does air con drain the power when switched on ?

It is common knowledge that air con reduces mpg but what about the power ?

 

It varies with the car and type of compressor but yes it does sap some power generally 3-7 hp.

 

Oh yeah....the car is slower with the air con on.....no question about it.

 

...but the 10-15 figure was something I read years ago, so maybe they're more efficient these days.

Also, I recall reading somewhere that Mercedes automatically shut off the compressor when you apply full throttle, so this might not be a factor. Still, no harm in switching to econ mode when you want to haul ***!!

 

definately puts a drain on power

I can feel it in my w202, of course :p But with bigger engines, as our ML430 and S500 when I have the A/C on, I can barely tell the difference cuz the power is still up there, lol.

No prob on the 55 but yeah, it does loose a few ponies

 

I usually turn it off when racing M3s and similiar cars..

 

thanks for the tips - I guess it makes sense.

 

Yup, it does drain power. It SHOULD switch off at full throttle though.

 

i just spent all my money on the clk55 and forgot about gas so its gonna be a windowless summer for me!

 

Recently at the track, I forgot to switch off the A/C for my first run

13.713 - A/C on
13.667 - A/C off

Hope this helps!