I read all the info ref. center vent light replacement but it didn's seem to fit my 92 400E. I removed a screw from the vent side via the glove box, and released the clips from the top and bottom of the left side of the center vent, but it seems to be held in by a connection from the "wheel" to the inner workings. It's bad enough the local Benz dealer charges $1.40 Cdn. [15cents U.S.] and the other vent lights are easy to replace. What's the cure for this? Thanks in advance.

From what I remember, the center vent is less intuitive than the other two vents when it comes to light bulb replacement. Look for a small plastic "trap-door" around the wheel, and see if that pries open. Should be on the bottom.

I think the metal grille separates from the rest of the assembly, via small plastic clips, but I don't remember if that helps gain access to the bulb chamber.

I don't know if the center vent on my '86 300E is similar but I'd bet it is. Besides the fasteners you mention, you need to remove the screw adjustment inside the vent. It takes a small hex wrench. You put the wrench in between the vent louvers and unscrew the screw. Then the assembly comes out, but mine was pretty tight.

After replacing the bulb and inserting the vent assembly, you need to replace the adjusting screw. Screw it in until the little air wheel can turn the flap from open to just closed. You'll need a small flashlight to see inside the vent assembly.

there are some pics here from when I removed the dash that might help but dont remove the metal front piece separately as the rest can then fall apart.

http://photos.wanadoo.co.uk/album/1259925

Keith

Do you have an update? Do you have the light bulb part number?

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

there is a little hex bolt that connects the horizontal vent slats to the little wheel so they open and close with the wheel. my advice is live with the light being out because it is a bee-otch to get the placement correct when you reinstall so that the slats open and close with the wheel, plus you risk the slats falling out and they are a pain to get back in.

__________________
2005 Mercedes C230k sport sedan, 6 speed
1987 Porsche 924S - 968-engined track car

Too late! I already took it out. I need the bulb and I'm missing the little hex bolt. I already started another thread with pics:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=124094

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

Good luck getting that little wheel to adjust the slats again. I came to the conclusion that if the angle is off by 1/10 of 1 mm either way, it won't work like it is supposed to. I tried about 25 different angles and none worked, I just left it so the vent is always open as I don't think I've ever closed them in my life anyway. The bulb you can get any auto parts store, I think the no. is 321 but that may be wrong.

__________________
2005 Mercedes C230k sport sedan, 6 speed
1987 Porsche 924S - 968-engined track car

1/10 of 1 mm ....

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