Typical 15 year old Benz, doors are a little slow to lock, trans is a little harsh when cold, sidevents don't blow air the same as the center vents. Winter isn't going to help any. Is this something a grade-B DIYer can and should do with ease? What do I ned and where do I begin? Any gotchas? I still haven't ordered a Haynes for this thing yet, and I can't find one locally.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

A car that age won't have brittle vac lines inside the car, under the hood yeah, but very unlikely inside. Your vac problems are most likely with the actuators and/or control valve(s). Not to be condescending but if you have to ask then it is probably outside the scope of your DIY abilities but with a good manual and the right tools, not impossible.

IMHO the 124 Repair Manual on 2 CDs with the Startech parts system is much better than any of the manuals.

Bob