Air Conditioning
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10
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From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2007 S65
Air Conditioning
I'm in Arizona and have to tell you that my 2000 S 500 is a real let down in summer. Once the temp. hit's 90+ the a.c. in this thing goes south. And forget 100+. If you leave the car in a parkign lot for an hour or so in this heat, even after you've driven it for 30 mins. at best you get "cool" air, not cold. I'm still sweating after 45 mins.
I took it back to the dealer just yesterday and "again" (three times now) they told me "they have had major problems" getting this model to cool and "they have no solution for it"
It's sad when a $80k plus car can't comptete with air condtioning in a $20k Chevy.
Anybody else feel their a.c. performs less than desireable for a car of this class.
I took it back to the dealer just yesterday and "again" (three times now) they told me "they have had major problems" getting this model to cool and "they have no solution for it"
It's sad when a $80k plus car can't comptete with air condtioning in a $20k Chevy.
Anybody else feel their a.c. performs less than desireable for a car of this class.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
Yea first model year cars always have flaws.
Have you thought about switching to a 2001 or 2002 MY? My 2001 S class has no problem whatsoever with cooling down the car.
The 2000 model year are notorious for that problem tho
Have you thought about switching to a 2001 or 2002 MY? My 2001 S class has no problem whatsoever with cooling down the car.
The 2000 model year are notorious for that problem tho
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10
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From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2007 S65
Actually the service writer said that even the newest models all have the same issue with cooling in 100+. They all blow (no pun intended) only cool air not cold. I have no personal experience in riding in any new ones or testing them in a similar enviornment however.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 6
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From: Newport Beach, CA
2000 S-500, 1998 SLK230
S-500 air conditioning
Sad to hear about problems with a/c in the 2000 S-500. We recently returned from Scottsdale, but (fortunately) took the wife's Mercury Mountaineer and not our S-500 on the trip. The a/c worked splendidly in the Ford product. Even here in Newport I have noticed a certain lack of oomph in the S-500's a/c, though have never really tested it in the desert. BUT has anybody ever noticed that, when the S-500's upper dash wheels are turned fully up, that a blast of cold air jets directly from the center dash duct up to the paired sensors on either side of the interior rear view mirror? The sensors must surely think the interior temperature is much lower than it is. I find if I deactivate that center-blow feature (by turning the upper dash wheels one-detent off of "max"), interior temperature is cooler. Maybe my imagination. I can't believe Daimler-Benz engineers could be so dumb as not to deactivate those sensors when cold air is shooting directly on them. Ah, well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
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From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
The 2000 S-class isnt the only mercedes with weak A/C. The 1998-2001 M-classes have underpowered A/C and exhibit the same problem you are speaking of. The A/C in my IS also has a problem, it is too cold 
.
.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 879
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From: Toronto
SLK 350 '05
haha..i think its a problem with more than just the S and M classes..
my E class doesn't hold a candle to my family's gone Acura Legend or present Lexus LS400, or my sister's GS430..
i think Mercedes' a/c just suck..but the cars great overall..
Juke
my E class doesn't hold a candle to my family's gone Acura Legend or present Lexus LS400, or my sister's GS430..
i think Mercedes' a/c just suck..but the cars great overall..
Juke
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
I had a 2000 S500 and it had a boat load of problems, including air condition, and it is brutal here in South Florida aswell. Well, I got rid of it and got a 2001 S500, and let me tell you, there is a HUGE difference between the two as far as build quality and reliability. I've had the 2001 S500 for about a year and a half and it has been great, not one problem.
Nomatter how many times you bring the car into the dealer, they can't change the build quality.
My suggestion to you, would be to trade up to a later model year, even a pre-owned 2001.
Nomatter how many times you bring the car into the dealer, they can't change the build quality.
My suggestion to you, would be to trade up to a later model year, even a pre-owned 2001.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 402
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From: Houston
E55
I've had an E class and a CL and both had/have excellent A/C. And I live on the Gulf Coast where it's 100+ AND 90% humidity. There is something wrong with your A/C. Have you talked to your local service rep from MB?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 6
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From: Newport Beach, CA
2000 S-500, 1998 SLK230
mercedes a/c
The Germans have never truly believed in air conditioning. As was the case with cup holders, they were dragged kicking and screaming into modern amenities. It would be interesting to see their engineers make the run from Las Vegas to Zion Park in mid-July, and then to read their report to HQ. Funny, you'd think after Rommel's experience in North Africa, they would have this figured out by now. Ah, well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
tgocean, you're correct! But when MB decides to do something right, they really go all out. They probably spent 5 mil just for the R&D of the cupholders on the S-Class, LOL!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
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From: Indiana
S550V4 - 2009 Black on Black Loaded ! 06-M5-Silver/black ! 08-LX570 (Silver - Best SUV ever !)
S500 2000 Air Conditioning (or whatever !!)
I agree with Kevinwa, The car (s500/00) really doesn't cool at all. You drive for a few minutes and you start sweating ! no matter what you do. This car just doesn't blow cold air. I have air-conditioned seats as well - which is just another joke. I have shown it to the local dealer in indianapolis as well as talked with the mb.usa folks several times. Belive me these guys are rude ! All is hear is we are researching and someone will contact me (no time frame what so ever). I really don't know if I'll buy another mercedes or recommend one to a friend. My point is, I am sure MB-USA knows and acknowledges this problem. Then why don't they just issue a recall and fix all the 00-cars once for all (I guess, could hurt its ego - MB can't even get a decent A/C in a $80K car !!)
Mercedes S500 - 2000 - Black - Loaded
Lexus RX300 - 2000 - Silver - Awesome !!
Mercedes S500 - 2000 - Black - Loaded
Lexus RX300 - 2000 - Silver - Awesome !!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 913
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From: Wilkes Barre Pa.
Fiscal Neo Con Express
hey everyone,
i have a 2002 S55 and a 2002 ml500. it seems the S has fickle air conditioning. it either is moderate or very cold. i'm not sure if it is how i'm setting it or just a tempermental design. as for the ml....a true ice box. go figure
as far as a fix from your dealer....squeaky wheel gets the grease....***** loudly!
i have a 2002 S55 and a 2002 ml500. it seems the S has fickle air conditioning. it either is moderate or very cold. i'm not sure if it is how i'm setting it or just a tempermental design. as for the ml....a true ice box. go figure
as far as a fix from your dealer....squeaky wheel gets the grease....***** loudly!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Mercedes-Benz is completely redesigning the entire air conditioning system for the S-Class in 2003.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20
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From: GA
Lexus GS430
There much be some kind of field fix or a redesign A/C system for the 2000 model to get the A/C cooler. Or the 2000 S-class owners have to sell their cars and get a 2003. Can they make the A/C for the 2003 work on the 2000. I just wonder ?
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 98
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From: New York
2008 S550 4Matic P3, Pano, Distronic, Sport
IF your S-class was built between 7/99 and 12/99, there is a bulletin that will get you a larger evaporator and some other things to improve the A/C.
I read about it here somewhere and went to the dealer. I have a pretty good relationship with the service guy, he knew about it and scheduled an appt. You may have to push the dealer a little if you do not have a relationship with them. It's a tough job and I do not think they like to do it much.
Funny thing, they had all the parts for it in stock, so I guess they have done a few and knew more was coming.
I know it requires the whole Command dash to come out because they put new controllers for the A/C. Instead of EC, you get a button that reads 'A/C off'.
I also have the rear A/C option in the car and that STILL does a better job than the front system but it is an improvement.
Just be very insistent.
Hope this helps.
I read about it here somewhere and went to the dealer. I have a pretty good relationship with the service guy, he knew about it and scheduled an appt. You may have to push the dealer a little if you do not have a relationship with them. It's a tough job and I do not think they like to do it much.
Funny thing, they had all the parts for it in stock, so I guess they have done a few and knew more was coming.
I know it requires the whole Command dash to come out because they put new controllers for the A/C. Instead of EC, you get a button that reads 'A/C off'.
I also have the rear A/C option in the car and that STILL does a better job than the front system but it is an improvement.
Just be very insistent.
Hope this helps.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
S550V4 - 2009 Black on Black Loaded ! 06-M5-Silver/black ! 08-LX570 (Silver - Best SUV ever !)
MBfiend: This really very useful info. Is is possible to get a reference number for the Bulletin. I think that will help a great deal. Unfortunately, I am having no luck with the local dealer. Maybe because, I didn't buy the car locally (since they asked me to wait much longer). Thanks again, be great if you could get the reference number for the service bulletin.
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: New York
2008 S550 4Matic P3, Pano, Distronic, Sport
Mat:
Sorry, I do not have the number.
I pickup my car up from service on Friday. I'll ask him then if he's got it.
BTW, my car is in for service because all my rear lights were going crazy. Staying on when the car was off, etc. Right away the service guy opens the passenger rear door and feels the carpet. He says it's wet and that would cause all the shorts. We figured because we had alot of rain lately, that was the cause. I told him, the car is always garaged when not in use. So they checked a little further.
When they installed the new A/C, the drain hose got kinked and the water backflowed into the car and caused all this.
So if you do have it done, make sure it drains correctly when you pick it up.
Sorry, I do not have the number.
I pickup my car up from service on Friday. I'll ask him then if he's got it.
BTW, my car is in for service because all my rear lights were going crazy. Staying on when the car was off, etc. Right away the service guy opens the passenger rear door and feels the carpet. He says it's wet and that would cause all the shorts. We figured because we had alot of rain lately, that was the cause. I told him, the car is always garaged when not in use. So they checked a little further.
When they installed the new A/C, the drain hose got kinked and the water backflowed into the car and caused all this.
So if you do have it done, make sure it drains correctly when you pick it up.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
S550V4 - 2009 Black on Black Loaded ! 06-M5-Silver/black ! 08-LX570 (Silver - Best SUV ever !)
MBFiend, thanks again for your followup posting. This indeed is a big help. I got a call from the MB-USA regional manager. He has asked me to take the car to a different location in Indy. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Let's see.
Thanks
Mat
Thanks
Mat
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: New York
2008 S550 4Matic P3, Pano, Distronic, Sport
Your on the right track.
If you go to regional or headquarters, you all of a sudden become the best customer on Earth. MBUSA really wants to please, I have found more so than a dealer.
My family bought two new SL's this year. We had purchased alot of car's from a local dealer and they were not even listening to us. MBUSA got involved. They actually ALLOCATED an EXTRA car to the dealer for us to get delivery.
The second one's story. Still dealer said no way. $15K above sticker, then we will talk about delivery time. MBUSA sent one of their SL brochures to us with a canned letter and a marketing guys stamped signature. Called him and complained. All of a sudden dealer calls with a Launch Edition available.
MB's motto: Gotta problem, call headquarters
If you go to regional or headquarters, you all of a sudden become the best customer on Earth. MBUSA really wants to please, I have found more so than a dealer.
My family bought two new SL's this year. We had purchased alot of car's from a local dealer and they were not even listening to us. MBUSA got involved. They actually ALLOCATED an EXTRA car to the dealer for us to get delivery.
The second one's story. Still dealer said no way. $15K above sticker, then we will talk about delivery time. MBUSA sent one of their SL brochures to us with a canned letter and a marketing guys stamped signature. Called him and complained. All of a sudden dealer calls with a Launch Edition available.
MB's motto: Gotta problem, call headquarters
