For a while now my center vents would close up when I accelerate. Then open again when I let off the pedal. If you're not aware, the vents in our cars are controlled by vaccuum elements that open and close depending if there is a vaccuum present or not. The dealer quoted me over $1500 and my indy around $800. I fixed it for 5 bucks!

Parts:

1 - check valve - $1.50
1 - box of line connectors - $3.50


What I did was put the check valve in between the vaccum line that connects to the center vent element and gave it a little vaccuum. Then I reconnected the other end and put things back together. Presto! I've got air from my center vents again! Granted, this isn't the proper way to repair the problem and my center vents are now open permanently (I can still close them with the manually controled flap), but for 5 bucks....WHO CARES!!

Here's a few pics of what I did.....(the switchover valve block is located under the glove box, where the cabin filter is.....

 

Sweet!

 

Is it really worth even dealing with problems like this? I used to do it. I now have an Infiniti, and I love it. No rattles, no squeaks, low maitenence costs, a low profile in traffic, a quieter and better engine, and alot more luxury than any Mercedes and BMW in its price range.

The w208, which I once owned is a beautiful car, yet, a Hyundai with 150,000 miles has less problems.

 

Dude, i think you just had a lemon. Your car had LOADS of problems, more than i've seen out of any other 208 on here. I think it was just a case of bad luck. My car is 70 miles shy of the 100k mark and miget_fighter's is already over it with minimal problems (to my knowledge). I dont think it's fair to assume that all MBs or even 208s for that matter have the same reliability problems that yours did.

 

even the rattles were enough to turn me off

 

the rattles in mine have grown pretty tiresome as well.

 

where did you get the parts from?

Any parts store or hardware store? Thanks in advance

 

Autozone should have everything you need.

 

thats good way to stick it to the dealer