fogging windshield
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C240 02
fogging windshield
Does anyone still have the problem of the windshield fogging up when the AC is on. This usualy happens right at the center. I think about a year ago people were talking about this then i think someome mentioned a part number to fix this issue. My dealer has not heard of a fix yet. If anyone has this issue please give me advise and i would for sure appreciate a part number please. I need to take that to the dealer.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
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My understanding is that the part number that "fixes" the fogging problem (not A/C condensation on the outside, but hazing on the inside) effectively closes off the vent, meaning that it is no longer a useful vent.
I have found that keeping the windshield as clean as possible inside, minimizes the problem until the solvents within the vent system have a chance to leach out of the plastic. Then, no more "fogging/hazing" occurs.
I left my vent open for the entire first summer we had the car and cleaned the inside of the windshield once a week. It was a pain in the butt to do this, but after 5-6 months in the hot Texas Sun, my fogging cleared up, and I've had not a stitch of problem since. I now clean the inside of the windshield every other month or so... no problems at all.
And, because I DIDN'T have the dealer play with it, I now have a fully functional dash top vent, too (not that I really understand why I need it)
I have found that keeping the windshield as clean as possible inside, minimizes the problem until the solvents within the vent system have a chance to leach out of the plastic. Then, no more "fogging/hazing" occurs.
I left my vent open for the entire first summer we had the car and cleaned the inside of the windshield once a week. It was a pain in the butt to do this, but after 5-6 months in the hot Texas Sun, my fogging cleared up, and I've had not a stitch of problem since. I now clean the inside of the windshield every other month or so... no problems at all.
And, because I DIDN'T have the dealer play with it, I now have a fully functional dash top vent, too (not that I really understand why I need it)
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From: Orange County, CA
C230 Sedan - 6 spd.
Originally posted by electromethod
Until you show the mods some respect then I doubt anyone will answer. BTW... try searching the forums. I just did and found what you were looking for.
Until you show the mods some respect then I doubt anyone will answer. BTW... try searching the forums. I just did and found what you were looking for.
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C240 02
First, thanks MB BOB for your reply. Very detailed and nice but i think there is a part number out there that actault takes care of this issue completely
Second, to the 2 people who found the asnwer to this issue, it would have been nice and mature of u to post it and help a fellow benz owner out. I never once did not help someone out when i had the answer. I have posted part numbers and descriptions of issues and resolutions. I did not disrespect anyone unless they caused issues and attacked me. Shame on u for acting like kids
Second, to the 2 people who found the asnwer to this issue, it would have been nice and mature of u to post it and help a fellow benz owner out. I never once did not help someone out when i had the answer. I have posted part numbers and descriptions of issues and resolutions. I did not disrespect anyone unless they caused issues and attacked me. Shame on u for acting like kids
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I had this done by my dealer and the problem went away and the vent worked as before. I have been haze/fog clear for over a year. It's easy, use the search button an you will discover the world of in valuable history. 
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C240 02
Ok i found the part number, and i will be NICE AND MATURE enough to post what i found so others would not have to search or look for it if they have this issue now. I have copied a portion of a reply:
"Replace center grille with part number 203 830 11 18." Presumably, this updated vent has less chemicals in it which cause fogging on the windshield.
Only problem is does anyone know if this part is for the C230 or the C240? Buellwinkle if u have any input or know please advise, thank you
"Replace center grille with part number 203 830 11 18." Presumably, this updated vent has less chemicals in it which cause fogging on the windshield.
Only problem is does anyone know if this part is for the C230 or the C240? Buellwinkle if u have any input or know please advise, thank you
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The part varies by color so if you put in the same exact part number as I have you'll get an Oyster insert, so you dealer is the key, not the forum. Give them the part number you have and have them look it up for your color interior. Don't know if the sedan is different than the coupe, looks the same. The new vent is designed to push air sideways instead of directly into the windshield is what I was told.
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First...
If you hold a magnet to the dashtop vent, you will find it made of steel, not plastic (at least in the sedans). Consequently, this metal grill has no plastic solvents in it. The hazing comes from plastic components within the ductwork (or deep within the dash). You can replace the outer vent grill (no matter the color) and you will still have a hazing issue.
Other posts here have mentioned a fix that completely blocks the ductwork within the vent. Obviously, this eliminates the hazing, but it also eliminates the function of the vent.
Second...
"MB BOB. I do have respect for u, but please dont threaten me"
BenzC240, if you wish to send me a message, you are welcome to take it off line in a PM... perhaps a response to the one I sent to you, rather than a silent statement in your signature line. As noted before, your signature line is not an appropriate vehicle for sending messages directed to individual members of MBWorld. Please edit it.
Your compliance with the Terms of Use will guarantee no threats to you... otherwise, I and the other mods are simply doing our jobs to preserve peace around here. This thread has been a peaceful one. I'm sure it will stay that way.
Third...
Note to OTHER members... Stop provoking arguments with your posts. We expect EVERYONE to make an effort to get along. This is the second time I have had to address the general membership about this. If I have to do it again, several of the mods (not just me) are going to get a little peeved...
If you hold a magnet to the dashtop vent, you will find it made of steel, not plastic (at least in the sedans). Consequently, this metal grill has no plastic solvents in it. The hazing comes from plastic components within the ductwork (or deep within the dash). You can replace the outer vent grill (no matter the color) and you will still have a hazing issue.
Other posts here have mentioned a fix that completely blocks the ductwork within the vent. Obviously, this eliminates the hazing, but it also eliminates the function of the vent.
Second...
"MB BOB. I do have respect for u, but please dont threaten me"
BenzC240, if you wish to send me a message, you are welcome to take it off line in a PM... perhaps a response to the one I sent to you, rather than a silent statement in your signature line. As noted before, your signature line is not an appropriate vehicle for sending messages directed to individual members of MBWorld. Please edit it.
Your compliance with the Terms of Use will guarantee no threats to you... otherwise, I and the other mods are simply doing our jobs to preserve peace around here. This thread has been a peaceful one. I'm sure it will stay that way.
Third...
Note to OTHER members... Stop provoking arguments with your posts. We expect EVERYONE to make an effort to get along. This is the second time I have had to address the general membership about this. If I have to do it again, several of the mods (not just me) are going to get a little peeved...
Last edited by MB-BOB; Jun 4, 2003 at 08:29 PM.
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MB C230K
Hmm.. The ductwork causes hazing? So if we run our ventilation system and it hazes the windshield I would conclude we're breathing this stuff in, too! Is anyone concerned about that?
--Steffen
--Steffen
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Originally posted by steffen
Hmm.. The ductwork causes hazing? So if we run our ventilation system and it hazes the windshield I would conclude we're breathing this stuff in, too! Is anyone concerned about that?
--Steffen
Hmm.. The ductwork causes hazing? So if we run our ventilation system and it hazes the windshield I would conclude we're breathing this stuff in, too! Is anyone concerned about that?
--Steffen
What _is_ coming from those ducts anyway? Is it oils evaporating from the plastics or something?
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C240 02
Thanks everyone for the explanations and tips. Much appreciated. Also thanks for MB BOB for addressing the provoking other members have been doing and not just addressing me alone
By the way MB - BOB, couldnt u have PMed me and advised me to take my signature line off??????? rather than using the forum to address your issuse with me ?????????
Things that make u go Hmmmmmmm
what a joke
By the way MB - BOB, couldnt u have PMed me and advised me to take my signature line off??????? rather than using the forum to address your issuse with me ?????????
Things that make u go Hmmmmmmm
what a joke
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had the vent fogging problem fixed, but it still hasnt disappeared completely. there's still a faint line of fog that forms even with the center vent closed (windshield fog the size of a melon used to form even with the vent closed) oh well.. not complaining anymore :o
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When I say they replaced the top vent I didn't mean just the cover but the entire assembly of whatever material it's made off. Before it was done I would get a haze over the vent that was very noticible after a week (the longest the car goes without a free dealer car wash). Now I don't notice it at all but maybe if they didn't wash my car every week it may appear over time. The vent works exactly as before, no difference except you can see inside that the louvers direct air at an angle instead of directly at the window.
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Originally posted by Buellwinkle
The vent works exactly as before, no difference except you can see inside that the louvers direct air at an angle instead of directly at the window.
The vent works exactly as before, no difference except you can see inside that the louvers direct air at an angle instead of directly at the window.
BTW, before we start bashing M-B for this quality problem, keep in mind that all cars with plastic interiors haze to some extent. It's an inevitable consequence of heat (from sunlight) baking the solvents from the plastic. While the solvents are a nuisance in this regard, they also help to keep the plastic pliable... once all the solvents leach to the surface and are wisked away, the plastic becomes brittle and starts to crack in places. (Can you spell Armour-all, etc.?)
I had this problem on my '77 Honda Accord. That mother hazed the windows worse than any car I've ever owned. It took raw vinegar and lots of elbow grease to remove that film, and it lasted the entire 7 years I owned that car (although the dash began cracking horribly after 4 years). As I said earlier, my Mercedes-Benz hazing cleared up by itself over a 5-6 month period, so I consider it just part of the breaking-in process... if you're a patient person.
If you smoke in your car, I can guarantee that activity will kill you before inhaling these solvents will...
Last edited by MB-BOB; Jun 5, 2003 at 09:43 AM.
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Originally posted by MB-BOB
First...
If you hold a magnet to the dashtop vent, you will find it made of steel, not plastic (at least in the sedans).
First...
If you hold a magnet to the dashtop vent, you will find it made of steel, not plastic (at least in the sedans).
Erik
