Probably one of the longest job that I have had to do in my 1997 s420. I had a slow leak for a year and this summer it became a huge leak at the evaporator. I found some tips on utube and a full video of a guy who did the same job on a 94 w140 vehicle. I made a dvd of it and I watched it several times until it was all in my head. The job took me 19 hours and 20 minutes by myself. I only broke the lock sleeve for the ignition key. As a result, the steering was permanently locked. I quickly realize that the only way to unlock it was to remove the entire steering lock. That took me 2 hours. Here are some pictures of the job. If you need more info, I will be more than happy to assist.
Evaporator Job
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Probably one of the longest job that I have had to do in my 1997 s420. I had a slow leak for a year and this summer it became a huge leak at the evaporator. I found some tips on utube and a full video of a guy who did the same job on a 94 w140 vehicle. I made a dvd of it and I watched it several times until it was all in my head. The job took me 19 hours and 20 minutes by myself. I only broke the lock sleeve for the ignition key. As a result, the steering was permanently locked. I quickly realize that the only way to unlock it was to remove the entire steering lock. That took me 2 hours. Here are some pictures of the job. If you need more info, I will be more than happy to assist.
1995 Mercedes-Benz S420 (W140), 1997 BMW 740iL (E38), 2011 C300 Luxury (W204)
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1,315 Posts
Great work. I guess what we can all learn from you is whatever tips you have. Anything tricky etc.
Did it require any special tools or was it straight forward, just very laborious?
Did it require any special tools or was it straight forward, just very laborious?
No special tools. I had to fabricate a radio removal tool using an old credit card and I used a paper clip to to remove the glove box lock. The trick is you turn the key to 45 degree angle and insert the paper clip in the small hole and pull the cylinder with the key. It's very easy. Or you can just purchase the radio removal keys online for $10.00
I used a hanger as a hook to pull the instrument cluster from the right side while I pushed the left side with my left hand after removing the left vent. I'ts so much easier that way. If you need any info, I have detailed files. I did 3 weeks research before I did the job.
I used a hanger as a hook to pull the instrument cluster from the right side while I pushed the left side with my left hand after removing the left vent. I'ts so much easier that way. If you need any info, I have detailed files. I did 3 weeks research before I did the job.
By the way, I agree with everything in that video except for the way he lowered the steering wheel. I recommend everyone to turn the ignition to position 1 and remove the F pin at the steering lock to remove the entire Lock+lock sleeve+ ignition lock together. If you do it like he did, you better hope that nothing breaks when trying to put everything back in position. If it breaks you will loose the steering lock default position and your steering wheel will be permanently locked. Then you will be left with 2 options
Option a) Tow it to the stealer nearby and watch them put a hole in your pocket.
Option b) Using a reciprocating saw and cut the lock out so you can get the "F" pin out.
This is how I found out what to do. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1521506-steering-lock-ignition-tumbler-problem.html
Option a) Tow it to the stealer nearby and watch them put a hole in your pocket.
Option b) Using a reciprocating saw and cut the lock out so you can get the "F" pin out.
This is how I found out what to do. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1521506-steering-lock-ignition-tumbler-problem.html
1993 W140 500SEL Black/Black, 12014 Ford Fiesta ST Blk/Blk
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1,128 Posts
Looks worse than it really is. Much attention required yes. Still do-able.
I know it's generally said that MB built the 140 around the evap. Just about every car has something that's buried the deepest in the dash, and it's usually the evap/heater. It was deep in my 115. I suppose just under/behind an easily-removable glovebox would be better.
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