I usually have the temps set on 68° F. Airflow settings depend on the A/C unit you purchased. I have the Acoustic Comfort Package so I do not get any radiant heat through the glass.

 

I don't use the auto feature, it seems like its doesn't get it to the desired temp fast enough. To feel the AC coolness I blast it to fan speed 7 and directly facing the body. There is a huge difference from fan speed 5 and 6,7 for some odd reason as well.

 

 

I want to resurrect this thread now that it has been really cold in the northeast for the past couple weeks. I'm noticing the inverse of what has been described herein, though I now fully expect it in warmer weather once it returns in 4 months.

For my part, in my old 2014 e350 like estark described above, I would set the auto climate control on 72 and was comfortable year round (indeed, often lowering to 69 in winter). Now, however, I find myself often having to increase the auto climate control as high as 77F and 78F to stay warm. It appears that auto mode is doing a poor job of targeting the desired temperature inside the car's cabin. If this is the case, is it just better to use the manual mode? What a disappointment if that's the recommended route. I love just leaving the climate control alone and knowing that the car will be just perfect.

Is something others have observed or does the behavior warrant a trip to the service advisor?

 

Here is what I do, and so far works pretty good on my 2016 E 350 4 matic:

Unless I need the AC to cool or dehumidify (clear windows when it rains) I have my car set at AUTO at 68 degrees and I turn off the AC. This works fine for the months of October - April. The cooler air usually comes from the vents in the dashboard. I assume this is a safety feature - to blow warm air on your face might make you drowsy.

I also use the heated seats and heated steering wheel, rather than raise the temperature in the car. Again long drives with temperature above 68 for me the hot air makes me drowsy.

In the spring and summer when I use the AC I also AUTO at 72 degrees.

Whenever possible I do not use the AC: I have found that engaging AC drops mileage by about 2 mpg.

I almost always drive with the windows up: Driving with the windows down not only is noisy, creates wind in the car but also lowers mpg by about 2 - but again I know others who love to drive with the windows open to bring in fresh air!

In three years of ownership I have opened the roof maybe 10 times for short periods. I realize that the open roof is a favorite for many, but not for me.

Hope this helps.

 

Though I never use heat, I like to crack the sunroof at the back. It creates an air circulation path (suction) to allow better air flow through all the vents. That will work well when maximum heating is not required by allowing greater air flow through the heating core.

 

My post above mentions how the AC isn't as cold as my previous MB cars and just weaker in general, your post also mentions it isn't warm enough for you until you put it on 77 & 78. I'm thinking the climate control in this car is just weaker or smaller in general?? No clue... but I do notice it for sure.

 

@jhpmbusa you raise a good point. I'm pretty friendly with the service mgr at my dealership so I'll raise it with him when I'm next there. It argues that the temp sensor in the car isn't in an ideal location and not initiating the AC long enough or hard enough in warm temps and vice versa in cold temps. Otherwise, it seems to function once I get it warm enough. The problem, though is that when I set it to 78, then it get too hot. Not great either. Of course, this compares with your experience that the car doesn't get cool enough period on auto.