DD-ization, Part 1

I was able to source some used center console switches (air con, cabin air recirculation) to replace worn ones, and when those are installed (assuming they fit), the temperature knob lighting bulbs will be replaced. This should improve the overall look of the cockpit, currently it all looks a bit broken...

This car is equipped with what Merc call orthopaedic front seats, meaning there are air bubbles inside the backrest which you can adjust to your desired hardness and vertical position. So front seats with lumbar support, basically. The air cushions are controlled by a control unit attached to the seatbelt lock. The air goes from the vehicle's pressure system to the cushions via air hoses, meaning as far as I can tell it's all completely mechanical. Problem with mine was, the driver's side control unit was leaking, so there was a constant hissing at regular intervals inside the car, like someone was breathing heavy all the time next to you. Yes, I checked the trunk and there were no FBI informants to be seen, so I concluded it was the lumbar support controller hissing away.

A new one would've been 220 euros at the very least, at a finnish website selling OEM Merc parts, but again I was able to source a used one for next to nothing. Worked fine, installed easy and now there is some beautiful silence!

I mentioned some "necessary services to make an old M117 into a realiable everyday powerplant". Well, actually there are things related to the engine, and some that aren't. Here's a list I cobbled up for me ol' trusty mechanic.

Engine:
- Timing chain & guide rails replacement
- Oil & filter change
- Fuel mixture optimization
- Engine idle speed too high when warm, need to find out why (probably an air leak somewhere)
- Install block pre-heater
- Check coolant

Powertrain:
- Check transmission fluid and flush if necessary.
- Need to adjust kickdown, it's a bit too sensitive currently
- Check diff oil

Center console:
- Switches and bulbs, mentioned above

Etc:
- New headlight wiper blades (wanna guess how much these were at the stealership? Correct answer: 80+ euros a pop, no I didn't buy)
- Blower motor replacement
- The plastic panels running the length of the car need to be removed and the metal underneath cleaned up & derusted if there's rust 

The timing chain & blower motor were the most expensive parts at about 120 and 300 eur. There will be labor of course but in the end it's necessary that all the stuff there gets taken care of.

Pictured here: headlight wiper blades, oil filter, timing chain and guide rails, Defa block pre-heater, center console switches, blower motor

After this maintenance visit (went in today, hopefully finishes early next week) I'll start working on getting the car rustproofed. Again a bit expensive but should pay for itself in mental wellbeing and fewer rust repair jobs in the future.