C-Class (W202) 1995-2000: C 200 CDI, C 220 CDI, C 270 CDI, C 180, C 200 K,C 230 K, C 220, C230, C 280

AUTO or EC?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 10:08 AM
  #1  
GDawgC220's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
AUTO or EC?

sup all.

do you guys leave the HVAC in AUTO mode or EC mode? I know AUTO will kick in the compressor when it's needed, therefore less power, but usually only when you have temps in the low 60's or 50s for the A/C in the summer time...
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 11:35 AM
  #2  
vas2vas's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: LI, New York
87 190E 2.6/1995 M3
EC, all year round except in summertime... then almost always at AUTO...
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 04:59 PM
  #3  
GDawgC220's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
with 23 reads and only one reply, everyone else leaves the HVAC off!?!
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 05:28 PM
  #4  
fast mayte's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
98 MB C280
auto in the summer, ec when i need power. (99% of the time)
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 07:24 PM
  #5  
davis449's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio, Texas
2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport
I'm pretty adapt to still air so I usually leave it completely off in the summer mornings or nights. During West Texas summers DEFNITELY in AUTO during the 105 degree days. I only switch to EC when I need power or I'm cruising the interstate on a long drive. Winter time AUTO 75-80 degrees or off if the car's warm enough. Satisfied G-DAWG?
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 07:48 PM
  #6  
GDawgC220's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Originally posted by davis449
Satisfied G-DAWG?
Very :p
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 08:12 PM
  #7  
E55AMG99's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 3
From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
Auto in all cars.
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2004 | 11:27 PM
  #8  
fast mayte's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
98 MB C280
hey, see the thing is, i got a 220 too. once the a/c comes on in the summer and i don't have the CAI installed, then i gotta get out and push the car anyways cuz it'll move faster that way. so either way, ec it is!!!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Magnificent New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed: 12 Things to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 8, 2004 | 09:46 PM
  #9  
Worm Drowner's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby, OH
1996 C220
Considering that I keep the temp in my vehicles just above freezing year round, I stay on Auto.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2004 | 01:07 AM
  #10  
blackmercedes's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
Don't use the EC button often.

It disables the AC compressor. On 1996- W202 systems, MB actually installed a system designed to run the compressor all the time. It keeps the evaporator at a constant temp regardless of the demand on the system. The reason to run the compressor all the time is greatly enhanced long term life. The system thrives on running as the compressor is lubricated by the coolant.

By engagine the EC button, you actually go against the design and engineering of the system. It should be used occasionally, but in the long term, there is a possibility you are doing your system greater harm than good.

Building HVAC systems are currently undergoing design changes to mimic the MB car system. The goal has been to have the compressor run continously, therefore having the system properly lubricated.

The way the system keeps from overcooling the evaporator is by having the compressor capable of variable pressure. It's an innovative solution that allows the evap temp to be held slighty above freezing no matter the outside temp, but allowing the system's parasitic losses to be minimized during periods when cooling of the outside air is not required.

For the longest life of your system, go with "auto" and not "EC."
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2004 | 09:09 AM
  #11  
GDawgC220's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
interesting. i usually just put it in EC and will turn on AUTO occasionally to have the compressor run so that its not just sitting there not being used.

when using AUTO, the car losses power and decreased gas mileage.

What about not using AUTO or EC...I know if you press the fan speed and a direction to spit the air out, u can have neither AUTO or EC button lit up...
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2004 | 10:35 AM
  #12  
blackmercedes's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
The system on your 1994 C220 is the "old" style system that has a set displacement compressor that cycles in a binary mode (on and off) as opposed to the newer systems that run continously, but can alter the pressure to suit the needs of the evaporator.

While the system was designed to go on and off, it's still desirable to have the compressor run frequently to extend it's life.

On 1996 and newer cars, you should leave the system in Auto mode to maximize system life.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:37 PM.

story-0
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-1
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-5
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE
story-9
Magnificent New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed: 12 Things to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-Maybach has refreshed the S-Class with new lighting signatures, AI-driven software, and even more elaborate rear-seat luxury.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-25 18:01:51


VIEW MORE