How To: Replace dash air vents
 

So it is done, the air vents swapped out for the Coupe/Conv ones, I really like them, they feel a lot sportier than the regular ones.
Here is how yo do it:

Tools needed
Torx 20 bit and ratchet, pull out hook, magnet and flat head screwdriver (preferably a plastic wedge)
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...8e84aedcdb.jpg

Locate one of the two small holes inside the side vents, insert the hook and pull out, very easy
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...17f2e2f5a0.jpg

Insert plastic wedge (or screwdriver if careful) in front of dash top cover, lift up the entire front and pull the cover out backwards.
Locate three T20 screws below the cover and remove, be very careful not to drop them, use the magnet!
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0e8a154c0f.jpg

Place something soft in front of the screen, pull out the top part and fold down, remove all connectors and take out the entire unit.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a5c7380e3e.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...49a8aa0e53.jpg

Remove dash side cover, just yank out the front part.
Unhook the cable from the trim piece clip or you might damage it.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...07039494ae.jpg

Pull entire trim towards you, starting at the passenger side, after removing it 2 inches remove the LED fitted to the light distributor in the trim panel.
Then pull it some more exposing the start button connector and another LED connector.
Also you may need to loosen the left side panel trim slightly to get the panel out, no need to remove it completely.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4144f41244.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0fdafd046a.jpg

Unclip the start button unit.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7a9fa01227.jpg

Install in reverse order, again be careful not to drop the screws.

Done:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...fce38b7be0.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...a5226ddc2f.jpg

Looks really good. Nice work.

@vic viper, it looks like the veneer doesn't match up. Is it just my eyes or does it match up?

They don't actually, I mentioned this in a previous post, there are two different finishes of the black ash, the glossy finish seen on my doors and the matte finish on my center console and dash trim, there is unfortunately no way to tell which one you'll get.
The photos don't do justice though, the difference IRL isn't that bad.

Hi viper you did a lot of work to change the air vents, the end result looks really good.
What next are you going to do?
Ever think about changing the clock in center console and putting in a IWC one in its place.

Thanks!
It has actually crossed my mind, but the IWC clock is crazy expensive, maybe if I come across one on ebay or whatnot.
The swap is really easy though.

On eBay they are going for about $300 to $350 u.s.
I got a New original IWC from a guy in Germany on ebay.
swap was easy even put it in myself.

Can I exchange only two air vent of both side ?
 

Thank VIC Viper for your sincere devotion.

I have W213. And I am not skillful at DIY.

Can I exchange only two air vents of both side to C238 side air vent?
And is it easy to pull off the air vent? You said just insert tools and pull off air vent.
Is there any clip or something inside air vent to pull off ?

It is very easy if you have the correct tool, just insert and pull out, no clips or anything like that..

I asked this before I believe you forgot, can you just change the center vents and leave the locking tab and wood there or will they not fit?

Forgot to mention that,
The coupe vents do unfortunately not fit the standard trim panel, the metal bezel ring is different and it looks really off..

On a slightly different question, how many individual LEDs are there behind the wooden panel for the ambient light strip?

Two, one at each side.

looks brilliant

Is it possible to remove or pull out the center vents without having to remove the entire panel?

Afraid not

Do you have part numbers?
 

Oh wow, so customers could be left with two different types of wood on a factory order? Or did you buy the parts after market and receive two different types?

I've ordered the new illuminated CLS turbine air vents. The electric harness including separate leds for all vents will be shipped next week.

First pictures.

Cool, so you will just tap into the existing ambient lighting harness?
Looking forward to pictures.

Correct :) I will connect the new LEDs for the vents to the existing ambient lighting harness.

May you have an advice where to buy the coupe interior trim? I am searching ebay since weeks but can't find the black ash trim separately. I have only found RWD trims :(.
Did you buy yours from Mercedes?

I'll share pictures whenever all of this is done.

Do you mean the central trim?, yes, bought it through Mercedes and it didnt come cheap.

yes, correct the central trim. Ok, that's what I thought. :(

brilliant job! congrats. don't have the courage to mess with cars :)

what do you mean with "no way to tell which one you'll get"? can you elaborate?
i've seen that the black ash trims on the E-class seems different than on the CLS and S class, but I'm not sure.