E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

AC Issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 18, 2008 | 01:57 PM
  #1  
jlw000's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
2005 E500 Sport w/ AMG Package
AC Issue

I have an E500, 2005, 27K miles. Today i went 1 mile to lunch and on the way the air, which was on automatic, suddenly shut off...though the read out showed it was on. I hit the on/off switch and fan switch and it shows the fan speed, but still dead. I thought, o.k. maybe a fuse. I parked, went to my lunch meeting and came out expecting it to still be dead. But to my dismay, the AC worked immediately (I'd been happy knowing it was a fuse). So now I am going to have to go to the dealer and have it looked at I guess. Any experience out there that would point to a specific issue? Until today I have had no issue with AC. thanks
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2008 | 02:31 PM
  #2  
Diesel Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 334
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Originally Posted by jlw000
I have an E500, 2005, 27K miles. Today i went 1 mile to lunch and on the way the air, which was on automatic, suddenly shut off...though the read out showed it was on. I hit the on/off switch and fan switch and it shows the fan speed, but still dead. I thought, o.k. maybe a fuse. I parked, went to my lunch meeting and came out expecting it to still be dead. But to my dismay, the AC worked immediately (I'd been happy knowing it was a fuse). So now I am going to have to go to the dealer and have it looked at I guess. Any experience out there that would point to a specific issue? Until today I have had no issue with AC. thanks
Sounds like the fan regulator although I thought that issue was a lot more rare on a W211 compared to older models.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2008 | 03:41 PM
  #3  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I had the problem on my '04. Whenever the fans whent into Max Cool or highest speed due to demands for extra cooling, the fans would shut off, but would work as you say when restarting a little while later. It was a fan blower regulator located somewhere under the passenger side dash that was faulty. Back then, they had to replace it a couple of times. I believe the part has been updated, and after its replaced, you will have no more problems like that.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2008 | 05:48 PM
  #4  
jlw000's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
2005 E500 Sport w/ AMG Package
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
I had the problem on my '04. Whenever the fans whent into Max Cool or highest speed due to demands for extra cooling, the fans would shut off, but would work as you say when restarting a little while later. It was a fan blower regulator located somewhere under the passenger side dash that was faulty. Back then, they had to replace it a couple of times. I believe the part has been updated, and after its replaced, you will have no more problems like that.
Well this is exactly the same issue i had in my 530i and am not surprised to hear this. In that car the part is roughly in the same place and was about $100. After it was replaced it was fine. I suspected the same thing here but as this is my first MB was not sure the engineering was that similiar. thanks.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2008 | 01:39 AM
  #5  
Diesel Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 334
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Originally Posted by jlw000
Well this is exactly the same issue i had in my 530i and am not surprised to hear this. In that car the part is roughly in the same place and was about $100. After it was replaced it was fine. I suspected the same thing here but as this is my first MB was not sure the engineering was that similiar. thanks.
I've had one replaced from a 5-series BMW, and one from an E-class MB (W210 though). I guess we can blame BMW.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2008 | 01:53 AM
  #6  
ehr1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: santa ana, calif
2002 E55 AMG, chevy truck,1984 190E(race car)
More than likely needs a a/c blower regulator. I replace 5 or so a month at work.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2008 | 04:07 AM
  #7  
Diesel Benz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 334
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Originally Posted by ehr1
More than likely needs a a/c blower regulator. I replace 5 or so a month at work.
Is that for W211 models? How would you estimate the likelihood of this failure between different MB models?
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2008 | 08:09 AM
  #8  
deshelto's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
2004 E55
I have the same problem, just haven't had time to take it in yet. Good to see the posts about what the problem could be. As a short term fix, whenever I see the a/c jump in to "Max Cool" mode, I manually adjust the blower speed down one notch. For some reason, that is enough to make it not shut off. Then when it cools down in the car I just hit the "Auto" button again. Let us know what happens when you take it in for repair!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

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 Sep 19, 2008 | 10:12 AM
  #9  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by deshelto
I have the same problem, just haven't had time to take it in yet. Good to see the posts about what the problem could be. As a short term fix, whenever I see the a/c jump in to "Max Cool" mode, I manually adjust the blower speed down one notch. For some reason, that is enough to make it not shut off. Then when it cools down in the car I just hit the "Auto" button again. Let us know what happens when you take it in for repair!
My uneducated guess is that in Max or Defrost mode the fan motor is drawing max current which the regulatior can't handle. Interesting that in the '07's the A/C must be manually put into "Max" mode by pressing a button, while on earlier cars it happens due to cooling demands made by the thermostat.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2008 | 10:55 PM
  #10  
starbrite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
Per previous post by Konigstiger (resident genius) :

" A/C Blower not running :
P-B-83.25/76b Mar 07- Blower motor stops running.

May be caused by high blower output requested by the climate syatem and the blower regulator overload protection engaging unnecessarily.

The blower regulator will be replaced wit part # A230-821-64-51 (updated #, 1//08) if need be ".

Happenned to my car and regulator replacement solved the problem.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2008 | 09:16 AM
  #11  
TPAbnz's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 996
Likes: 16
From: Tampa, Florida
2017 E300W
Same issue here . . . regulator replaced.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2008 | 08:49 AM
  #12  
mcleantmw's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
The Display on the dash for my AC Unit controls is so dim in the daylight that I can hardly read it........at night it's bright enough to read. I tried using the little knob on the overall Display to adjust the brightness and it doesn't make it bright enough to read. The brightness for the Radio display is o.k. Does anyone know what's wrong........is it the "light" unit the AC Display failing and can just the Display unit be replaced or does the entire AC control unit need replacing?
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2008 | 03:57 PM
  #13  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by mcleantmw
The Display on the dash for my AC Unit controls is so dim in the daylight that I can hardly read it........at night it's bright enough to read. I tried using the little knob on the overall Display to adjust the brightness and it doesn't make it bright enough to read. The brightness for the Radio display is o.k. Does anyone know what's wrong........is it the "light" unit the AC Display failing and can just the Display unit be replaced or does the entire AC control unit need replacing?
Check your email
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2008 | 07:35 PM
  #14  
mcleantmw's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Check your email
Thanks for sending me the Service Campaign Bulletin but I don't think it applies to my situation. Even in regular daylight, not direct sun, the brightness on my Climate Control Display is so dim it's unreadable.......it's only readable at night. I researched on the MB Parts Catalog that there's a sensor unit under the hood near the windshield that operates the light dimmer and automatic rain detecting wiper blades. My suspicion is that this sensor unit is defective and is "locked" to be continually in the "night" mode. Why? Because when I tried my wiper blades today in the first setting, the rain sensing setting, they continually operated even when there was no rain. Does my diagonsis seem ontrack? The only other possiblity I can think of is that the Climate Control Display Unit itself is failing.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2008 | 09:31 PM
  #15  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,629
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by mcleantmw
Thanks for sending me the Service Campaign Bulletin but I don't think it applies to my situation. Even in regular daylight, not direct sun, the brightness on my Climate Control Display is so dim it's unreadable.......it's only readable at night. I researched on the MB Parts Catalog that there's a sensor unit under the hood near the windshield that operates the light dimmer and automatic rain detecting wiper blades. My suspicion is that this sensor unit is defective and is "locked" to be continually in the "night" mode. Why? Because when I tried my wiper blades today in the first setting, the rain sensing setting, they continually operated even when there was no rain. Does my diagonsis seem ontrack? The only other possiblity I can think of is that the Climate Control Display Unit itself is failing.
Sent the DTB to give a better understanding as to what might cause difficulty in reading the LED display. Were the display and wipers malfunctioning before you had it in for service, could have had it checked then and circumvented a trip back to the dealer.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2008 | 10:35 PM
  #16  
mcleantmw's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Sent the DTB to give a better understanding as to what might cause difficulty in reading the LED display. Were the display and wipers malfunctioning before you had it in for service, could have had it checked then and circumvented a trip back to the dealer.
No, they just started acting up after my recent service. I have to go back in a couple weeks for another visit to my MB Dealer once the Transmission ECU they ordered from Germany comes in. So, I'll have them check out the AC Display and Wipers auto sensing at that time.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2008 | 11:47 AM
  #17  
peterjthomps's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
2004 E500 4MATIC
Had the same issue.....

Originally Posted by mcleantmw
The Display on the dash for my AC Unit controls is so dim in the daylight that I can hardly read it........at night it's bright enough to read. I tried using the little knob on the overall Display to adjust the brightness and it doesn't make it bright enough to read. The brightness for the Radio display is o.k. Does anyone know what's wrong........is it the "light" unit the AC Display failing and can just the Display unit be replaced or does the entire AC control unit need replacing?
I experienced the same issue with my Temp controls. It was related to the sensor located near rear view mirror. I had a new windshield put in and the sensor was not completetly connected. I would check to make sure it is completely secure. All I did was disconnect and reconnect everything and since then no issues. There are other references in this forum related to this problen, and one that has instruction on removing the sensor control near the mirror.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2008 | 11:04 PM
  #18  
mcleantmw's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Originally Posted by peterjthomps
I experienced the same issue with my Temp controls. It was related to the sensor located near rear view mirror. I had a new windshield put in and the sensor was not completetly connected. I would check to make sure it is completely secure. All I did was disconnect and reconnect everything and since then no issues. There are other references in this forum related to this problen, and one that has instruction on removing the sensor control near the mirror.
Thanks for this input.......glad you mentioned about the sensor being located at the top of the inside of the windshield. I'll look at it in the morning to see if the electrical connectors are firmly inserted or not. The rain sensing wipers definitely do not work properly since they just keep operating in an intermitent mode in dry weather and the Temp Control display just stays in the night mode and unreadable during the day. Glad to know my theory about this sensor being the issue was ontrack!
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 06:19 PM
  #19  
jlw000's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
2005 E500 Sport w/ AMG Package
Originally Posted by mcleantmw
The Display on the dash for my AC Unit controls is so dim in the daylight that I can hardly read it........at night it's bright enough to read. I tried using the little knob on the overall Display to adjust the brightness and it doesn't make it bright enough to read. The brightness for the Radio display is o.k. Does anyone know what's wrong........is it the "light" unit the AC Display failing and can just the Display unit be replaced or does the entire AC control unit need replacing?
Where is that little "knob"? I cannot seem to find one that does what you describe.

BTW. I did finally get this AC problem fixed this week. They replaced both the regulator and the blower...under warranty.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 08:25 PM
  #20  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by jlw000
Where is that little "knob"? I cannot seem to find one that does what you describe.

BTW. I did finally get this AC problem fixed this week. They replaced both the regulator and the blower...under warranty.
The knob is lower left at the cluster. The same knob you press in to reset your trip info and other things. You can press it in and also rotate it clockwise/counterclockwise.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 10:00 PM
  #21  
jlw000's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
2005 E500 Sport w/ AMG Package
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
The knob is lower left at the cluster. The same knob you press in to reset your trip info and other things. You can press it in and also rotate it clockwise/counterclockwise.
i thought that had to be it and it tried it and did not see any difference, but now that it is confirmed, I will pay closer attention. thx.
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 03:00 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