W124 models without automatic climate control still had a form of climate control that provided true temperature control by way of a closed loop feedback system utilising a temperature sensor near the interior light with a small suction fan near the glove box (at the left-hand end of the dashboard in the case of the right-hand steering cars we have in Oz). In fact, the "manual" climate system appears superior to the auto climate system in that it offers separate left and right temperature zones (controlling two heater cores via a duo-valve) and affording the user complete control of air direction and volume (fan speed). Apart from occasional issues such as discussed in this thread, the manual climate system also appears to be more reliable than the push-button auto climate system. The attached image shows the air direction and air volume rotary dials as well as the two temperature thumbwheels (calibrated in degrees C in the case of Oz delivered cars).

Greg

Attached Thumbnails

 

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107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.