I was at the auto show in Anaheim yesterday and saw the 2003 models for the first time (I have a 2003 C240 wagon on order). I was shocked to see that both of the C240 sedans they had on display were missing 2 of the vent controls that were on the 2002s. These knobs are also shown in the 2003 brochure. One is the knob between the two center dash vents (which I think controls the air temperature from those vents). The other was the knob on the dash-top vent (which I think deflects the air from the center vents to the dash-top vent). They also had a C coupe, and it had the dash-top knob but not the one between the center vents. No one there knew anything about it.

This is one of those obscure features that most people wouldn't care about, but I do. I loved that on my old BMW I could get air at any temperature to my face while heating my feet. Most American and Japanese cars give you too-warm air to the face when set to bi-level. It really was one of the reasons I picked the Mercedes.

Is this more decontenting? Anyone know anything about this? Can any of you with 2003's tell me if you have these adjustments or not? Thanks.

 

yes, the new 2003 coupe doesn't have the dial between the vents.

personally, i think it is pretty useless and never adjust it. YMMV.

 

I didnt notice that, but I was disappointed with that show. Mostly actually with Mercedes' booth. No 2003 S or CL's??? WACK!

 

I assume Anaheim is a small car show, right? If so, the cars are probably mostly supplied by the dealers, and the dealers don't have S or CL's yet, so that's probably why?

 

yeah, most cars were supplied by dealers. by the benzes they had posts with fact sheets about the cars and at the bottom was the dealer name

 

kens, my 2003 brochure shows several shots of dashes with both thumbwheels you describe in place... the "blue" between the center vents and the one in the center top vent. My brochure has a white cover with a silver sedan. It's certainly possible MB has made changes after my brochure was printed.

The center vent wheel adds outside air to the upper dash vents. It's not a temperature control itself, so if the outside air is cooler than the heated air inside, you get the effect you describe.

The dash top center vent wheel diverts some of the treated air from the upper dash vents to the windshield area (disburses to your face/upper head). It also contributes to windshield chemical hazing when the car is new.

I don't use either control much, but I guess it means alot to someone used to the convenience.

 

I have seen and test driven a 2003 C320 sedan. This was only last week, and the car had BOTH difuser and cold air vent control knobs in question. ???

 

I've seen several C-class with and without. I believe it is when they were built for the 03 model year. Early on you could get the S/R without the C2 package and autodimming mirrors std ala 02s. Some of them even came with the Tele-Aid launch promotion for free. I think anything built after September doesn't have either the vent controls nor the other options. May just be a cost cutting measure to stay competitive

 

Please tell me this is not the case! This would be a really big deal to me. I have an almost fully-loaded 2003 C320 on order, and I would be shocked and disappointed if it did not have the vent control knobs in question!!

 

I can only tell you what my STEALER told me and what I've seen with my own eyes: i.e 03 C320 in K-mart parking lot without the goodies.

 

I went by the local MB dealer this morning to check out their '03s. They had 7 C240s on the lot. 1 had both knobs, 4 had the top knob only, and 2 had neither knob, like the ones I saw at the auto show.

They had 6 C320s. 5 had both knobs, and one had the center knob only.

So it's not real clear what's happening, but it looks like they are phasing out both knobs on the 240s and maybe the top knob on the 320s. Maybe due to the fogging problems from the top vent.

This is a real disappointment to me. Being able to get cool air to the face at the same time as warm air to the feet or defroster is a necessity to me. I'm amazed at how many cars only give you slightly less-warm air from the face vents in bi-level mode. I'd assumed that the center vent knob would let me do that but without it I'm not sure. I'm going to need to try out the heater/vents on one of the dealer's cars to make sure. If I find the face air is too warm for comfort that will be a deal-breaker.

Of all the things they might eliminate to save costs, this is the last one I'd have them drop. Probably saves MB a few bucks on a car I'll be paying over $35k for. Pretty disgusting.