DIY Guide: Removing Your Mercedes-Benz Fresh Air Intake Grills

Dealing with excessively hot air entering your classic Mercedes-Benz SL (specifically the R107 model) through the fresh air intakes can be a real issue, especially in warmer climates. Many owners find that closing off or blocking these intakes improves the efficiency of their air conditioning system. Accessing these intakes is straightforward and involves removing the grill covers, a task you can easily accomplish yourself with just a few simple tools.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing your Mercedes-Benz fresh air inlet grills, allowing you to address issues like unwanted hot air or to perform maintenance:

1. Prepare Your Tools: You’ll need a long, thin drill bit or a metal rod, approximately 1/8 inch in diameter and around 4 inches long. Needle-nose pliers will also be helpful.
2. Open the Hood: Ensure your Mercedes-Benz hood is fully open and in its standard position.
3. Disengage the Plastic Rivets: Locate the plastic rivets holding the grill in place. Insert your drill bit or rod into the small holes in the center of these rivets. Gently push until you hear a popping sound or feel the rivet shank release. This disengages the locking mechanism of the rivet.
4. Remove the Rivets: Carefully use your needle-nose pliers to pull out the plastic rivets. If you are gentle, these rivets can often be reused for reinstallation.
5. Hood Support for Grill Removal: To gain better access, you’ll need to slightly extend the hood’s opening. Have someone support the hood while you disconnect the hood hinges. This typically involves popping off two clips from each hinge. This will allow the hood to lift a bit further once the grills are removed.
6. Prop the Hood and Access the Cavity: Use a broomstick or prop rod to safely hold the hood in the newly extended position. Now, look into the cavities where the grills were located. You will have clear access to the fresh air inlet area.

Once the grills are removed, you can proceed with your desired task, whether it’s inspecting the fresh air flaps, wiring them closed, or blocking off the intake to reduce hot air entry. Reinstalling the grills is simply the reverse process. The plastic rivets can usually be pushed back into place by hand, or with a light tap from a plastic hammer if needed.

This simple procedure allows you to easily manage the fresh air intake system of your Mercedes-Benz R107 SL, improving your driving comfort, particularly in hot weather conditions.