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W124 ACC Vacuum Pod Availibility Update
- Thread starter gerryvz
- Start date
Heat and UV light is the main enemy for rubber. Store in a cool and dark place.
Current availability update for W124 vacuum pods, May 2018:
A lot of changes, as three and soon four of the six pods are officially NLA from MB for the early cars; two of the six pods are officially NLA for later cars.
Things are getting more dire by the month.....
1992 & 1993 500E models (Pre-facelift):
1994 E500 models (Facelifted*):
A lot of changes, as three and soon four of the six pods are officially NLA from MB for the early cars; two of the six pods are officially NLA for later cars.
Things are getting more dire by the month.....
1992 & 1993 500E models (Pre-facelift):
- 124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod (NLA from MB; available aftermarket)
- 124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod (NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket)
- 124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod (available from MB only)
- 124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox (NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket, aftermarket diaphragm available, see post #1)
- 124 800 04 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side (available from MB, NLA on aftermarket)
- 124 800 11 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side (NLA from MB, limited MB part availability on aftermarket)
1994 E500 models (Facelifted*):
- 124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod (NLA from MB; available aftermarket)
- 124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod (NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket)
- 124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod (available from MB only)
- 124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox (NLA from MB or aftermarket, aftermarket diaphragm available, see post #1)
- 124 800 29 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side (available from MB and/or aftermarket)
- 124 800 30 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side (available from MB and/or aftermarket)
AS OF JULY 18, 2018:
Availability for the pods for both pre-facelift and facelift cars has not seemed to change -- the immediately preceding post still holds based on MB parts availability data.
Overall, pods for facelift cars seem to have slightly better MB and aftermarket availability than for pre-facelift cars.
Minor changes are below:
Availability for the pods for both pre-facelift and facelift cars has not seemed to change -- the immediately preceding post still holds based on MB parts availability data.
Overall, pods for facelift cars seem to have slightly better MB and aftermarket availability than for pre-facelift cars.
Minor changes are below:
- 124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod (available from MB only, MB PART ALSO AVAILABLE THRU AFTERMARKET)
- 124 800 11 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side (NLA from MB, DOES NOT SEEM AVAILABLE on aftermarket)
No, they are different sizes/part numbers and are not interchangeable between the platforms, although the functions of the pods and general layout/concept of the system is similar.
One important difference is that on the W124, the center vent control pod (interestingly, one of the ones that goes out most often) is located INSIDE the heater box. The top door of the heater box must be removed and the pod down inside the box can be carefully removed and replaced. It's easier to be done by someone with a smaller hand.
The W126 does not have this pod INSIDE the heater box. Rather, it is located outside, though it is still a PITA in terms of overall accessibility, it is doable with patience.
Also, for the W124, the dashboard MUST be completely removed to access several of the pods. For a first-time DIYer, dashboard removal on a W124 is probably 1.5-3 hours as part of the overall job. The footwell pod and the defroster pod on the W124 do not require removal of the dash, but that is only one-third of the job. The center vent pod, the diverter pod, and the recirculation pods (the other four) DO require removal of the dashboard.
For the W126, the dashboard is NOT required to be removed to replace all six of the pods, although it is a fair bit easier to replace a couple of them if the dashboard is removed (which introduces more time/labor to do).
BTW I was able to get a 124 800 09 75 footwell pod from Naperville last week. I think AutohausAZ where I first tried cancelled it after having one in my cart, but for whatever reason it worked from Naperville. Think they've become available from MB again?
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I fully believe it! I was expecting the order to get cancelled. Instead I got a vacuum pod.
Note the label date is 2013, so it isn't recent inventory. My guess is, a few trickled into the system from somewhere, but there may only be a small number left, if any? Would have to check Paragon and see what's up.
I'll take 2013 over 1992
I have a really cheap and easy fix for the center vent...makes it manual control from the outer wheel Only but only takes about 10 min start to finish. Will try to take pics next one i do.I'll take 2013 over 1992
Jono
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
LATEST UPDATE - March, 2019
Five of the six pods are now NLA from MB for pre-facelift cars (two pods available in total).
Four of the six pods are now NLA from MB for facelift cars (three pods available in total).
1992 & 1993 500E models (Pre-facelift):
1994 E500 models (Facelifted*):
Five of the six pods are now NLA from MB for pre-facelift cars (two pods available in total).
Four of the six pods are now NLA from MB for facelift cars (three pods available in total).
1992 & 1993 500E models (Pre-facelift):
- 124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod (still NLA from MB; available aftermarket)
- 124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod (still NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket)
- 124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod (available as MB part from both MB and aftermarket sources)
- 124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox (still NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket, aftermarket diaphragm available, see post #1)
- 124 800 04 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side (NOW NLA from MB, NLA on aftermarket)
- 124 800 11 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side (still NLA from MB, NLA on aftermarket)
1994 E500 models (Facelifted*):
- 124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod (still NLA from MB; available aftermarket)
- 124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod (still NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket)
- 124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod (available as MB part from both MB and aftermarket sources)
- 124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox (still NLA from MB or aftermarket, aftermarket diaphragm available, see post #1)
- 124 800 29 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side (Appears NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket)
- 124 800 30 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side (available from MB and/or aftermarket)
Let me put this another way.
As of right now (March, 2019), here are the pods that ARE AVAILABLE:
PRE-FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- available on aftermarket (Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket(Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- available on aftermarket (Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket(Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
124 800 30 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side -- available from MB or on aftermarket (Importec) (AutohausAZ)
I highly recommend that folks get the pods they can get, in you are a long-term owner.
I have added typical links to each pod, above, where the pod is orderable.
Cheers,
Gerry
As of right now (March, 2019), here are the pods that ARE AVAILABLE:
PRE-FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- available on aftermarket (Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket(Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- available on aftermarket (Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket(Importec) (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
124 800 30 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side -- available from MB or on aftermarket (Importec) (AutohausAZ)
I highly recommend that folks get the pods they can get, in you are a long-term owner.
I have added typical links to each pod, above, where the pod is orderable.
Cheers,
Gerry
Anyone in hotlanta ever talk with Behr? I remember that bhr was the supplier and the aftermarket ones drop shipped from Atlanta. If someone had acess to the assembly drawings, they could surely tell you what you needed. Maybe get Behr to make a service kit with different diaphrams?
Are you related to our member "Clark Vader" -- ?
Yikes. If those did indeed go NLA, it's very recent. I picked up a couple to hoard only a month ago and I received them without any trouble. MB Classic still shows available:
https://partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com/parts/A1248003075?tt=manual
Anyone had a failed order on these?
haha no, but I like him already.
So what is everybody doing about the pods that are the square ones that are NLA? The round can have diaphragms put in but I was looking for the footwell one 0975 to no avail.
FWIW.........
A month ago I found a 90's 300E on C-list that a guy was parting out in a town that was about a 75 minute drive from me. Made the drive and harvested all the pods and a few other interior and body parts at a cost of $100. Certainly isn't how I want to spend every Saturday, but figured just the pods were worth it.
2 weeks ago found a nonrunning 90's 300E on Autotrader in Cincinnati for $300. Bot the car and made the 200 mile r-t drive to get it. Again harvested the pods......and a few other parts.......and added them to my parts stach.
So fwiw, there are ways to get pods.
A month ago I found a 90's 300E on C-list that a guy was parting out in a town that was about a 75 minute drive from me. Made the drive and harvested all the pods and a few other interior and body parts at a cost of $100. Certainly isn't how I want to spend every Saturday, but figured just the pods were worth it.
2 weeks ago found a nonrunning 90's 300E on Autotrader in Cincinnati for $300. Bot the car and made the 200 mile r-t drive to get it. Again harvested the pods......and a few other parts.......and added them to my parts stach.
So fwiw, there are ways to get pods.
True, but I'd think with the age the pod already has on it, that it'd be not too far till it is on its way out also.
Although switching out just that one isn't a huge operation.
This pod continues to appear to be available, both as a Behr aftermarket pod (which is being marked "made to order") and as an MB part still available, but with low stock.
Now would be the opportune time to get this pod, if you don't have a spare. I doubt that it will be available in another 6 months.
All other pods' status (whether available or NLA) seems not to have changed since March of this year.
It appears that 124 800 29 75 may still be available on the aftermarket:
If you are a facelift car owner, it may be a good idea to get this pod ASAP.
Can't quite fully agree on that they are not interchangeable between W124 and W126. What I mean by that is some of the dual diaphragm pods between W24 and W126 are identical. The only difference is the arms. The arms unsnap on most of them and can be transferred from one to the other. In other instances, the pods are identical but the bottom black piece (not the top pink piece) is rotated to a different position. When you take the halves of the pod apart you can rotate the black bottom piece so that the ears/tabs are facing the right direction. You can do the opposite as well; leave the black bottom where it is, and rotate the pink section so that the nozzles face the right way for under the dash. I'll go into detail on this on a later post. The whole point is to intentionally buy the "wrong" pod, only because the "wrong' pod is the only one available, and tweak it so that it works in your application. The reason being, I'd rather intentionally buy a "wrong" pod, and swap arms or rotate the casing and have the original MB parts in all of it, rather than going and getting a Performance Analysis diaphragm which entails having to open up the pod anyway, and you are not getting the original MB rubber quality. Some of the pods while they are mounted in the car are so hard to get to and/or the arms are clicked into those white plastic (fragile) ferrules that I leave the arm attached on the car, just unclip the clip on it to release the old pod body, and put a new pod body in its place and snap the old arm back onto it again while its mounted on the car.
For those of you out there that see this comment, I posted a long video on how to remove the W124 dash and how to replace the vacuum actuator pods for the climate control.
Just trying to spread the word. Note that there are only 2 PN's left of the 6 PN's that are available from Mercedes or aftermarket. On the dual diaphgram pods you can buy one of the two pods that are available, remove their arms (white plastic just snaps it on), and you can take off the old arm from the old pod and transfer it to the new pod.
NOTE: This trick only works on the dual diaphgram pods. Last resort you can get just the rubber diaphgram inside the pod that you can replace at a place called Performance Analysis in Tennessee, although you can't order on their website. You have to call them. Their part numbers for the two different diaphgrams are 2010 and 2020. On the W124 and W126, you can use one of their diaphgrams on the "center" pod, which is a single diaphragm. They are inexpensive, not sure how long they will be in business from the conversation I had with them. . Get a bunch and store them the rest of your life!
Just trying to spread the word. Note that there are only 2 PN's left of the 6 PN's that are available from Mercedes or aftermarket. On the dual diaphgram pods you can buy one of the two pods that are available, remove their arms (white plastic just snaps it on), and you can take off the old arm from the old pod and transfer it to the new pod.
NOTE: This trick only works on the dual diaphgram pods. Last resort you can get just the rubber diaphgram inside the pod that you can replace at a place called Performance Analysis in Tennessee, although you can't order on their website. You have to call them. Their part numbers for the two different diaphgrams are 2010 and 2020. On the W124 and W126, you can use one of their diaphgrams on the "center" pod, which is a single diaphragm. They are inexpensive, not sure how long they will be in business from the conversation I had with them. . Get a bunch and store them the rest of your life!
As of right now (February, 2020), here is the status of the W124 pods. From one year ago, pod availability is reduced.
For pre-facelift cars, only ONE of the pods is available from MB itself (as opposed to two pods available one year ago)
For facelift cars, only THREE of the pods are available from MB itself (as opposed to four pods available one year ago).
PRE-FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- NLA from MB; available on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- NLA from MB; diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
124 800 04 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
124 800 11 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side -- NLA from MB, NLA on aftermarket
FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- NLA from MB; available on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- NLA from MB; diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
124 800 30 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
124 800 29 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
Cheers,
Gerry
For pre-facelift cars, only ONE of the pods is available from MB itself (as opposed to two pods available one year ago)
For facelift cars, only THREE of the pods are available from MB itself (as opposed to four pods available one year ago).
PRE-FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- NLA from MB; available on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- NLA from MB; diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
124 800 04 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
124 800 11 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side -- NLA from MB, NLA on aftermarket
FACELIFT CARS
124 800 26 75 - Defroster flap pod -- NLA from MB; available on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 03 75 - Diverter flap pod -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket (FCP Euro) (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 02 75 - Center vent flap pod, inside airbox -- NLA from MB; diaphragm can be purchased to repair old pod (link for ordering diaphragm)
124 800 30 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, right side -- available from MB or as MB part on aftermarket (AutohausAZ) (RM European)
124 800 09 75 - Lower footwell pod -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
124 800 29 75 - Recirc/fresh air pod, left side -- NLA from MB; NLA on aftermarket
Cheers,
Gerry
There is around 250x of 124 800 03 75, if to believe my MB Dealer. I asked about possibility of reproduction and they told me that there is no chance of it because every part that is displayed with code 43 "repair or do it yourself" will never be reproduced, that's sad... 
I would advise long-term owners to scoop these up ASAP while they are still available.
For the Gen 2 126, three of the pods are still avaialble, and interestingly, the MB Classic Parts web site is giving an indication that two additional pods may be going back into production, and to check back in 3 months. So that would make five of the six pods available for the 126 if these two pods do come back. I replaced all six of my pods not that many years ago, but I am going to order an extra set of these 126 pods to go with the 124 pod set that I have in my parts stock.
In the meantime, I am placing an order with George Murphy for 10 rubber diaphragms for my parts collection. I shoule have done this a long time ago.
For the Gen 2 126, three of the pods are still avaialble, and interestingly, the MB Classic Parts web site is giving an indication that two additional pods may be going back into production, and to check back in 3 months. So that would make five of the six pods available for the 126 if these two pods do come back. I replaced all six of my pods not that many years ago, but I am going to order an extra set of these 126 pods to go with the 124 pod set that I have in my parts stock.
In the meantime, I am placing an order with George Murphy for 10 rubber diaphragms for my parts collection. I shoule have done this a long time ago.
Thank you. I have spares for all the vacuum pods for a 1993 w124 EXCEPT for the 124-800-02-75 center vent pod (signal chamber) which is inside the evap box. Which rubber diaphragm should I order from Performance analysis? Should I order part number 2010 or 2020?
Thanks
Sheesh, I watched the dash removal/pod replacement video for the W124. What a nightmare to change out W124 pods, especially the one down next to the heater core and the two with the long actuator arms between the HVAC box and the firewall. At least the dash removal seems easier on a W124 than a W126.
One does not have to remove the dashboard to change all six pods on a W/C126. One or two of them are not easy on the 126 with the dash in, but it's very definitely possible, as my HOW-TO shows clearly.
On a 124, the dashboard removal is definitely required for at least three of the pods to be changed. I've only done that job one time, but (knock on wood) have not yet had to do it on my E500. When that day comes, the pods AND the evaporator will be changed at the same go-around. Again, knock on wood, after 17 years.....
On a 124, the dashboard removal is definitely required for at least three of the pods to be changed. I've only done that job one time, but (knock on wood) have not yet had to do it on my E500. When that day comes, the pods AND the evaporator will be changed at the same go-around. Again, knock on wood, after 17 years.....
Gerry, yeah it dawned on me that this fellow didn't mention replacing the evaporator while he had the dash out. Maybe he's not aware that these evap. all fail at some point or perhaps his has been replaced but the pods weren't done at that time.
That's a big job R & R a W124 dash and to not address the evaporator!
Regards,
Peter Weissman
That's a big job R & R a W124 dash and to not address the evaporator!
Regards,
Peter Weissman
Yeah, it isn't fun on the 124. The V8 models are less fun as there's a thick wire harness in the way. First time may take 8-10 hours if you've never done it before. By the third or fourth time I think I got it down to 4-5 hours total. I don't think it's possible to go much quicker, and if you run into any problems (i.e., break something, or drop hardware into a crevasse) it will take longer. The video should be a huge help, but you also spend 2 hours watching it.
But it sure is nice to have the HVAC flaps all functioning properly! And with new pods they should be good for another two decades.
Evap had been done on this car before. That'll be for next time which sounds oh so fun!
How often do they evaps go out?
It's awesome to have my AC come out of the center vent rather than the defrost vents, especially in 118 degrees in Phoenix!Yeah, it isn't fun on the 124. The V8 models are less fun as there's a thick wire harness in the way. First time may take 8-10 hours if you've never done it before. By the third or fourth time I think I got it down to 4-5 hours total. I don't think it's possible to go much quicker, and if you run into any problems (i.e., break something, or drop hardware into a crevasse) it will take longer. The video should be a huge help, but you also spend 2 hours watching it.
But it sure is nice to have the HVAC flaps all functioning properly! And with new pods they should be good for another two decades.
The Performance Analysis guy keeps saying that you can put 0375 inside of a 0275 but I don't get how it'd work. The 0375 is a smaller diameter.
I put a 2010 diaphgragm inside the 0275.
And speaking of pods, look what I bought, NOS from Ebay for $10 plus shipping....I guess I got lucky because I haven't seen one around for like 4 years.
Performance Analysis told me they are neoprene, not rubber, not sure if that means they store better than rubber or not. I'd say a dark, room temp place.
How long do these pods last in a car anyway? It is more related to age, or mileage? If I have two spares of each, wouldn't that get me like 50 years or so given the first ones lasted about that long?There is around 250x of 124 800 03 75, if to believe my MB Dealer. I asked about possibility of reproduction and they told me that there is no chance of it because every part that is displayed with code 43 "repair or do it yourself" will never be reproduced, that's sad...
Evaps are not a super common failure, but based on the interwebs, you'd think they explode every couple of years on every 124 made. There are chemical sealants which have a good success rate and are worth trying before sinking 40 hours of labor into an evaporator swap. A ton more of the interior has to come out for that job, as the entire heater box must be removed from the firewall. Possibly the worst job on the entire 124 chassis.
Sigh. He's been wrong for years and he is still wrong. I don't know why he doesn't understand this. You are right, his 2010 diaphragm *does not* fit on the smaller diverter pod. I don't think he's ever actually worked on a 124 chassis, or he'd know this.
SCORE! This pod rarely fails, but you're all set if it ever does.
It might be usage, more than either age or mileage. A high-mile car that didn't have the pods cycling in & out frequently might last longer than a low mile car that has more cycles. I think my 1995 E420 with 244kmi still has the original pods and they are still good, for now. I've had cars with much lower miles (and few years of age) have more failed pods. Regardless, if you have a spare set, you should be good for another few decades. We'll probably be dealing with other, different parts failing that are NLA by that time.
So what is actual fix for that pod? Someone posted here about swapping diaphragm from 124 800 29 75 so 2010 should work or am i just misunderstanding something.
About 124 800 09 75 i found out that 126 800 14 75 is "almost" the same only difference i think is the arm mounting, i haven't disassembled them because i'm to scared to brake anything.
In my two W124 every pod is working and they have around 180 miles so i think it's more about playing with vents setting than mileage but in one of them i have heating from center vent and maybe something is borken... not that i'm complaining
Side note if someone need to buy Regulator 0021549206 now is good time, they are going out of stock in germany with that "do it yourself" code...
Small-diameter diverter pod p/n 124-800-03-75 is still available, so just buy a new one. Kit #2010 is too large, it will not fit pod -03-75.
As mentioned in post #80 above, Performance Analysis offers a diaphragm kit (#2010) but it only works on parts of certain pods. There are a total of four different diaphragm sizes/types for the six total pods (three of which have the same internals, so four different pod designs). You may want to stock up on the #2010 kits as they'll come in handy in the future. But getting a production run of anything else would be a challenge, especially for the other half of the dual-diaphragm pink pod where the diaphragm is embedded as part of the piston.
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