Gas Cap Just Purchased

[StevenF]

Dear Members,
I just purchased this gas cap.  It all points to OEM but I wanted your opinions as well

Lastly, do you think I need a new cork ring? : https://www.authenticclassics.com/mercedes-230sl-250sl-280sl-Gas-Cap-Seal-Ring-p/auth-002502.htm

All my best,
Steven

[Pawel66]

The part number suggests it was a gas cap with lock number undefined and should have been stated while ordering. Should be Ymos.

I think the part is original.

Just that it is not for 280SL - I would have thought that for 280SL cap should have a key hole for symmetric key as 280SL were one key cars (as of 250SL number 043 002980).

[Lori]

Just that it is not for 280SL - I would have thought that for 280SL cap should have a key hole for symmetric key as 280SL were one key cars (as of 250SL number 043 002980).

I don't believe that is correct Pawel.  My US 1968 280sl vin 2074 has 3 keys.  They are original and stamped with the numbers that match the data card.

[BobH]

Sorry to wander off piste from the original question, but there is some confusion about when the three keys changed to one, the tech manual wasn't really clear, if it was in there i couldn't find it.  i did find that there was an ignition switch change in late 1969 after chassis 11948, so i've taken a stab that this was when the keys changed, and i've updated the manual accordingly.  If anyone knows for certain please let us know

[mdsalemi]

Dear Members,
I just purchased this gas cap.  It all points to OEM but I wanted your opinions as well

Lastly, do you think I need a new cork ring? : https://www.authenticclassics.com/mercedes-230sl-250sl-280sl-Gas-Cap-Seal-Ring-p/auth-002502.htm

All my best,
Steven

Steven, it IS an OEM. NOS maybe?
Now, do you need a new gasket? Well, put it on the car. As you twist and turn the cap into place there should be some resistance. When on firmly, and in the motions of installing, turning etc. there should be no "play" at all, but some firmness.

If you have any looseness or play, replace it.
If there is any sign of degradation, replace it.

The mantra I always follow (but not observed by all) is if it needs replacement, replace it. If you THINK it needs replacement, that means it really does. Don't fool yourself. Replace it. It's likely to be one of the less costly things you'll ever buy for a Pagoda.

[Pawel66]

I don't believe that is correct Pawel.  My US 1968 280sl vin 2074 has 3 keys.  They are original and stamped with the numbers that match the data card.

Lori, thank you, you are correct that I may not be correct...

I took it (probably too quickly) for ignition key change. I checked the door and trunk.

Ignition - key change at  043 002980, I guess together with steering column, key is called Master as well, which is probably wrong. This is the only change to switch, lock and key the system mentions.

Doors: master key appears at 044 010356.
Trunk: master key appears at 044 010356.
Fuel cap: no info.
Glove compartment: no info. Just info it is same as trunk.

So my vote would be for change at 044 010356.

[StevenF]

Mike,
Thank you for your advice regarding the seal ring. Based on your knowledge and experience do you think it is oem?  It has the star, although I have seen various "imprints",it has the ymos key,although I have seen different variations of that as well and lastly the box that appears to have all the correct numbers.  Clearly it is not the exact one for my car as mine fell off back some time ago.  To me,it looks like an oem piece but I always welcome opinions from the group from people that know more than me
Let me know what you think
All my best
Steven

[mdsalemi]

Mike,
Thank you for your advice regarding the seal ring. Based on your knowledge and experience do you think it is oem?  It has the star, although I have seen various "imprints",it has the ymos key,although I have seen different variations of that as well and lastly the box that appears to have all the correct numbers.  Clearly it is not the exact one for my car as mine fell off back some time ago.  To me,it looks like an oem piece but I always welcome opinions from the group from people that know more than me
Let me know what you think
All my best
Steven

Well with the box and all, if it isn't OEM, either new or NOS, it's a forgery! It's one thing to make things that look like OEM, another entirely to present them as OEM with original boxes, etc.

Aside from the keying issue (number of keys per car) I think the essential cap remained mostly the same over the production run, meaning the chrome casting was the same.

That's one way to tell OEM from aftermarket or forgery. Rarely do the repros match the quality of the plating.

[StevenF]

Michael,
Do I have to take the insides of the cap to replace the ring or does it slide over?
Regards
Steven

[stickandrudderman]

Original caps with the impressed emblem came in both asymmetric and symmetric key versions.
If you ordered a cap on its own from MB you would get asymmetric but if you ordered a complete lock set you would get symmetric.
I tried and failed to swap the locking mechanism from one to another.

[mdsalemi]

Michael,
Do I have to take the insides of the cap to replace the ring or does it slide over?
Regards
Steven

Easy install, slides right over. The aftermarket rubber ones generally need to be stretched to fit over.