We own a 1998 350 ML (original owner). With warm weather coming I'm dreading it........the ac has never been cold enough and the heat never enough on the feet.........are there any solutions to this?

 

You are right, I was very surprised of the uncontrolable flow compare to my old Benz.
The foam in your vent dampers controling the flow is deteoriated and turnes into "mud" when you touch it. Mercedes used the cheapest foam "ether" known to a man. It is hard to remove the vents but I have replaced the seals with polyurethane foam and gained control of the air flow. Also for the feet, I usually drive alone so I have pluged the passanger side tube under the dash with foam to increase the flow to driver's feet. Last winter my feet were freezing but this winter they were comfortable! Just check these photos before and after with vent in closed position.