Okay, I am officially befuddled by the w124 climate control.

When I test drove the car a couple weeks ago the AC worked great and I swear cold air was coming out the center vent. I know i checked it because I know it can be a problem. My wife confirmed this memory. I also remember that, because the car needs a new belt tensioner, when I was testing it out, the AC kicked off and we got warm air through the center vents for a bit. It was, I should mention, super hot then, over 90 degrees and the car had been sitting out all morning.

Now i get nothing out the center vent on AC. side only with a small amount from the defrost all the time in the regular a/c setting. But its been a lot cooler, with the temperature setting of the control almost the same as that of outside temperature. It does not seem like any vents are blowing as hard either. but that may be my imagination. The whole car gets icy cold if i crank it right down, and then the fan clicks down to almost nothing. So its cooling right at least.

So here is my question: does this sound the dreaded vacuum valve(s) is gone or going, or is it normal for the center vent to cycle on and off depending on how cold the car thinks it should be. I have read that it can and that it is normal for the defrost to send a but of air up the windshield, and then I have read that this is a sign of vacuum doom.

Also, the AC just went through a big refurb not long ago with new comp, evap, new control panel, new center vent, etc. I would assume when they pulled the dash that all the vacs were replaced as well, for good measure, but maybe not. I guess I need to sit down with the PO's repair records or call the mechanic up and ask.

But before I do that, just thought I would ask here because either: 1) I just entered the joys of MB ownership and have to cough up 1k to open the dash or become very handy very quickly; 2) the car is smarter than me.

BTW, besides that, the car the DREAM! I love it.

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Christopher

400e >> 1992 >> 196k miles
Black Pearl Metallic/Grey Interior