'96 E320 Blower Not Working
 

My AC doesn't do anything when I turn up the air level. I checked the fuses, but don't really know one controls this. How can I find out if the blower motor is messed up and i need a new one or if its just something small and electrical. i am positive if i take this to my MB dealer he will just throw parts at it.

Blower and/or regulator are the most likely culprits.

Under the dash, r/h side. Remove cover , 3 wire connector, check for power and ground, small wire is signal from the ACC panel, set your DVOM to voltage and look for steps in power from 2v to 6v or so for the different blower stages. If you have power, ground and signal jump 12v to the blower direct and check amp draw, if its over 12 at full speed, you need both. They are also updated and unless you buy a nos regualtor you really want to replace both.



Joe

You can jump 12 volts to the blower motor itself and see if it runs. The usual problem is the blower motor regulator, but MB redesigned the system and most of the time you need to replace both the regulator and the blower, plus a small section of harness which was redesigned, oh and a new plastic plate that covers the blower:rolleyes: .

Gilly

how much do these parts cost on fastlane?

and is it pretty easy to do, im not an expert but not an idiot either... I am going to check it all out tomorrow

getting really hot so i am going to work on this on saturday... can any of you give me more specific directions on where this panel to find the motor is??? also i am sort of a newbie at this so what will i need to do in order to test the regulator and motor. hopefully its just the motor.

It is not a difficult repair, aside from laying in the passenger side footwell. The regulator went out on my '98 e320, and I had to replace both my regulator and blower with the newer versions $$$. Fastlane will save you alot compared to the dealership.

If you find that the blower is bad, I'll sell you my used one assuming the '96's use the same part. That way you don't have to buy the new regulator.

Just to clarify, it's under the dash on the passengers side. If you look under the dash, the black plastic trim panel has I believe 3 screws that retain it. Just remove the screws and the front of the panel will pull down, then can be slid back towards the passengers side seat and removed. The cover to allow access to the blower motor and regulator is then visible, it also is held in place with screws. You can then remove the cover and see the motor and regulator very plainly.

Gilly

Alright, found everything you guys were talking about and tested the motor. Unfortunately for me the motor works fine so it looks as though I will be buying alot more than just a new motor. You guys have really helped me alot and I appreciate it.

I didn't really see the regulator or know what it looks like. So my next question is where is it and how do I remove it to replace all the parts.


Thanks Guys

Fastlane doesn't seem to carry the blower regulator. Anyone know why or another good place I can get the parts from cheap.

Thanks

Give Phil at Mercedshop.com a call to get the part. He has other means...

If memory serves me correct, the regulator is mounted to the blower. Just follow the wires. The new regulator looks different, but still mounts to the new blower. Once you get the parts, you'll see.

I also remember that the Fastlane database called for a new wiring adapter and a housing cover. The wiring adapter was already included with either the blower or regulator (I can't recall). My '98 already had the new housing cover, so all I really needed was the regulator and blower. Your mileage may vary...

Would it be a stupid thing to bypass the regulator completely and just let the motor run constantly at high. Will this work?


Kind of trying to save some $$

Been there done that
 

Hi,
I also had the same problem as yours. Mine is also a 96 W210.
I think this is a very common fault of 95-97 model W210s

you cannot by-pass that blower regulator. It will not work and the blower might be broken plus it might cost you more $$$ to spend.

The blower regulator for the W210 96 model is not sold anymore and has been discontinued. You may just get the one from the S-class W140. I used that part and it works. It is identical aside from a shorter wiring which can be easily transplanted from the old blower regulator.

I made this conversion a year ago and as of now, it is still OK.

I was suggested by the dealer to change the whole blower and regulator to the updated one but it cost a lot. Got the simpler fix and saved a bundle.

Thanks.

wow. that sounds exactly like what I need to do to save some dough. Can you give me the exact part number? And does anyone else see any problem with this or think its a bad idea.

Thanks

Conversion
 

The conversion is actually recommended by my service advisor in the MB dealership and it was done there.

part number 140-8218351

i dont see that part number anywhere on this sites online catalog.

also, just to make sure i am clear... i need a blower regulator for the '96 S320?