Replacing climate control unit
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
R350
Replacing climate control unit
I strongly presume the question is "no", but I'll try anyway. My control unit is faulty (oftentimes temp won't go up or down when you turn the knob). The red light of the wanted temperature will go briefly on, then turn off.
Question 1:
Can I replace it with the fancier model? The one with a LED-like small screen in the middle? Does my 2006 R350 have all the piping and wires for it?
Question 2:
Is there an easier fix for my problem than a replacement?
Question 3:
How hard is it to do it myself? (unit off eBay).
Question 1:
Can I replace it with the fancier model? The one with a LED-like small screen in the middle? Does my 2006 R350 have all the piping and wires for it?
Question 2:
Is there an easier fix for my problem than a replacement?
Question 3:
How hard is it to do it myself? (unit off eBay).
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 14
From: Akron, OH
2006 R350
I strongly presume the question is "no", but I'll try anyway. My control unit is faulty (oftentimes temp won't go up or down when you turn the knob). The red light of the wanted temperature will go briefly on, then turn off.
Question 1:
Can I replace it with the fancier model? The one with a LED-like small screen in the middle? Does my 2006 R350 have all the piping and wires for it?
Even though it would fit, the newer cars use different computers and network controls so, No.
Question 2:
Is there an easier fix for my problem than a replacement?
Probably not, with your brief description, I would say you are correct to replace the control unit.
Question 3:
How hard is it to do it myself? (unit off eBay).
I would say real easy, plug and play. Sometimes car systems will need to be paired with new control modules, but probably not. Worse case, you get it in and have to stop in at the dealer to get it programmed in.
Question 1:
Can I replace it with the fancier model? The one with a LED-like small screen in the middle? Does my 2006 R350 have all the piping and wires for it?
Even though it would fit, the newer cars use different computers and network controls so, No.
Question 2:
Is there an easier fix for my problem than a replacement?
Probably not, with your brief description, I would say you are correct to replace the control unit.
Question 3:
How hard is it to do it myself? (unit off eBay).
I would say real easy, plug and play. Sometimes car systems will need to be paired with new control modules, but probably not. Worse case, you get it in and have to stop in at the dealer to get it programmed in.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
R350
Sorry about the "fancier" term, it has some name: Thermotropic, Thermotronic, Thermopatic, Thermopedic, they are a bunch of them at MB 
One thing here:
the fancier model doesn't seem to be launched with "newer cars". It was an option in 2006 new R350 as well. What if I find a working used one from 2006, do you think it would work?
What about the standard model? Do I have to look specifically for 2006 ?
One thing here:
the fancier model doesn't seem to be launched with "newer cars". It was an option in 2006 new R350 as well. What if I find a working used one from 2006, do you think it would work?
What about the standard model? Do I have to look specifically for 2006 ?
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 14
From: Akron, OH
2006 R350
Sorry about the "fancier" term, it has some name: Thermotropic, Thermotronic, Thermopatic, Thermopedic, they are a bunch of them at MB
One thing here:
the fancier model doesn't seem to be launched with "newer cars". It was an option in 2006 new R350 as well. What if I find a working used one from 2006, do you think it would work?
What about the standard model? Do I have to look specifically for 2006 ?
One thing here:
the fancier model doesn't seem to be launched with "newer cars". It was an option in 2006 new R350 as well. What if I find a working used one from 2006, do you think it would work?
What about the standard model? Do I have to look specifically for 2006 ?
I would simply replace it with the identical unit. Not sure of exact years but pretty sure 06 through 09 should be ok. Just make sure the control unit looks the same and has the same electrical connections on the back.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
It might be able to work with the fancier unit. I know members with the W203 and W211 cars that have the cheaper display successfully replaced theirs with the fancier unit.
I actually have a spare fancier unit for the R-Class. The only issue with mine is that not all five red bars that light up showing you the fan speed work, only the first bar works (the lowest speed setting). Everything else on the unit works. I replaced the one in my car with a new one and it cost me $990 at the dealer. I'd be willing to let this unit go really cheap if you're interested. PM me if you like.
Best,
Nathan
I actually have a spare fancier unit for the R-Class. The only issue with mine is that not all five red bars that light up showing you the fan speed work, only the first bar works (the lowest speed setting). Everything else on the unit works. I replaced the one in my car with a new one and it cost me $990 at the dealer. I'd be willing to let this unit go really cheap if you're interested. PM me if you like.
Best,
Nathan
