Is new genuine MB heater hose a modification?

[rutger kohler]

Hi, I am fitting an MB  replacement heater hose on my 280SL.  When it arrived it was substantially longer than the original and could thus also replace a short pipe bend and another short hose as seen in the attached photo.  The photo doesn't really do the replacement part justice as I have had it on and there are no kinks  when it is fitted, I would be happy with this from an engineering point of view.  What I want to know is that if I fit the new part in it's entirety will it downgrade the originality  of the car? If this is the consensus then I will cut it back to the original length and refit the short pipe bend and other short hose.

[Jonny B]

Most interesting. I just went to look at my 280 SL to see if I could understand where this hose fits. I replaced all the hoses last year, and did not have any issue with a longer hose. The only place on my car with a hose somewhat like this, is for the connection to the small fitting on the water pump. The hose is easy to spot as each end is a different size. I have a small section as the original one noted in the photograph, but there is not a small pipe, but a "Y" fitting, with a connection for the coolant around the inlet air manifold. Is this a right hand versus left hand difference??

[rutger kohler]

Hi there, thanks for having a look at your car and coming back to me.  I have seen those y shaped systems but they are definniely not for my car (RH drive) would be good if I could get more feedback from others too.