As a new owner of a 1991 200 te I was wondering whether the roof rails can handle weight (ie. ski box) or are they simply decorative? Also, any advice about buying cross-rails. The dealers are very expensive.
Thanks.
I know of some at a local parts yard in Bellingham. www.gundies.com They have a 94 or 95 TE with the crossmembers in black. If i were you i would buy crossrail kit from Yakima or Thule that mounts to your roof rails, thus eliminating the need to buy the factory bars, and then you are "in" with their systems which are configureable for their various products. I have the yakima system on my TE as does my father on his Allroad. I use mine for my bikes, and for my kayaks, he uses his for his bikes and has a "rocket box" for ski gear as well.
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::Familie von Mercedes::
'00 German Sheperd ("Hans")
'89 300 TE 117k
'92 400E (killed in action)
'68 280 SE/8 (High School Sweetheart)
'95 E320 (mother's)
'60 190D (dad's new project)
'05 A6 Allroad 2.7t (dad's ride)
'84 190E (sold)
'90 300CE (brother's)
the roof rails are not just decorative -- they were meant to be used. you'll see that the wagons are actually very well-engineered workhorses. i don't remember the weight limit off the top of my head, but it should be in your manual.
but i agree with the suggestion above -- you're probably better off fitting an aftermarket rack to your car -- it'll give you more options down the road.
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