daytonabeach

I have a W210 SW 1996, and i wonder, whats the point of having the EC button on the dash?
I know it turns of the AC when its on, but does EC stands for?
I thought it stands for Economic as in fuel saving, but now ive measured with AC on and of, and there are NO difference in consumption...

Somebody care to explain this?

lkchris

Your air conditioner compressor runs all the time--even with winter heat--unless you press this button.

2003 S600

It means economy mode and turns off ac completely ie you can run fresh air that is ambient temp or heater. Gas milage might not change much, belt is always turning compressor as there is no clutch to disengage.

TMAllison

The W210 has an electro-magnetic clutch; is the S600 different?

2003 S600

AFAIK S600 has a compressor that runs a percentage of capacity from 0 to 100% so it is always on, you dont hear anything when turning on ac by pushing o or ec button.

daytonabeach

I understand what it does, but what has the name economy mode to do with anything if it doesnt make any difference?
That difference could also be made by the temp wheels, with AC on you can get the temp adjustment to react faster

TMAllison

By most poeples logic, using the AC consumes more power which in turn effects mpg's. Turning the AC off and opening windows (at freeway speeds at least) is less areodynamic and uses approx the same amount of power to overcome as using the AC.

AC off and windows up should result in some small measurable increase in economy.

It has on every car I've ever owned.

TMAllison

I believe your vents operate (mixing ambient with cooled or heated air) the way you describe, but not the compressor. I do reserve the right to be wrong though...

When the AC is engaged you should feel or hear a slight dip in RPM's. It may not be as noticeable in a V12 as it is in a I6; nor should it be considering the priced paid for a S600.

daytonabeach

Well, so the bottom line is, if you dont notice any difference at all, you might as well always have the AC on, IMHO