Anyone know how to remove the driver's side vent?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 74
Likes: 2
From: Boston
2010 E550
Anyone know how to remove the driver's side vent?
I'm trying to remove the vent on my C300, namely the one that is to the left of the light switch. The handle that adjusts the direction of the air on it broke and I'd like to see if I can fix it before taking it to the dealer.
I'm having trouble removing the vent. I can't get the face of it off. Do I need to remove the whole vent or is the face/plate removable? The cover pulled out on the left top side but wouldn't come out anywhere else.
I'm having trouble removing the vent. I can't get the face of it off. Do I need to remove the whole vent or is the face/plate removable? The cover pulled out on the left top side but wouldn't come out anywhere else.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 C300 Sport 4matic
Mine are also broken too, but on both vents on the center stack.
The first tab broke when a towel snagged on it while I was cleaning my interior pulling the entire plastic tab off, while the second one broke mysteriously -- the plastic tab is intact but the metal clip or pin fell off.
My dealership wouldn't repair it even though I kept all the parts. They said that the labor charges would be more expensive than replacing the entire vent.
I can't understand why these parts are so fragile. I rarely adjust my vents.
The first tab broke when a towel snagged on it while I was cleaning my interior pulling the entire plastic tab off, while the second one broke mysteriously -- the plastic tab is intact but the metal clip or pin fell off.
My dealership wouldn't repair it even though I kept all the parts. They said that the labor charges would be more expensive than replacing the entire vent.
I can't understand why these parts are so fragile. I rarely adjust my vents.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2008 C300 Sport 6M
I did this exact thing last year.
For the drivers side vent, the trim for the gauge panel assembly is holding the vent in place. You can remove this trim panel assembly carefully with a wedge to release the catches. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom and the catches should release. Be careful at the top of this trim so you don't break the catches.
Once removed, the vent can come out. Repairing the tab that controls the vanes is tricky and requires a steady hand and some patience, but it can be done.
My center vents broke as well and I had the dealer replace the whole assembly. The cost of that is what made me attempt the DIY on the drivers side vent.
For the drivers side vent, the trim for the gauge panel assembly is holding the vent in place. You can remove this trim panel assembly carefully with a wedge to release the catches. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom and the catches should release. Be careful at the top of this trim so you don't break the catches.
Once removed, the vent can come out. Repairing the tab that controls the vanes is tricky and requires a steady hand and some patience, but it can be done.
My center vents broke as well and I had the dealer replace the whole assembly. The cost of that is what made me attempt the DIY on the drivers side vent.
Last edited by jonnywanabe; Apr 7, 2014 at 06:50 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 126
Likes: 22
2009 C350, 2015 S550
Had one of my center clips come off today right after I got it back from service. It sounds as this is an expensive fix. Is this something that is covered under extended warranty or am I just going to have to live with it?
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 143
Likes: 7
From: Central Kentucky
2014 CLS550-4M, 2013 C350-4M Coupe
Added instructions PDF
My driver's side vent broke and was replaced under warranty. As far as I know, you can't buy just the handle (or tab), you need to replace the whole vent assembly.
Removal of the driver's side vent assembly on my '13 C350 coupe was very simple. Just use any sort of hook tool and pull the vent assembly straight out and then disconnect the electrical connector (for the light in the control knob). Installation is the reverse. (See the attached instructions PDF)
Install side air vent.pdf
Removal of the driver's side vent assembly on my '13 C350 coupe was very simple. Just use any sort of hook tool and pull the vent assembly straight out and then disconnect the electrical connector (for the light in the control knob). Installation is the reverse. (See the attached instructions PDF)
Install side air vent.pdf
Last edited by Antique-Ace; Aug 22, 2015 at 01:21 PM. Reason: Added instructions PDF
