The other day one of the vent diffusers over the console lost its friction and became loose. When tipped down over about halfway, it will slip and point all the way down. In addition, I put the fan on high today it spit out a small bit of black plastic.

Has anyone any suggestions? Can these be replaced? Thanks

Dave:

From one of my previous posts: "Had the same problem with a couple of my vents (1986 2.3-16V). I ended up purchasing ALL new vents (qty: 4). The price was pretty reasonable at my local MBZ dealer -- about $9.00 each. Other than that, I was told you could remove the vents and glue a small strip of felt to either of the sides to create more friction. To remove the vents, get a couple of needle-nose pliers and a rag (to prevent
gouging the vent). Grip a vent blade near each end of the vent and pull straight out. To install, just line up the slots with the pegs and push in."

Hope this helps.

Brian
*1986 2.3-16V
*Pearl Black AMG rims, yellow calipers
*Pearl Black grille and frame
*Euro headlights, clear blinkers
*Smoked taillights
*Zebrano wood kit
*White-faced gauges
*H&R springs/Bilstein shocks (yet to be installed)

My '93 190E has got through about 451,478 of these in the 4 years I have had the car. They are made of really crummy, thin plastic throughout and genrally get wiped out when I take it to the car wash and the guys inside swipe them with the leathers. They do indeed just pull out with a pair of pliers and the up and down motion is restricted by a small spring wire held in place with a plastic, heat impacted joint, all very naff and very fragile. Repairing them seem very difficult and I have just resigned myself to buying new ones ever so often, these bits really ought to be remade as a modification, the ones in my 500SEL are much, much better and will likely last forever.

------------------

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help.

I replaced both center diffuser vents and one of the outboard ones on my wife's 190.

Yeah, they're cheesy but easy to replace. You can use a butter knife or any other thin, flat but not sharp blade. Slide it between one end of the diffuser and the dash, where it rotates, then gently press the knife against the diffuser to pry the diffuser out from its pivot hole and away from the dash. Then do the other end of the diffuser the same way.

The new part simply slides in and latches itself into the two pivot holes in the dash. Shouldn't take more than 5 minutes, tops. You might ask the dealer if it's cheaper to buy them in bulk, seeing as they only last about 10 months before they start pointing at the floor again.


------------------
Al Spalmacin
1989 560SEL
1989 190E 2.6