Hello,

Could someone please tell me how to replace the dash centre vent capsule bulb that illuminates the knob?

Cheers.

(W124 230TE 1989)

You need a torch, a couple of jewellers screwdrivers and a set of hex keys (because I have forgotton the size).

Shine torch in right hand side of centre vent, locate and remove setscrew with hex key. Look into centre vent top and bottom right and left and you will see 4 small catches, taking one side at a time stick a screwdriver in each and sort of squeeze together (on the top one you put down pressure and vice versa)at the same time ease the vent assembly out a little and then repeat other side.

Once out the lamp replacement methodology is obvious.

Reassemble by pushing vent assembly back in, locate setscrew and tighten.

Hope this helps
NormanB

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NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

Pretty certain it's a 4mm hex key.

On my cars the center vent only has catches on the left hand side - top and bottom. The right hand side is held in place by a phillips head screw which is accessed by opening the glove box door. Don't know how it works on 124 cars with passenger SRS, the bulb has not burned out on my '93 yet...

I've can't seem to source these lamps at McParts stores. It's dealer or a Mercedes specialist. My local dealer charges ~$4.00 each for those microscopic little lamps! And yes, I understand the economics of dealer parts departments, but it still seems a bit steep.

- JimY

Thanks for advice. Sounds straightforward enough.

Fastlane and/or partsshop should have these bulbs. At least, I've seen bulbs that *look* like them here.

Also, at least on my W124, the bulb is behind a little plastic hinged "door," once open, use needle nose pliers on the plastic blade (not the metal bulb leads) to yank it out.

$4.00 each is an outrage for those bulbs. Try looking for Sylvania #2721. Most McParts store have these.

***** I forgot that! I must be getting old - only did that job about 2 years ago..............you are correct screw in glovebox is retainer for that side of the vent.

Hangs head in shame - walks slowly to the door - bye folks

NormanB

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NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

Is the Sylvania #2721 the correct bulb for the dash centre vent capsule bulb that illuminates the knob?

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

For a second i thought we were cutting the headers off or something, then I remembered:

torch = flashlight

Something like this will do:

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz