Rubber trim around rear tail lights 1969 280SL

[silver surfer]

So my car never had this but SLS sell a length of rubber section that fits over the chrome light frame to protect the bodywork where they but together. Is this original please and if yes could someone please post me a picture so I can ensure I refit correctly?

Many thanks 

[mrfatboy]

My Aug 68 280sl did not come with rubber trim.  However, my friend's Aug 67 250sl has it.  The theory is that his was added later as a "dealer fix" or "service bulletin" to stop water intrusion.

Jon B (forum member) did some research last year and found that the part was added sometime in 1969 (if I remember correctly). Jon B would have to verify again😁

[Jonny B]

I did some searching through the list of changes and on the forum posts.

I found two references. One by Gernold (SL Tech) saying the strip showed up at 10650 in the run of 280 SL
Another by mbzse stating it shows up at 7938 on the 280 SL - This corresponds to a change in the taillight style to the amber squared off units.

[Pawel66]

If I may advise (just been through that) - consider buying it from the dealer, A 111 826 51 97. This is as of chassis 10650.
There is a similar seal for the trim strip above the licence plate. This one I bought from SLS (NLA in MB) and the fit is not so great.
For reasons I do not remember, I did not use the seal for lamp on that trim piece, perhaps it was different...

[mrfatboy]

 Before I knew my car did not originally come with the rubber trim I bought both pieces from SLS. 

Pawell is correct in saying they are not the best fit but with a little fanagling they work.

I think I used some silicone to keep them in place.

[Pawel66]

Yes, exactly - you need something to make them stick and not slide off.

I think I remember now: I ordered two pieces from MB. They came in 350mm lengths. It was too short to use for the strip o ver the license plate. That is why I ordered from SLS the piece for trim strip.

[silver surfer]

OK great - thanks for the advice.
Should all cars have the rubber section to fit the chrome strip above the licence plate?

 

[Pawel66]

What I see in the EPC, this part (pasting content from EPC):

A 001 987 44 51
RUBBER SEAL
374 MM GARNISH MOULDING BETWEEN TAIL LAMP AND LOCK 113044, Note: As of chassis 007938.

[mbzse]

Chassis 007938 (280 SL) it is (once more... Interesting how these subjects keep popping back up...)
Guess putting matters into Tech Manual is the solution (mea Culpa...)

See this Forum thread; Reply #5...
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=18452.msg128730#msg128730

[Pawel66]

It is, certainly, not your fault, it is our fault - we are taking shortcuts...