W124 centre console facia removal

[S9KSY]

W124 CENTRE CONSOLE FACIA REMOVAL

To replace the ventilation regulator, controls and their 1.2w 12v bulbs.
To replace, check or add switches.
To access the dashboard wiring or as part of the whole dashboard removal.

The picture below shows the 2 bulbs that frequently need replacing
The one on the left can be replaced by doing step #1 only (5-10 seconds)
For replacing the right bulb, you need to do up to step #4 (takes you 1-5 minutes)

 

[S9KSY]

PROCEDURE:

Step #1:
Point the 2 circular ventilation controls arrows down before you pull them to remove.

They should need some force and wriggling.
If too easy, then someone has damaged them in the past.

 

[S9KSY]

Step #2:

Remove the 2 big nuts (15/16 or 24mm socket)

 

[S9KSY]

To enable you to better understand removal and re-fitting mechanisms of the facial skin, have a look at this photo which shows you its back.
Note the top 2 hooks. Only these 2 hooks are now holding the facia in place.
You need to pull the facia from below first for these hooks to be freed.

 

[S9KSY]

Step #3

Pull the lower part of facia then remove it completely.

 

[S9KSY]

Step #4

To replace the light bulb of the "individual temperature regulation wheel", remove the clear plastic hula hoop by freeing the BOTTOM clip off its seating with a circular leverage movement using a large screwdriver.

The 1.2w 12v little light bulb is situated just under the white strip on the right.
DO NOT REMOVE THAT WHITE STRIP!

Remove the 2 clear hula hoops with a screwdriver as per photo.

 

[S9KSY]

Step #5
To remove the ventilation control system, you will need to remove Eight screws.

Two big screws, one on each side.

Six smaller ones.
However, 2 of these 6 screws are rather hidden and found in front of radio (note the screwdriver on the bottom right corner removing one of these screws)
Because these 2 are tricky, many people/mechanics “forget” to put them back. Do not be surprised if they are missing in your car.

Remove 8 screws

The right hula hoop is different from left with “foolproof” pins in both.

 

[S9KSY]

Step #6
Pull the ventilation regulator rearwards.

 

[S9KSY]

Now a word about the 1.2w 12v light bulbs.
You can buy OEM “FROSTY” ones from Mercedes for about £3.00 EACH.
From Halfords for £2.75.
OR, from eBay, 10 “CLEAR” bulbs for £2.45 including postage.
It has been said that frosty ones burn less hot.
I will report it if I suspected any overheating with my clear ones.

 

[S9KSY]

And finally

The thread construction is now complete.

I hope someone will find this thread helpful.

 

[S9KSY]

Perhaps one of the moderators could kindly change the title by adding "HOW TO:" to the current title.
Sorry. My mistake.

 

[Blackman]

Great thread and very detailed Well done.

This should be a sticky!

 

[scillyisles1]

Thank you very much for this thread - I noticed it appeared a couple of days ago and then disappeared. Just about to do this job myself and your thread is invaluable.

 

[scillyisles1]

Ok just done this job and replaced all four bulbs.
I have one of the last built 1996 W124 E320 Cabs with A/C and there are some slight differences.
Firstly, the bulbs which light the temperature dials are in a completely different location (at 10 o clock and 5 oclock from left to right) and consequently there is no white strip at 9 oclock or 3 oclock on the transparent plastic surround. In fact to renew these bulbs you could get them out with tweezers as the plastic surround has holes above the bulbs.
The replacement bulbs I put in are part number MA072601012230 which are £1.25 each from your MB dealer and are the ones that the EPC indicates. There is a big difference in quality between these and the original ones I took out which were frosted and had solid metal bases.
Just need to do the light on the central air vent now.

 

[trapperjohn]

Any body got a "how to" on the centre and outer vents?

 

[d w124]

Any body got a "how to" on the centre and outer vents?

You have four clips on each corner and a screw with an allen key on the centre one.The side ones are hold by the same clips and screws on the side.

 

[aircondoc]

Great thread, so does anyone know how to do the bulbs behind the centre and passenger side air vent thumbwheels on a '95 air bag w124?
Sorry, just realised Trapperjohn had posted this, but is the airbag version different?

 

[scillyisles1]

Hmm just looking at the EPC again it looks like the illumination bulbs for these should be 0.4W not 1.2W. Which would explain why the ones I took out seem to be marked with 0.4W and are of a different construction. The part number for these bulbs is MN000000 001061 and they are £1.05 from your Merc dealer. These bulbs are also used in the air vent lighting. I have some of these bulbs coming on Monday so I will leave the 1.2W ones in until then.

 

[jaymanek]

A top tip... i always replace the two large 1.2W instrument binnacle bulbs for 1.5W. this makes a huge difference at night.. makes the dash feel a lot more lively.

 

[The Crooner]

Step #3

Pull the lower part of facia then remove it completely.

On my car there are two cross head screws which attach upwards above the radio cage, which prevent the bottom of the panel pulling out until they are remopved.

Its necessary to remove the radio trim ring/maybe entire radio to get to them

Tony