1969 280sl Exhaust Manifold Correct Identifying Numbers And Letters

[Pascal59]

I have a 1969 Mercedes Benz 280sl automatic with fuel injection and my mechanic lost my rear exhaust manifold.  I am looking to find a correct and matching rear exhaust manifold and I have noticed that there are other numbers and/or stamps that are on these monifolds.  Does anyone know the correct numbers and/or letters are?  I know there is a Mercedes emblem stamp next to the part number.  I know the correct part number is -129 142 0202 WI- I believe.  But I have noticed there are other numbers stamped on them.  One I'm looking at to buy has two numbers stamped below the part number.  Those numbers are 10 then 9.  Does anyone know what these numbers mean and are they correct for a 1969 280sl?  And, on some, I see what looks like a bigger letter "D" stamped on it too.  Some don't have that on them.

I attached a picture of "my" front exhaust manifold.  I am looking to buy a rear one.

i apprecitate any help in identifying the correct and matching rear exhaust manifold for my car.  I have been very frustrated and want to make sure I am buying the right one.

[Jonny B]

Not sure about the small set of numbers, but as far is I know, the manifolds for the 113's after the change from the early 230 SL are all the same. The number could be a manufacturing date stamp? If that is what it is, and you want an absolutely time correct number, you should be able to find one. But I think you should just look to find the specific part number and carry forward.

Will be most curious to learn what others have about that small number set.

[wjsvb ✝︎]

The manifolds are the same as 280SE/SEL sedans; may also be able to use 280S.  The part number is 129 142 02 02; the letters following the p/n probably have meaning to the assembly plant but none to us AFAIK.  The smaller number on a pad is the date code.  Any manifold with this part number will work unless you are searching for the correct date code for your car.  There are a number of maniflods available on eBay @ $2-400 or so.  Jon

[Benz Dr.]

280 S  won't work - only 250SE or 280SE will work.  These manifolds often break near the turn in the casting where it forms the main tube so check for cracks.

[Shvegel]

I have either a front or a rear.  I will check tomorrow.  The important number is the part number.  The rest is either mold ID or date coding for when it was cast. Europe is fond of listing production schedules by the week of the year.  10 9  possibly means 10th week of 1969.

[Shvegel]

It's a front date coded to 1969...bummer.

[Shvegel]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-REAR-EXHAUST-MANIFOLD-280-250-SL-SE-113-111-1291420202-280SL-250SL-/172321718705?fits=Make%3AMercedes-Benz%7CModel%3A280SL&hash=item281f2cc1b1:g:qyIAAOSw2GlXI6OK&vxp=mtr

[Cees Klumper]

does anyone know how much these cost new these days? Mercedes won´t allow anyone else to sell them anymore, as with so many other parts, and I can´t find how much they charge for anything somehow. Never figured out the parts numbering and I tried a subscription to the EPC thing one year but couldn´t manage that either. Last time prices were known a few years ago, they were EUR 1,100 each plus VAT.

[Cees Klumper]

Just tried every available original MB parts supplier's website I could find (including the one in Atlanta, and the official MB site). They make you either fill in a lengthy form with name, phone number etc so they can search for that special part for you and let you know the price etc (ie no online info available) or in the case of the MB site that will let you know " parts availability in Germany (...) and the price", when I type in the required info (W113, engine series) and then the part name (manifold, wheel, fender, it doesn't matter), the answer is always "0 parts found".
Why MB won´t offer a simple online parts catalog with prices, like everyone else has figured out how to do, I can only guess: the less transparent they are, the higher they can raise the prices. Seems to run counter to the purpose of our group, to maintain and preserve these cars, but, hey, they are in it to make as much money as possible I guess, not much else.

[Benz Dr.]

Just getting that figured out there, Cees? 

 I have plenty of front manifolds in stock but only a couple of rears. They're the one to break if anything does. Rear manifolds should cost more due to this fact as there won't be as many good ones around.

I would imagine the patent ran out a long time ago. Could be a good chance for aftermarket to step in and make a high quality casting. Odds are it would end up being some cheap PRC crap that would not benefit any serious owner.  

[Shvegel]

1291420202 is still available.  List price $1370  discount price $1018 USD.