This seems to be common item to break on 129 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gary Ganaway · #1 10-02-2006, 01:42 PM

Almost every picture I see, and also on my 95 Sl500, one of the knobs on the center air vent is missing. Not a big deal but it really bugs me. Any after market knobs available even if it means taking off the good one to replace so they both match?

TX76513 · #2 10-02-2006, 02:44 PM

I guess MB had to keep up the tradition - like the tow lug covers on the 126

Mike Miller · #3 10-02-2006, 03:24 PM

Good luck, Gary. ALL my knobs are gone on my '92

. If you find some, let me know.

LeaUK · #4 10-02-2006, 05:06 PM

Mines off too , although I'm lucky enough to still have it. Aren't they available from Benz?

GregE240 · #5 10-03-2006, 08:31 AM

Don't know about the centre vent, but replacing the control knobs on the side vents is a pain in the proverbial.

Drivers side on mine came apart a few weeks ago. Its a few hours labour, I'm told. Not an easy job.

Mike Miller · #6 10-09-2006, 07:52 PM

My dealer said you can not buy knobs for the R129. You have to buy the entire vent. It was a while ago, but I think they quoted $80 per side and $200 for the center!!!

I painted the little metal nubs left with black paint and said the heck with it. I am still bothered by them and keep looking for someone with a doner car, but it sounds like everyone has the same problem.

Noeljb · #7 10-09-2006, 08:09 PM

What does the knob of the vent look like?
I have seen a replacement for my 79 450 SL. Are they the same? If so I will search for them for you.

Mike Miller · #8 10-14-2006, 12:28 PM

The vents are not the same. The R129 has a flat slider that moves the front vanes up and down and the rear vanes right and left. When the slider comes off, it is broken. It leaves the back half laying uselessly in between the front and back vanes. Looks like crap and operates like crap

Roncallo · #9 10-16-2006, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Miller

My dealer said you can not buy knobs for the R129. You have to buy the entire vent. It was a while ago, but I think they quoted $80 per side and $200 for the center!!!

I painted the little metal nubs left with black paint and said the heck with it. I am still bothered by them and keep looking for someone with a doner car, but it sounds like everyone has the same problem.

Sounds like some smart guy can make some cash hear. I just paid $50.00 for a set of sun visor clips for my 107. This kit contained 2 male and 2 female plastic clips that go onto the $450.00 visor from MB. The only way to get the clips from MB is to buy the whole visor. Thank god they sell the bulbs for the visor illuminated mirrors.

John Roncallo