AC blower doesn't blow on first start, intermittent
 

Hi folks,
Pretty simple. I start the car in the morning and the AC control panel shows the fan speed(#11 in image), but no air comes out. I can adjust the fan speed(#11 in image) up and down and still no air. If I change the mode(#9 in image) a few times, then the fan starts blowing immediately. Same thing happens if I hit the auto button(#14 in image), the air comes on immediately. Potentially another clue, when the air starts blowing, it's ice cold which makes me think the AC system is running despite the blower not blowing.
This is an intermittent issue that happens 1/3 to 1/4 of starts. I haven't put together any patterns in usage that create this error.

Any ideas what's going on and how to fix? Thank you

BTW, this image is not the exact control panel I have. Mine is a US 2005 E320 CDI.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f8ec51888a.jpg

Had similar issue turned out to be faulty regulator on the blower motor common fault I'm told by dealer.

the blower motor resistor and blower motor itself is a common issue in these cars. I just replaced both of mine here this week. Easy 20 minute job.

I had the same experience here. Intermittent blower motor non-responsive. sometimes, after driving for 10-20 minutes, the blower motor would magically start, I presume when the controller decided to try again and the regulator started working again. I took a gamble and assumed the blower motor itself was fine, since when it was getting voltage it spun up with no problem. I replaced the blower motor regulator with a Behr/Hella resistor from Amazon that ran me just shy of $100. The W211 forum sponsor Autohausaz also has the same component available for similar pricing, which I would have used but I had rewards points to burn. The same part from the dealer (also manufactured by Behr/Hella) was quoted to me at $407.50, but it comes with a 3 point star on the sticker.