Is there a diagram anywhere that explains what they all mean? I just bought this car and it came without an owner's manual. I can kinda figure out some things, but I wouldn't mind seeing if I'm half right in my interpretation of MB's graphics on the switches.

thanks!

I suggest you buy the owners manual + service manual.

MB Tech Manuals from MBUSA cost $19.99 plus S&H
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=142445






Have a great day.

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I know how you feel. When I first got my 85' 380SE, I was confused at the controls. I ended up buying a owners manual from a member here that had one in his wrecked 85' 380SE, which is the same owners manual that your car uses.

You may also want to search the "parts" site on these forums, or check e-bay. I am not sure what all "additional" switches are on your consold, but mine has some I am still unsure of. I know the window switches and the mirror switches. There is also a "wheel" type looking switch. I think it has something to do with the antenna reception? Other than that, I do not think I have anything else. On the center dash, I have the rear interior light switch, then the sunroof switch, then the hazard lamp switch, then what I think is the power antenna switch, then the rear window defrost switch.

On your car, the 500SEL, I think they have a few more switches there. Perhaps a couple are the heated seats?

It took me forever to figure out where my sunroof switch was. I was afraid to push too many buttons in the beginning, because I was unsure of what they all did.

Hope you are enjoying that car! Is it still doing well?

__________________
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1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)

The car's still doing great. I think I have the heated seats, windows & such figured out, but the climate control is still a little weird. Do the settings with a white arrow actually turn the compressor on and the empty arrow just turn the fan or vent on? I guess the EC is "economy" setting. Then there's the two fans, one white one empty, and an auto switch in between them. Ugh, I guess I'll have to spring for the owner's manual from mbusa.com. $20's not bad, I guess.

OK, your ACC buttons;

Left to right, Defrosing windscreen, Air up and down, Normal (most air down) Economy, Off.

Fan buttons top to bottom, Max fan, auto mode, minimum fan.

As you have ACC - NO heated air will come out of the rear center vents, it will come out of the vents under the front seats. I add this 'cause many complain about the rear seat being cold and have blocked the rear under seat vents with mats.

86, that 'wheel' in the console is for the speaker fader (if still connected).

__________________
1988 W126 420 SE

beware of fundamentalists!

I will ditto 420SE's comments, the "fan" buttons are for low (for the bottom) and high (for the top) and the center is automatic mode. It will change as you change the temperature selector wheel. I do not think those buttons automatically turn it on, unless the system "thinks" it needs to do so to adjust temperature.

I am puzzled about the "EC" button you are referring to. My 1985 380SE does not have that. Perhaps that was something only on the 500SEL for 84-85?

Agreed- $20. for a new owners manual is very good. I paid $22. I think for a used one from a member here on the forum, but it did include other manuals, such as warranty info, service booklet of some sort and the factory tag that was attached to the cruise control- which is pretty neat.

Good luck - glad to hear the car is still doing well. Makes me wish even more I had of bought it. Seriously, I am glad it went to a good home.

420SE- thanks for that info about the "fader". I will check it and see if it still works. Interesting indeed.