When starting my car ('95 C280), the temp. displayed on the instrument cluster is approx. 30 degrees below the outside temp. This has happened 2 of the last 3 times I've started the car. After 10 minutes of driving, the temp. will then shoot up to what it should be. Does this have any effect on the functioning of the climate control? Is the sensor bad? How to repair or replace?

It has no effect on your climate control as it is simply a sensor attached behind your front fender connected by a lead to the display on the instrument panel.
Probably your sensor is faulty,on some cars it is a plug in part, but in yours I think it is attached to the the lead and is not detachable. Do a search for "ambient temperature sensor" on the (BUY PARTS) link at the top of the page and you will find which part fits your car. It is possible to cut off the old sensor and fit the separate unit if you have any practical skills .

Thanks Shandy. How best to get the piece free away from the molding? Does it just pop out with a little force. I'm a little reluctant to force it out.

Which piece from which moulding? On the earlier model the sensor is held in place by a small nut and bolt . On the later model where the sensor unplugs it is just clipped in place as far as I know.

Geo.

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If I disconnect mine will it make the weather cool off?

Seriously, I hate it and call it "the lying robot," after a gauge aboard a spaceship in a Larry Niven SF story. I don't want to be reminded how hot it is outside! The one on my W126 never worked, and I never missed it.

Is it possible to disconnect it without cutting or ripping anything? If I can take it out, will the gauge area simply go blank, or will it display some number like 999 (which would be worse)?
.

__________________
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-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino

early 202's had a time delay temp sensor dependent on engine and/or vehicle speed. could be normal or bad sensor probe.

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'81 240D -sold
'89 300E -sold
'79 300SD -no oil I-10
'86 300SDL-totalled
'91 300SE -sold
'79 300SD-
'97 E300D
'95 YOTA4WD