are there any servicable parts inside the pre glow relay? is there another relay that controls power to the preglow relay on the d.s. fender?mine stays energized drawing the battery down to nothing.
there are two connectors going to the relay/timer. when the large one is pulled off the batt voltage goes up above 12 volts. when the small one is pulled off there is an audible click and voltage goes above 12 volts. when left connected voltage is 11.5 and drops steadily to nothing. nada. nil.zip zilch zero. i drove 2 hrs(no choice)and even turnsignalswould work.battery dead. 195 dollars at local parts store new. 150 plus shipping new online and 95 used. anyone know a better place online to buy used?

 

car-part.com

 

I once had a 1979 300D that was in very poor condition whenI bought it andthe glow plug relay went out. At the time, I did not want to spend the money a new one would cost. For about $10, I bought a new starter solenoid from the local auto parts store, and mounted it where the glow plug relay was. I ran a 12 gauge wire from the battery side of the solenoid to a $2 push button that I mounted on the dash board, back to the control terminal on the solenoid. I attached the glow plug wire and the indacator wire to the starter terminal on the solenoid. To use,simply push the button and count to 10,15 or whatever before turning the key.

Admittedly, this is not very elegant, and the car is no longer "original," but what the hey, it's cheap and if that's what you can afford, go for it.

 

That also does work. You can also pick up aVW dieselrelay and use that to run your GP's. You can find those in most wreckers. You can also check other forums such as mercedesshop.com and post a WTB thread. Lots of guys parting out diesels there.