Could anyone advise me on the expected efficiency of the heating system on the 124. I just got this one, my first, and wonder if there is some common problem that would make the heater less than friendly. (dash temp gage displays around 40 when hot).

Thanks

The dash temp guage (in the middle of the instrument cluster) is displaying the approximate outside temp. Does the heater seem to be warming the car adequately? (Fooled me too when I first got mine. :o ) The heater controls on these are not at all like American cars - the arrows are a little trickey until you understand the system, which is logical once figured out. Read the thread http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/12525-nothing-blows-center-vent.html . At the end a description of the climate control buttons is discussed, if you don't have an owners manual. Hope this helps.

[Edited by JCE on 03-29-2001 at 09:13 PM]

124 Heater
 

Thanks, that was quick. The gage I refered to is on the left, looks like engine temp to me.

I am English, I sort of expected more heat from a European model. No, I do not think its very warm. In fact if I press the off button while driving I think the air coming out of the side vents is hotter than when its on.

Your reference could be right on the mark.

Mike

If your eng temp is staying at 40C it is not reaching operating temperature. I would suspect a faulty thermostat. The heater in a 124 will never run you out of the car but it will get quite warm when working properly

I should clarify my last post a little better. If the temp is staying at 40C the COOLANT is not coming up to temperature.
Also MB temp gauges read in Celcius (sic) not in Farenheit. At a normal operating temp of 80C this would convert to about 190F. 100C is 212F, the boiling point. :)

300E Heater
 

Thanks for all of your inputs, I will check the thermostat to see if its jammed. How long would you say it should take to get to temperature ?

300E Heater
 

There is the problem, it gets up to 40 in about 5 minutes of driving and then stays there.

I think I had think problem in another car once. Is it difficult to get the thermostat out of this engine ?

Thanks

Mike

The thermostat is easy to replace. Follow the big hose coming out of the top of the radiator towards the engine. The first metal connector is where the thermostat is kept at. Remove three or four bolts and you will see it. Replace the "O" ring and the coolant at the same time.

300E Heater
 

You guys are the greatest and this site has class !

Thanks for all our your help, I am off south of the border next week, but will get on it as soon as I return.

Thanks again.

p.s. not to good on MB's yet, but if you have any computer questions I will try to help you in return for this help you gave me..mmudditt@thinairco.com

To whoever hosts this site.....Thanks

1990 300E 2.6 129000
1999 ML430 26000