E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

2004 e500 rear a/c blow hot air

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 05:13 PM
  #1  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
2004 e500 rear a/c blow hot air

I just noticed that the rear vents are blowing hot air while the front vents are blowing cold. Anyone else experience this issue?
I only have 55300mi on the car.

Thanks!
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 05:41 PM
  #2  
PlatinumPi4u's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Socal
06' w211 E500 Sport
I don't want to insult your intelligence, but deductive reasoning has worked well for me in the past...

So with that said, have you pressed the "rear vents" button and attempted to lower the temperature?
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 06:07 PM
  #3  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by PlatinumPi4u
I don't want to insult your intelligence, but deductive reasoning has worked well for me in the past...

So with that said, have you pressed the "rear vents" button and attempted to lower the temperature?
I did. Temp control up or down doesn't work.
I found the thread already. Heater control valve changeover issue.
Seems like alot of ppl have/had this issue.

And I just got done laying down 1500 for air shock and other stealer work.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 06:08 PM
  #4  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by PlatinumPi4u
I don't want to insult your intelligence, but deductive reasoning has worked well for me in the past...

So with that said, have you pressed the "rear vents" button and attempted to lower the temperature?
FYI, it's hard to insult my intelligence...so it's ok.
My e500 is a garage queen and I'm starting to feel like I need to just drive it daily to work out all the kinks. Collecting cobwebs can't be good for the car.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 06:11 PM
  #5  
maxi13's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
04 E320 4M Wagon
Search would've been helpful
It is a first sticky in 211 forum
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...rol-valve.html
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 06:13 PM
  #6  
MBNewbie2008's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, Ca
2005 W211 E500
Hi PCH, I had the same thing happen to me last year. It's your changeover valve thats gone bad. My car had 53000 miles on it and I found out it happens on the older e classes.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 06:14 PM
  #7  
maxi13's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
04 E320 4M Wagon
The part is $40 at autohaus
Even cheaper at parts.com but they charge S/H
The dealer quotes around $200-250 labor
An easy DIY in my opinion. Or do it at an Indy. Labor shouldn't be over 120-150 for an hour job
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 06:36 PM
  #8  
spinn's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
2004 E500
I actually had that problem. Was not getting any heat up front, but was able to get heat in the rear. Was having a tech check out my car and he mentioned that it's typical that the heater valve can sometime get stuck; he indicated mine is working fine now, but suggested I get it replaced through my 3rd party warranty.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 10:05 PM
  #9  
NorseWagon's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 685
Likes: 121
From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
MB dealer replaced the valve on my wagon last year, it came to about $400.00.
The Total-Care warranty covered it. Same with the Air matic struts in the front, replaced @ the same visit. The whole whole bill came to about $4K.

Don't leave home without the Warranty on the old W211s
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 01:44 AM
  #10  
spinn's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
2004 E500
$400 to replace the valve? Considering the valve itself costs about $40, and labor shouldn't be more than 1.5 hrs, that's robbery. Good thing you had a warranty.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 02:24 AM
  #11  
markpetersonii's Avatar
Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Belle Plaine, MN
2003 E500 Sport
Ugh... Mine is doing this now too. One more thing to add to the list.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 09:16 AM
  #12  
NorseWagon's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 685
Likes: 121
From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
Good thing you had a warranty.
Well, the warranty was not just a piece of good luck, but a contract I signed with eyes open just because of horror stories like that

Now I don't have to sweat the next mechanical problem, or go chasing down the cheapest indy shop in the area: Just drop of the E at the dealer, get a loaner car and tell 'em to call me when it is fixed.

Will renew my contract and keep the car another 3 years after the present contract expires.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 10:06 AM
  #13  
RA72825's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
There is an outside chance that changing the valve will not help you. I have had this same issue of blowing hot air at the rear vents for a year now and after changing the valve my MB dealer has traced the problem to a faulty S.A.M. I can trick the SAM into blowing cool air by raising the temperature and then lowering it back down. It is only a problem on the hottest days and I guess I'd rather let my rear occupants suffer than pay $1,000 for a new SAM.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 01:38 PM
  #14  
spinn's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
2004 E500
Originally Posted by KEY08
There is an outside chance that changing the valve will not help you. I have had this same issue of blowing hot air at the rear vents for a year now and after changing the valve my MB dealer has traced the problem to a faulty S.A.M. I can trick the SAM into blowing cool air by raising the temperature and then lowering it back down. It is only a problem on the hottest days and I guess I'd rather let my rear occupants suffer than pay $1,000 for a new SAM.
found this article.

Talked to my tech, and he indicated he could change out the heater valve for me for $215. Considering he basically did a full pre-buy inspection to identify any problems for nothing, and my 3rd party warranty doesn't appear to cover the heater valve, and I've got limited spare time to perform the DIY, I think it's worth paying to have it done. Hopefully, that will take care of it and not require replacement of the SAM.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 01:52 PM
  #15  
RA72825's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
Yeah, that article reflects the story of my dilema. Changing out the heater valve is an easy DIY, but $215 isn't a bad price if it includes the part. Let us know if the replacement works for you.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 03:50 PM
  #16  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by maxi13
Search would've been helpful
It is a first sticky in 211 forum
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...rol-valve.html

Thanks, I did find it yesterday.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 03:51 PM
  #17  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by MBNewbie2008
Hi PCH, I had the same thing happen to me last year. It's your changeover valve thats gone bad. My car had 53000 miles on it and I found out it happens on the older e classes.
I see, yea...looks like I'm just going to take it in. Too hot to work on the car myself. What did the repair cost you? Or did you do it yourself?
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 03:54 PM
  #18  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by NorseWagon
MB dealer replaced the valve on my wagon last year, it came to about $400.00.
The Total-Care warranty covered it. Same with the Air matic struts in the front, replaced @ the same visit. The whole whole bill came to about $4K.

Don't leave home without the Warranty on the old W211s
I paid for the Airmatic shock on the driver's side front just a month ago. That was $1600-1700 in itself....so $4k was about right for both front sides & the valve job.

Valve: $400...i see, thanks.

I'm in the wrong line of business.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 03:55 PM
  #19  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by spinn
$400 to replace the valve? Considering the valve itself costs about $40, and labor shouldn't be more than 1.5 hrs, that's robbery. Good thing you had a warranty.
The only way I can fool myself is...I just keep saying, "this is a nice C class rental they gave me...." LOL... so i don't pay attention to the repair bill pending.

I really should be more hands on with repairs.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 03:56 PM
  #20  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by markpetersonii
Ugh... Mine is doing this now too. One more thing to add to the list.
Sorry to hear that. Wouldn't you think that they would do a tsb on this? Or it's just one of the wear & tear items.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 04:02 PM
  #21  
PCH_4.2's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
'04 E500
Originally Posted by KEY08
There is an outside chance that changing the valve will not help you. I have had this same issue of blowing hot air at the rear vents for a year now and after changing the valve my MB dealer has traced the problem to a faulty S.A.M. I can trick the SAM into blowing cool air by raising the temperature and then lowering it back down. It is only a problem on the hottest days and I guess I'd rather let my rear occupants suffer than pay $1,000 for a new SAM.
Oh my...

Well, I'd originally thought it had something to do with all the work this dealer did on the car just last month. Front driver's side airshock change, tranny fluid flush, brake fluid flush. I thought they'd sabotaged something, lol. Dealer nightmares.

Oh, and the mechanic's cd in the single cd slot was a nice touch. I was like, "that's not my cd!". I guess a pre/post repair test drive requires nice music. He didn't like any of mine apparently. I can't remember what cd (belonging to me) is gone now. I did have one in there.

It's either I get it fixed or the E500 will just be a post 8pm drive car.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2011 | 02:45 PM
  #22  
MBNewbie2008's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, Ca
2005 W211 E500
Hey PCH, It cost me $210. I ordered the part at MBPartsOnline.com including shipping was $38 then went to an indy to install it (limited time for me too). Give them your vin number and they will match the part with your car.
Reply
Old May 26, 2014 | 10:54 AM
  #23  
Amaroo's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2003 E500
I had the same problem and I change the valve as you said and now it's running good

Thank a lot
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2015 | 09:18 PM
  #24  
E2233's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2000 E320 2009 E550
AC REAR VENT BLOW HOT AIR

Originally Posted by PCH_4.2
I just noticed that the rear vents are blowing hot air while the front vents are blowing cold. Anyone else experience this issue?
I only have 55300mi on the car.

Thanks!
2009 E550 73,000 miles the rear AC vent was blowing hot air. I had the Mercedes-Benz extended warranty. The dealer complete the following:
1. Reset actuator motor
2. Replaced in rear remove and replaced.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2015 | 05:04 AM
  #25  
E2233's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2000 E320 2009 E550
AC REAR VENT BLOW HOT AIR

Originally Posted by E2233
2009 E550 73,000 miles the rear AC vent was blowing hot air. I had the Mercedes-Benz extended warranty. The dealer complete the following:
1. Reset actuator motor
2. Replaced in rear remove and replaced.
Returned to dealer third week of February same problem.

This time the dealer under warranty replaced heater switch over/valve including coolant.
Reply


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


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:15 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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