a torque wrench from Harbor Freight. Incredibly, they don't rattle in the tire well.

On the logic behind it even being provided, I just don't get it (some European law at the time?). I can see the 1980's owner pulling out the golf clubs to to a quick plug changeout while on the way to the country club...

I do, however, like the idea of a first-aid kit; I didn't have one with the car, but I was lucky enough to obtain the kit (and the not easy to find holder for it). I did, however, relocate it to the trunk, over the battery.

The last car I had with a trunk battery was a '78 Austin Mini.
Amazingly, the fist aid kit was still with my car and contents unopened and intact however one of the plastic latches is busted off. Oh well can't win 'em all. It too resides in that "battery" well in the trunk.
I guess had I paid $20,000.00 for my SL, the accessories probably would have been there and in good shape.

My understanding is that U.S. models with catalytic converters had the batteries moved into the trunk due to the heat given off by the cats whereas Euro models (without cats) have the battery under the hood. I'm not sure when this design change took place.

I have tool kits from 1983 and 1984 380SLs; they both have the black plastic handled screw drivers. I agree- these tools are really of poor quality.

Steve

1984 380SL
1985 380SL Euro (dead)

Thanks all for the info!

I found an old MB screwdriver...I'm going to bid on it.

And I think I found the correct holder for a First Aid Kit too. I really don't need it.

But it's fun to hunt this stuff down.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 107_AMG,

Oh No !

I was able to get a first aid from ebay. I didn't know I needed the holder also.

Is all lost? Are there any holders out there?

Only time will tell.

Yes, my '85 380SL has the complete Tool Kit with Screwdriver. I also have the original First Aid Kit complete with all of the contents ... that have aged to where I would not use even if I were on the side of the road bleeding

I was lucky to have purchased a 38,000 original miles 380SL from the original owner ... this was the literal "old lady who only drove it on Sunday's". It also had the original unused spare with the Mercedes tag on it given it had never been removed from the trunk.

It is always worth emailing the Classic Center parts people at www.mbusa.com. They need to know your VIN. I've been pretty specific about what I want and they've come through with part #'s, suggested list prices, and even diagrams as attachments. If they come up with a part #, your dealer CAN get it. NOTE: It may or may not be a good idea to use your Euro VIN. Get a VIN from a friend who has a first aid kit and holder!

Good idea, Strife. They always seem to prefer US models at the MB dealers...

I'm always reluctant to go to Mercedes Benz in Beverly Hills for fear they will laugh at my "funny looking" euro, as a used car salesman once called it.

Although the one time I went to MB BH, the salesman came out and said "What a beautiful european model." That was nice, for a change. And WI Simonsen MB in Santa Monica is wonderful. Just very expensive for repairs.

I actually need to go because I want my 250,000k /155,000 miles (?) "free" Mercedes badge, since my car now has 165,000 miles...and the dealer has to sign that form. You get a neat document and free "mileage award" badge from Mercedes.

Maybe they can get the 107 headlamp wipers/motors for me...that's the only option my car does not have (I think)..useless and I'm sure very expensive to purchase and even more to install...I know you have to drill. But I want them sooooo badly. I can't believe I actually requested them not to be put on when I ordered the car eons ago. If anyone wants to sell them...=D.

quote:

Originally posted by Strife:
It is always worth emailing the Classic Center parts people at www.mbusa.com. They need to know your VIN. I've been pretty specific about what I want and they've come through with part #'s, suggested list prices, and even diagrams as attachments. If they come up with a part #, your dealer CAN get it. NOTE: It may or may not be a good idea to use your Euro VIN. Get a VIN from a friend who has a first aid kit and holder!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 107_AMG,

I have a genuine US “Four Eyes” 380. Can someone give me the part number for the First aid kit holder? Maybe I’ll ask about the seat belt holder also.

The one I got is original, & depending on how badly I was bleeding I might be tempted to use it if I was on the side of the road.

Thanks

I found a whole rear shelf on eBay...with the holder and first aid kit. The auction is over but it looks like it did not sell, so you could contact the seller...Blue carpet is the wrong color for me, though:
Item number: 8074114628

I can't find the proper part number for the 107 holder...it may be the same unit for other MB models. Here is one for the 240D, and it looks identical, with the same shape and holes:
Mercedes-Benz Part # 115 865 0255

My kit is intact...open but intact. I hope to never have to use it...the bandadges probably need to be held on by scotch tape after 20 years, and who knows what else is degrading inside that time capsule of medical engineering MB blessed us with.

SB

quote:

Originally posted by KKCC:
I have a genuine US “Four Eyes” 380. Can someone give me the part number for the First aid kit holder? Maybe I’ll ask about the seat belt holder also.

The one I got is original, & depending on how badly I was bleeding I might be tempted to use it if I was on the side of the road.

Thanks

I have a first aid kit holder avialable.

Email me at james.l.johnson@mda.mil.

Hope this helps.

Jim Johnson

I'm going to pass on the first aid holder, so it's up for grabs.

curiousity got the best of me and i opened up my fist aid kit... where you aware that the bandages are pure silk?

Silk bandadges? That's neat. I have to check mine out too, although the stuff is staying sealed. I did see some scissors in there.

Jim, thank you for the First Aid Kit holder offer. I read your post a bit late. I already purchased (ordered) one...I hope it's the correct type. It looks identical... why do I need it? I have the back seat...maybe I will mount it in the trunk (????) I don't know. And I also found the useless but invaluable MB screwdriver on eBay. The one neat thing I discovered is that my original tools all say "Made in West Germany". So maybe I have the non-Taiwanese tools.

And I am looking for that clear plastic manual holder that holds the top tools...even though I have a nicer black leatherette/zipper one from an SL500. Mine disintegrated when Reagan was still in office and the Berlin Wall was still standing.

Why this "everything original" fever has gripped me, I don't know either.

The 107 headlight wiper assemblies are impossible to find, even through the MB Classic center. Baffling. Which is why I am trying to get these little things that are missing for my car right now...sometimes it seems readily available parts just disappear when you want them.