Climate Control - lag time to activate?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Los Altos, CA
2005 E320
Climate Control - lag time to activate?
Unless I'm using the climate control system incorrectly, I am experiencing a rather long delay for my heating system to engage. I would say there is about a 45 to 60 second delay from when I hit "Auto" to the point that I actually feel any modicum of heat coming from the vents. That coupled with turning both temp dials up to 80 degrees.
Is anyone else experiencing this long delay for the heating to engage? Am I doing something wrong, or is my system broken?
Any help or insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
Is anyone else experiencing this long delay for the heating to engage? Am I doing something wrong, or is my system broken?
Any help or insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
2005 E-500
Heat Less
South Bay MB: Sounds like a defect. I have found the heating system very effective and responsive. I am assuming that the vehicle is warm when you start measuring the delay. It appears that this should be investigated by the dealership. 
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Not so sure it is a "defect".
The system does have some oddities to it, but that's really all part of how it works. For example, search the threads and you will find numerous discussions about when the compressor comes on and off. It isn't a manual system and there is a great deal of tubing and filtration that goes on before the air gets to you.
One thing that I do agree with is that it is a pain in the a** not to be able to tell it to go hot. By that, I mean I usually keep all four corners set at low. Sometimes I want to hop in and get the heat going for a sec just to warm the bones, but having to hold both buttons for an eternity and then switching to the rear and holding them again takes what seems like an eternity.
I wish there was a trick to get it done faster. Sort of like the "tunnel" feature. i use it all the time, just to close all the windows / roof when I want to park.
The system does have some oddities to it, but that's really all part of how it works. For example, search the threads and you will find numerous discussions about when the compressor comes on and off. It isn't a manual system and there is a great deal of tubing and filtration that goes on before the air gets to you.
One thing that I do agree with is that it is a pain in the a** not to be able to tell it to go hot. By that, I mean I usually keep all four corners set at low. Sometimes I want to hop in and get the heat going for a sec just to warm the bones, but having to hold both buttons for an eternity and then switching to the rear and holding them again takes what seems like an eternity.
I wish there was a trick to get it done faster. Sort of like the "tunnel" feature. i use it all the time, just to close all the windows / roof when I want to park.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 1
From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Originally Posted by jangy
One thing that I do agree with is that it is a pain in the a** not to be able to tell it to go hot. By that, I mean I usually keep all four corners set at low. Sometimes I want to hop in and get the heat going for a sec just to warm the bones, but having to hold both buttons for an eternity and then switching to the rear and holding them again takes what seems like an eternity.
If your holding the temp buttons and going from lo to hi range then your not using the system correctly (as designed)... Keep the temp at a comfortable range and if you want heat faster then use the fan speeds to do this. My car is usually set at the 68 to 72 degree range most all the time.... Think of the systems funtion as the same type in your home...
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
I hear ya, and I've tried that, but I'm pretty picky with the temp. Also, here in San Diego, we get some pretty dramatic shifts in temp (cold in the morning and burning at noon). I've used the auto feature, but i always hate having the compressor come on when I don't need it.
I like to put as many horses to the road as possible. Not sure how many of the 300 I can spare for the AC
I like to put as many horses to the road as possible. Not sure how many of the 300 I can spare for the AC
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 1
From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
The climate control takes some time to get used to, but it really works great if you give it a chance.... About the power loss.... Its a mercedes, not a race car... If you want speed just get on that GSXR 1000 of yours..... 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by jangy
I hear ya, and I've tried that, but I'm pretty picky with the temp. Also, here in San Diego, we get some pretty dramatic shifts in temp (cold in the morning and burning at noon). I've used the auto feature, but i always hate having the compressor come on when I don't need it.
I like to put as many horses to the road as possible. Not sure how many of the 300 I can spare for the AC
I like to put as many horses to the road as possible. Not sure how many of the 300 I can spare for the AC
If you don't want the AC compressor to turn on, then hit the "a/c off" button. I never quite get why there is a need for going to the extremes. I usually need the heat in the morning when I go to work since it usually is about 25 out, by the end of my day at 3:00 pm I end up needing to vent out the car. It might only be 70 outside, but the car is about 100 inside. Even with the a/c compressor off, the system knows to raise the fan speed and force fresh air in.
I find the system to be very good and I have never had to fight it.
Steve
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Haha...I do get on the gixxer for the fun. I got into the stupid habit of hating the AC from my first generation BMW M3. The AC REALLY drained the power of that poor 4 cylinder. On the E500, I can't tell any difference and even though i do lead foot some, I do not race it in any way. I just love leaving the typical crappy cars that come up thinking that HP alone is all that matters. Seeing them drop off at 100+mph on bumpy roads is sooo funny. The Benzo is just smooth as silk all the way through the gears.
I'll give the Auto feature another shot. I guess its a feature I paid for, i may as well start to use it. I sound like my dad and his refusal to get an ATM card. LOL
I'll give the Auto feature another shot. I guess its a feature I paid for, i may as well start to use it. I sound like my dad and his refusal to get an ATM card. LOL
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
2004 E320; 2001 Jaguar VDP
I think Auto works fine on my '04. From my experience with it, everytime you change the temp or start it up, it delays reacting to the change. I suppose the reaction delay is there to make sure you have it set the way you want it. My home HVAC is the same. After you set the temp, it waits to make sure you don't change your mind. Saves the system from kicking on and off if you're just screwing around with the dial.
Seems logical to me.
Seems logical to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by jangy
Haha...I do get on the gixxer for the fun. I got into the stupid habit of hating the AC from my first generation BMW M3. The AC REALLY drained the power of that poor 4 cylinder. On the E500, I can't tell any difference and even though i do lead foot some, I do not race it in any way. I just love leaving the typical crappy cars that come up thinking that HP alone is all that matters. Seeing them drop off at 100+mph on bumpy roads is sooo funny. The Benzo is just smooth as silk all the way through the gears.
I'll give the Auto feature another shot. I guess its a feature I paid for, i may as well start to use it. I sound like my dad and his refusal to get an ATM card. LOL
I'll give the Auto feature another shot. I guess its a feature I paid for, i may as well start to use it. I sound like my dad and his refusal to get an ATM card. LOL
Even with my E320 I can smoke away people who try to race! So I can totally relate. I do choose who will engage me in brief moments of stupidity though. If I had an E500, then I don't think I would have to be so choosy.
Steve
