Help!!!!! I have a 97-S320, and a 98 S420. Both have a couple of the bulbs blown in the knobs that open and close the dash A/C vents. Does anyone know how to get to those bulbs. I don't want to damage the wood paneling by prying on the knobs. From my experience with older MB's I know there must be a simple way to access the bulbs, but there is nothing on this in the owners manual or the maintenance CD I just bought. HELP Please.

Welcome to the forum.
The info you're looking for (changing the bulbs in the S Class W140 "thumbwheels") has been discussed here before. Please run a search to find what you need. If you come up empty, let us know.

No, its not simple or easy (by my standards) for simply changing bulbs. But, its well within the DIY category.

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KenP

1996 S500 W140 Coupe

Thanks for the help KenP. I found a post you did on this back in 03', and will try this evening. Here is the text of that for future reference.

Thanks again, kcscout

(Note: Copy of 9/22/03 post from KenP on w140 thumbwheel removal)
This one I've done... and its a pain... to remove the thumbwheels, you have to remove the liner for the small compartment above the center vent... then remove the center vent assembly... that will expose most of the wood strip with the wheels....
On the far right of the wood strip, facing the glove box door, is a small plastic trim piece... you pop that off exposing a screw. Take the screw out and the wood piece, with the wheels, will come loose starting with the right side.
Don't know if you can access the other end of the cable or not via removal of the radio... I went in from the front.
While you're there, replace the two light bulbs for the wheels... :-)
Hope this helps, KenP

I finallg got the right information on how to change the light bulbs in the AC vent thumbwheels on the dash of my 97' S320 and similar models. I was previously instructed to partially disassemble the center console, but that is not necessary. As I suspected there is a simple way to access these that only takes about 5 minutes.

First, open the glove box to access the side of the wood molding around the thumbwheels. There is a small plastic cap on that end that covers a screw. Use a very thin knife or similar tool to pry the cap off. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE WOOD. Remove this screw so you can remove the molding.

Second, Remove the molding by gently prying starting at the glove box end. There are two places along the monding strip where the molding is held to the vent thumbwheel frame by snaps. these will pop out with gentle prying. ONce the molding is off you will see two screws along the bottom edge of the thumbwheel frame. remove these.

Third, to remove the thumbwheel frame from the dash, there are two retainer clips along the top edge that have to be depressed. I used a small thin knife. Once you release these clips, the thunbwheel frame will slide forward and out of the dash.

Lastly, There are two light bulbs in the top of the thumbwheel frame each centered between two of the thumbwheels. These twist right out. You can find the bulbs on fast lane or at the dealer. They cost about $4.50 each.

Good luck and hope this post helps someone.

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KCScout
98 S420 My Wife's Baby
97 S320 My road car
83 300D My old road car (love that diesel)
81 300SD Wife's former Baby
81 240D A fun stick shifter
71 220D My first one

I have a 1999 CL500, thanks for the info on the bulb replacement.
It worked perfectly and took less the 10 minutes for the whole job.
I can always count on this site for great information