decal location confirmation

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

I know I have seen it written in the Tech Manual that the attached oil decal is to be located in the boot next to the Tire Pressure decal.  To me, this seems like an unusual spot for this decal.  I am not questioning the Tech Manual but just interested in members perspective of why this location?

I also have been questioned by others that this appears wrong, (and I am interested in the proper response)

jb

[neelyrc]

jb,
My guess is that there is variation over the years and possibly even between countries.  My 1969 280SL (007749) factory delivered US Specification car does not have the oil decal at all.

Also, I see that your tire pressure decal is a complete German language version, probably because of German specification, whereas mine is completely in English and only provides tire pressure in psi.

[Jordan]

Can't answer the question but I see the padding under the cross member is also different.

[Jonny B]

A good question, and one we have enjoyed conversing about here in SoCal - placement of decals.

My view is the while we tend to obsess over these details, exact locations are not really known. This as evidenced by different locations in different original cars.

I would keep in mind that there was no "locator" tool for decals, these were put on as the car came down the line, and could be in somewhat different locations depending on who was doing the application. While partially hand built, the folks on the line were trying to get the iron out the door and were not going to be spending time trying to ensure that such and such label was exactly 10cm from there, or 20 cm from that.

Again, my rumination on a Wed morning.

[Garry]

Like John, I suspect they just slapped the single decal on by hand and every cars probably has it in a slightly different position.

[lreppond]

I’m of the opinion that there were no standardized placements of these decals. Heres a pic of mine.  Different than all the rest pictured here.

[ejboyd5]

Never underestimate the possible influence that liquid refreshment may have played in decal placement.

[BobH]

So that's what DUI means, Decals Under the Influence!

In answer to John's original question

Seems 230's and 250's had less decals or engineering tags than 280's, even in USA cars

I've never seen very original or "correctly" restored 230's and 250's with the oil decal on the boot/trunk lid, only on 280's, and perhaps not all 280's had them, maybe only USA cars

I don't think there's a definitive answer to be found, the closest confirmation possible would be from owners of family owned cars with proven provenance 

Just my two pence worth