C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Hole w/screen to left of center dash vents?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 03:44 PM
  #1  
noka's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Hole w/screen to left of center dash vents?

Curiosity got the better of me. I searched the forum, Google, Owner's Manual but couldn't find the answer. What's the small round hole (~.75") on the dash just to the left of the center vents? Microphone for cell phone?

Last edited by noka; Jul 10, 2010 at 03:45 PM. Reason: edit
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 04:33 PM
  #2  
aowhaus's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 C300 Sport 4matic
yes, that's the microphone for the hands free phone function.
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 04:59 PM
  #3  
Rogwp's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: near Vancouver, Canada
2010 C300 4matic Special Edition
I read somewhere that it's the temperature sensor for the cabin, and that the microphones are in the rear view mirror.
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 05:24 PM
  #4  
keith100's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 c300
+1^
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 06:17 PM
  #5  
Sentosa's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Peregian Beach, Qld, Australia.
C200 Estate Kompressor W204, 2018 GLA 220d
Originally Posted by Rogwp
I read somewhere that it's the temperature sensor for the cabin, and that the microphones are in the rear view mirror.
+1
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 07:00 PM
  #6  
envyxc350's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: So-Cal
c350
pretty sure it's the microphone, as when people can't hear me well I get closer and they hear much better.
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 07:34 PM
  #7  
noka's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
LOL! I found a thread where agreement couldn't be found either. I'm sure there are more. I'll just ask the SA at the next visit.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...icrophone.html
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 09:44 PM
  #8  
keith100's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 c300
Originally Posted by noka
Curiosity got the better of me. I searched the forum, Google, Owner's Manual but couldn't find the answer. What's the small round hole (~.75") on the dash just to the left of the center vents? Microphone for cell phone?
P31 in my manual shows microphone at rear of mirror.

It sure ain't in the dash.

My Pontiac has the same little grill in the same place dash and it doesn't have a microphone.

HTH
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2010 | 11:44 PM
  #9  
noka's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Originally Posted by keith100
P31 in my manual shows microphone at rear of mirror...
Thanks. It's p.38 in my manual. Maybe the one I was asking about is some temp sensor. I'll find out eventually.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 07:47 PM
  #10  
Derspeed's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 3
From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
In my Saab a similar screen in a different location was a glass breakage sensor.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 07:51 PM
  #11  
noka's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Originally Posted by Derspeed
In my Saab a similar screen in a different location was a glass breakage sensor.
... and yet another idea. I'm beginning to think it performs all the above-mentioned functions.
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2010 | 12:23 AM
  #12  
08w204's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Waldfischbach-Bergalben, Germany
2008 MB C300 Sport (Mars Red)
It's actually a microphone that only records only when you say "watch this" or "check this out" so the dealership can listen as you do stupid crap in your car so they can void your warranty... It's connected to the automatic wallet scanner in the driver's seat that runs your credit cards so the dealership knows just how much more you REALLY CAN pay for an oil change.

Everyone should do what I did: Use a large concrete drill bit and drill at least 18" into the dash through the mysterious grate to destroy the microphone. Multiple warning lights must flash on the dash to ensure you really found the heart of this system.

The wallet scanner is disrupted by methane... Ensure you eat plenty of Taco Bell and/or binge drink beer every night to ensure you're safe.

How has CNN not covered this already? Doesn't anyone believe me?!?
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2010 | 06:32 AM
  #13  
Carsy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Who said folks living in Germany did not have a sense of humour ? !!.
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2010 | 12:49 PM
  #14  
08w204's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Waldfischbach-Bergalben, Germany
2008 MB C300 Sport (Mars Red)
Originally Posted by Carsy
Who said folks living in Germany did not have a sense of humour ? !!.
Haha, I'm an American... Just living here for a while!
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 12:23 AM
  #15  
polskifacet's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
C350
Anyone find this out?
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 04:47 AM
  #16  
Diesel Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 334
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Originally Posted by polskifacet
Anyone find this out?
Anyone? How many should find it to make you happy? The question is how should forum members answer this question to make everyone believe instead of posting speculative thoughts.

See the attached document showing HVAC component locations and make up your mind.
Attached Thumbnails Hole w/screen to left of center dash vents?-w204-hvac-interior-temperature-sensor.jpg  
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 08:15 AM
  #17  
BlackjackM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 8
From: Boston 'burbs
2018 E300 Lux, 2006 Corvette Z51, 2015 Mercedes ML350 (wife's)
Originally Posted by 08w204
It's actually a microphone that only records only when you say "watch this" or "check this out" so the dealership can listen as you do stupid crap in your car so they can void your warranty... It's connected to the automatic wallet scanner in the driver's seat that runs your credit cards so the dealership knows just how much more you REALLY CAN pay for an oil change.

Everyone should do what I did: Use a large concrete drill bit and drill at least 18" into the dash through the mysterious grate to destroy the microphone. Multiple warning lights must flash on the dash to ensure you really found the heart of this system.

The wallet scanner is disrupted by methane... Ensure you eat plenty of Taco Bell and/or binge drink beer every night to ensure you're safe.

How has CNN not covered this already? Doesn't anyone believe me?!?
Awesome post
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 08:17 AM
  #18  
BlackjackM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 8
From: Boston 'burbs
2018 E300 Lux, 2006 Corvette Z51, 2015 Mercedes ML350 (wife's)
Originally Posted by Diesel Benz
Anyone? How many should find it to make you happy? The question is how should forum members answer this question to make everyone believe instead of posting speculative thoughts.

See the attached document showing HVAC component locations and make up your mind.
Diesel Benz knows his stuff

The best part of this post is thinking of all the people who talk into their temp sensor so people on the phone can hear them better
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 03:55 PM
  #19  
RLE's Avatar
RLE
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Originally Posted by noka
Curiosity got the better of me. I searched the forum, Google, Owner's Manual but couldn't find the answer. What's the small round hole (~.75") on the dash just to the left of the center vents? Microphone for cell phone?
Cabin air temp sensor.

All MBs with climate control have had this going back as far as you want to. There is usually a small fan that draws in air past the sensor which is at the inner end of a soft duct.

Last edited by RLE; Nov 5, 2012 at 07:07 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:08 PM
  #20  
RLE's Avatar
RLE
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Originally Posted by BlackjackM
Diesel Benz knows his stuff

The best part of this post is thinking of all the people who talk into their temp sensor so people on the phone can hear them better
When in fact they are just getting closer to the mike which is near the mirror.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:41 PM
  #21  
awstansbury's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 C300 sedan, P1, Multimedia, Burmester
If it was an air temperature sensor, wouldn't there be one on the passenger side as well? Dual-zone climate control...
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2012 | 07:14 PM
  #22  
RLE's Avatar
RLE
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Originally Posted by awstansbury
If it was an air temperature sensor, wouldn't there be one on the passenger side as well? Dual-zone climate control...
What do you mean "if it was"? It has been proven that it's the temp sensor.

Dual Zone means you can turn the temp up or down separately each side.
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2012 | 11:47 PM
  #23  
awstansbury's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 C300 sedan, P1, Multimedia, Burmester
Originally Posted by RLE
What do you mean "if it was"? It has been proven that it's the temp sensor.

Dual Zone means you can turn the temp up or down separately each side.
Sorry, I didn't know it was proven.

I'm under the impression that the dual-climate zones are thermostatically-controlled -- each side of the cabin reports temperature and the HVAC system responds accordingly, adjusting air temperature up or down to meet the setting. If the temperature of the cabin as a whole is known, and not each side, then each side "fights" to lower or raise the temperature relative to the set temperature. Seems inefficient, but I guess that's the way they do it.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2012 | 01:48 AM
  #24  
jctevere's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,108
Likes: 7
From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
Originally Posted by awstansbury
Sorry, I didn't know it was proven.

I'm under the impression that the dual-climate zones are thermostatically-controlled -- each side of the cabin reports temperature and the HVAC system responds accordingly, adjusting air temperature up or down to meet the setting. If the temperature of the cabin as a whole is known, and not each side, then each side "fights" to lower or raise the temperature relative to the set temperature. Seems inefficient, but I guess that's the way they do it.
Well I would assume that the temperature sensor is only used for the AUTO function of the A/C to maintain a cabin temperature. When the two thermostats do not match, I would guess that it tries to match the average (net cabin temperature) of the two thermostats?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:51 AM.