Crazy4Diesel, are you saying I have to replace the whole switch? Does it come with the cable assembly? Maybe the cable cannot be purchased separately.

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Treiberg's Collection: 1981 240D, 1985 300SD, 1992 300E, 1997 E300D, 2005 C230K

The string of beads are part of the switch, not the cable. And in your case the string looks like it was ripped right out of the switch. The cable just ends with a little wire hook. The cable is a separate part, I don't have the number, but I doubt it's damaged, they are pretty tough.

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1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

Thanks Crazy4Diesel, that was helpful information that allowed me to get things back in order.

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Treiberg's Collection: 1981 240D, 1985 300SD, 1992 300E, 1997 E300D, 2005 C230K

While you have it all apart, you might want to squirt some oil (I like to use ATF) in the cable housing end, where it connects to the bead & switch assy.
If your fan switch was getting hard to turn before the dirtbag wrecked your controls, that air-mixer cable is pretty long where it doubles back behind the heater-AC box, and can get very stiff after many years.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

I'm glad you got it back together.

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1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.