Charcoal Air Filter
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Charcoal Air Filter
Question: when do you all use the activated filter?
On the one hand I'd say "always, why not". On the other hand, it has a marked effect on fan speed, is probably expensive, and will eventually need replacing. What say you all?
On the one hand I'd say "always, why not". On the other hand, it has a marked effect on fan speed, is probably expensive, and will eventually need replacing. What say you all?
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: So. FL
2003 SL Launch Edition, 2003 E500 Pewter/Stone
I would say that it is a good idea to always use it when you have the windows closed and are in traffic. When outside of a traffic situation, I would use it when there is haze or their are other evident air quality issues. However, I am probably prone to forget to turn it on when it would be a benefit. So, for me, the default position is "on".
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 215
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From: Seattle
2001 ML320
Yea, I'd like to know as well about the charcoal filter. Didn't I read that the recirculate function can come on automatically if necessary (based on carbon monoxide levels or something like that)? Does the charcoal filter allow fresh air but at the same time remove some dust/pollen, etc? I doubt it removes carbon monoxide or ozone.
Also, has anyone figured out what the center BLUE thumbwheel switch below the center dash vents does? I would have thought it allows fresh cooler air in while the heat is going to your feet. I've tried it in both positions in various weather and A/C settings and it doesn't seem to do ANYTHING! Is my car faulty or else what/how does that dial work????
Also, has anyone figured out what the center BLUE thumbwheel switch below the center dash vents does? I would have thought it allows fresh cooler air in while the heat is going to your feet. I've tried it in both positions in various weather and A/C settings and it doesn't seem to do ANYTHING! Is my car faulty or else what/how does that dial work????
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
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From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
Blue Center Wheel/Dash Top Diffuser
I have also tried the blue center wheel since colder weather has arrived. In my prior C320, the blue wheel allowed cool (ambient) outside air through just the center outlet on any climate control setting.
On the new E (320 with the round temp dials) the owners manual indicates the blue wheel lets in outside air only when the system is in manual mode, which I interpret as when I manually choose an air outlet setting using the clockwise/counter-clockwise buttons.
I can't see any effect, irrespective of settings. Maybe I need to read the manual more closely.
I don't see the "Low-draft high-volume dash top diffuser vent" (quoting the E Class sales booklet) doing anything I expected, either. On the C320 the diffuser would move a good deal of air to the area above the dash top. Again, maybe I need to re-read the manual.
On the new E (320 with the round temp dials) the owners manual indicates the blue wheel lets in outside air only when the system is in manual mode, which I interpret as when I manually choose an air outlet setting using the clockwise/counter-clockwise buttons.
I can't see any effect, irrespective of settings. Maybe I need to read the manual more closely.
I don't see the "Low-draft high-volume dash top diffuser vent" (quoting the E Class sales booklet) doing anything I expected, either. On the C320 the diffuser would move a good deal of air to the area above the dash top. Again, maybe I need to re-read the manual.
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Posts: 215
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From: Seattle
2001 ML320
jim256, I have the 320 with the 4-zone digital climate control. I'm not sure if I tried the blue dial in manual mode but will do so soon. It does not seem like any air passes through the large center diffuser vent - I think that is mainly a speaker grill for the Logic 7 system. There must be something we are doing wrong as the blue knob must have some function. The manual is pretty scanty on this stuff. I guess I could contact MB but doubt they would know.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
2001 ML320
It is activated through a button on the lower right on the A/C control panel, I think it is only on the 4-zone thermotronic though. I imagine the filter needs to be replaced at some point but not for several years and I'm not sure if this depends on how much it is used.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
2001 ML320
Driving home today I tried what was suggested in terms of taking the air direction control off automatic. That still left the fan speed and air temp part on auto. I did this with the air flow set to the down arrow meaning the heat was going the foot areas. I then turned the blue knob to show all blue. At first nothing happened. About 5 seconds later the driver side center vent started letting through a lot of fresh cool outside air so it seems to work. I had to do the same thing on the passenger side for that side to work. Either way, I didn't seem to feel any of the air coming through the upper diffuser grill so I again think that is just for aesthetics and the speaker, not sure though.
If the above is what I have to do, can anyone tell me where it spells this out in the manual? I think there are a few things I don't yet get about the A/C unit. Also, can't figure out why you shouldn't be able to do this with everything on automatic.
Lastly, I would have thought the blue knob opens a louver and immediately lets in the air. Instead, it is more like a control that then tell the system what to do and that takes a few seconds.
If the above is what I have to do, can anyone tell me where it spells this out in the manual? I think there are a few things I don't yet get about the A/C unit. Also, can't figure out why you shouldn't be able to do this with everything on automatic.
Lastly, I would have thought the blue knob opens a louver and immediately lets in the air. Instead, it is more like a control that then tell the system what to do and that takes a few seconds.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
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From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
Thanks, Barney
Thanks for the info about waiting 5 seconds. I tried your scenario: air at foot level manually, turn blue wheel and wait. Indeed, the cool outside air appeared, and air volume modulates based upon the position of the blue wheel. I guess it's not mechanical like the C320, so it takes time to respond.
I did notice that the air will warm on the side with the higher demand if you increase one side's temperature setting , so there must be some mixing of heated and cooled air going on.
Another oddity, although this may be old news to many: if you have the "AC OFF" button engaged, with the red light showing, the AC compressor may well operate for a period of time after restarting the engine in order to give you "humidity control" and avoid fogging windows. I never understood this on my C320, and assumed the switch was erratic. Now that the E works the same way, I realize it's by design.
Great forum, thanks.
I did notice that the air will warm on the side with the higher demand if you increase one side's temperature setting , so there must be some mixing of heated and cooled air going on.
Another oddity, although this may be old news to many: if you have the "AC OFF" button engaged, with the red light showing, the AC compressor may well operate for a period of time after restarting the engine in order to give you "humidity control" and avoid fogging windows. I never understood this on my C320, and assumed the switch was erratic. Now that the E works the same way, I realize it's by design.
Great forum, thanks.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Same...
Originally posted by Barney
...Also, has anyone figured out what the center BLUE thumbwheel switch below the center dash vents does? I would have thought it allows fresh cooler air in while the heat is going to your feet. I've tried it in both positions in various weather and A/C settings and it doesn't seem to do ANYTHING! Is my car faulty or else what/how does that dial work????
...Also, has anyone figured out what the center BLUE thumbwheel switch below the center dash vents does? I would have thought it allows fresh cooler air in while the heat is going to your feet. I've tried it in both positions in various weather and A/C settings and it doesn't seem to do ANYTHING! Is my car faulty or else what/how does that dial work????
It is the automatic circulation system, and no doubt there are conditions that would cause fresh air to come pout of that vent, but I have yet to discover those conditions!
Mike
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From: Boca Raton, FL
2003 E55,2005 Ferrari F430 Spider, 2005 Corvette 427 TT, 2005 Range Rover
The replacement of the filter is included in the service schedule on the 210 car. Definetely in service b, I don't remember if it was in A as well. I was under the impression that it is an activated filter. If that is the case I believe your still going to have to change it whether or not you use it as it's always working, once unsealed. Anyway, I thought I read on this board that the services are covered free on the 211.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 14
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sport package
Crazy4Cars
Sorry to change the subject but you have a sport package w/ ash leather. I noticed that the AC knobs & the shifter area are brushed aluminum. I read somewhere in this forum that new deliveries do not have these anymore. Is this true? Yours look much better & I would like my car to have these features. I ordered charcoal though. Please advise. Thanks.
Sorry to change the subject but you have a sport package w/ ash leather. I noticed that the AC knobs & the shifter area are brushed aluminum. I read somewhere in this forum that new deliveries do not have these anymore. Is this true? Yours look much better & I would like my car to have these features. I ordered charcoal though. Please advise. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Free?
...Anyway, I thought I read on this board that the services are covered free on the 211. [/B]
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 45
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From: Toronto
2003 E-Class
No kidding (on the free service in Canada).
I initially though my service manager was joking (heck, the A4 gets free service for 3 or so years)...
And oil change on this baby is upwards of $100+ Canadian dollars. Something I am not used to for sure
I initially though my service manager was joking (heck, the A4 gets free service for 3 or so years)...
And oil change on this baby is upwards of $100+ Canadian dollars. Something I am not used to for sure
