tifosiv122

I have an '03 and I saw a picture of what I can assume is an '02. I noticed it had 2 different "wheels" one in between the 2 vents and one by the top vent. I know this is the setup on the C320s, but is this an 02 exclusive or some sort of Euro thing?



Thanks,
Erik

antonio

im not sure what the 03's look like, but all the 2002 and lower c classes look like this. whats yours look like? any pics?

tifosiv122

Identical without the 2 wheels...I will grab a pic tonight.

Erik

CitronC230K_03

when you say 2 wheels are you referring to the one between the center vents and the on the dash?

Mercedes

My 2003 has the wheels on the side of the vents, Not in the middle

tifosiv122

Here is a pic of an '03: {Excuse the Radar Detector and Wire, new one going hardwire next week}




Thanks,
Erik

antonio

cool. i never use those things. they're a waste if you ask me. just another button. i always keep them closed anyways.

tifosiv122

IMO I like the look of the '03 better. The blue does not match anything and the wheel on the top vent just looks weird.

Erik

viper

Some of the early 2003 C-class models have the knob on the top vent and in the middle as in the 2002 models. They removed the knobs a little later in the production cycle. It is called a running change. They did it to clear up the problem with people complaining about condensation on the windshield and the outgassing problem. Plus they saved a few dollars in the process. I prefer the knobs because it gave you more control of the air flow.

tifosiv122

Yes, but as antonio said, they usually remain closed. Our 320's have not been opened yet.

As for the "running changes" this is a 3rd and 4th change behind the seatbelts and the "hump". I know there are another 5 or 6...

Erik

CitronC230K_03

thats common though for most new models to have changes between the 1st and 2nd model years. also VW is very common with having running changes as well.

viper

This must be pretty problematic for the dealers when customers start comparing the different running changes in the same model year. Imagine a customer saying no I don't want that car you have cause it does not have the new feature.

tifosiv122

As I understand it most '03s on the lot don't have these "new features" and the ones ordered usually do. In this way the customer who goes to buy one off the lot most likely won't know, and the ones that order, won't remember...except the engine, none of these changes are huge and most will not notice it.

Everyone else's '03's have a 22psi Turbo right?

Erik

Mercedes

Your saying you didnt get a turbo with yours:p :p

R4ND0M_AX3

My '03 has the dial on the top vent but not between the two center dash vents. So looks like there are three flavors out there so far.

FrankW

I like the blue air flow knob. it looks cool, IMO. But i never use the top vent as i think it's useless, when i open the top vent there is virtually no air coming out of the front.

CitronC230K_03

i would assume the upper vent is to open and close it. but what does the center blue dial do?

FrankW

as it says on the manual, it's the air flow control for all the vents, but it won't turn the air off even it you turn the knob down all the way. It only makes the air coming out very very small/weak

dswildfire

i thought the manual says that the blue dial is for using the outside air as opposed to just fan-blown air? (dont ask me how you get air from a fan with no incoming air)

tifosiv122

If this is the case it would be only when your moving...its a setting called "vent" on most American Cars.

Erik

FrankW

interesting...I shall read my manual more carefully...lol

BlackC230Coupe

on my 02 i have what i guess we can call 4 wheels? 2 on the sides of the vents and 1 blue on in the middle and that one on top. I never really knew what the blue one and the one on top was for. its really a waste to have so i can understand why it was eliminated on some cars. Although i like the way it looks better with them, somehow when ever people come in my car they always ask what those 2 extra wheels are for and i say umm.... i dont know, just extra wheels.

Lynn

4. Thumbwheel for adding outside air at air outlets for center, left, and right sides, as well as dashboard top center and rear passenger compartment.


2002 C230k Operator's Manual, Pages 152 and 153.

The wheel on the dashboard top vent is an "air volume control...on dashboard top center.

FrankW

if MB eliminate the turnwheel on top of the dash, then what does the top vent do now?

Lynn

Probably nothing. It is not used for the defrosters, and I never could figure out what to do with it, except fog up the windshield. I'll bet it has been disconnected to stop complaints from owners about fogging and condensation. The only reason it is still there is probably because that is where the Bose center-fill speaker is located.