xolinlevh

So the past week or so ive noticed that when i turn on the seat vents i can hardly feel it anymore, where as whoever is in my passenger seat marvels at it. I turned them on side by side last night and putting a hand over both, it feels like theres almost no air coming out of the driver side. Is there an easy fix or way to check if everything connected that anyone knows of? I can hear the fans going when i turn it on so im wondering if something just came loose?

Live Oak

I don't know how to test it, but mine has been practically useless since I got the car. Pictures I've seen look like they use common commercial muffin fans, ala computers. ????

That said, my 2005 Toyota Avalon had wonderful seat ventilation --- although otherwise it was a disaster of a car --- two blown engines, slippy transmission, wouldn't hold alignment, burned out door locks, etc., etc. . . .

vdubpower

yeah not very impressed by them

xolinlevh

Hmm. Yea i used to feel it quite strong, noticeably cooler back. Now nothing. If they use standard 80/90/120 mm fans liek in computers....i wonder if its possible to open it up, and replace it with a better brands fan. I build all my own computers so have a nice stack of super high cfm fans with very low noise....

ImInPA

The easy fix is: Take it to the dealer.

xolinlevh

Thats my next option, but figured id check on here in case this was somethign well known or a generally easy fix

hyperion667

I recall someone saying it kind of made they're back side feel wet.....I don't really get that feeling.....but I CAN feel a cooling sensation after about 5 minutes maybe...
there's something happening down there lol

MinnBobber

Hi,
berti 00 did a thread in the AMG W211 section (May 2012??) with DIY and pics of replacing seat fans. Had pics of each step and wiring etc.

He had "fans on steroids" and had to trim them down with Dremel to fit
but said the stockers are really whimpy.

When ordering my 2013 E, I asked about getting this option and my sales assoc said it is not worth it as it barely moves any air and is a big complaint from owners who have it.
Hope this helps you.

troymir350

The fans seem to make a bigger difference in the winter with the seat heaters on than trying to use them to cool down. Convection will always heat better than cool anyway!

ImInPA

Your other option is to shave that narly back hair.

xolinlevh

Lol Im trying to avoid taking it in for a while because my dealer has a '10 E63 on the floor thats at a good price and id be very tempted to trade my 550 back for it :P

D_A_Brown620

I have been disappointed with my vented seats from day one. I use them almost every time I get in the car, but I usually only notice a difference on long trips or if I am wearing a very light weight shirt.

Yosheego

yup, it's very subtle, but you can hear the fan more. I used it sometimes when it hot outside. keeps my back from sweating in the high heat.

MB-JIM

I believe that the fans help minimize perspiration on hour or longer trips.
For short, local trips, I believe the fans are a waste. I would not order them again.
My biggest complaint is that it seems that the seat cushions are harder due to the fans replacing padding.

xolinlevh

hmm, to me they felt much stronger a few weeks back, could actually notice my back being cooled. Now even when i leave the gym and so my backs wet...i cant feel it.

D_A_Brown620

I live in Florida. It's always hot.

Arrie

So, let's think about this a little bit.

A ventilated seat is exactly that, a ventilated seat. It is NOT air conditioned seat.

The air used for the ventilation is the car cabin air. If you get in your car when it has been sitting in the sun in a summer day the air inside the car is hot at something like 150 - 200 degrees. Guess what it feels when you sit on the seat and the ventilation fan starts blowing that hot air in your a**.

Ventilated seat functions only when your car cabin temperature is low enough for the fan to blow cool air in your seat sitting surfaces.

Don't know why MB engineers thought it is a good idea to turn the seat fans ON if you use the remote function to open all windown when getting to the car. Car would be hot and seat ventilation could make it worse for the driver...

vdubpower

are the three light levels for intensity of the fan or the duration it stays on??

i placed a tissue on the passenger seat the other day and turned it on, and it didnt even flinch, couildnt feeel anything

Live Oak

Why do I think you don't have ventilated seats? That is just not true.

Having used ventilated seats is other makes of cars, BMW, Toyota, I can tell you that 2011 E Class ventilation is worthless. It borders on fraud as advertised . . . simply does not deliver. You can hear the fans running (regardless of cabin temperature) but that's the only effect --- noise!

hyperion667

try a feather, or maybe some dust

Live Oak

Pixie dust might work!

JAN8OR

I agree that the ventilated seat option is a complete waste. I have a 2012 ml63 and I don't feel anything when I turn it on. I even took it to the dealer and they checked it out and stated its working fine.
Arrie had a good point. Because the fans in the seats only circulate the cabin air (and more specifically the air right at the back of the seats) it might be a good idea to turn on the rear A/C so it can bring the air temp down while using this feature.

BM2BZ

i think they are for intensity. i might not drive long enough but i think it doesn't turn off in 10-15 minutes like the massage feature .

hyperion667

I really have little beef with the cooler seat as it seems to work okay for me

Arrie

Mine works but only after car is cool inside. Now, i'm not saying BMW or someone elde makes a better ventilated seal but I can tell I don't sweat in my seat any more during hours long drives regardless how hot day it is.