SL/R230: Ventilated Seat Feature???
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Ventilated Seat Feature???
I noticed on the ventilated seats that if you press the heat button and the cool button all the lights turn on, all the heat lights and all the cool lights. This doesn't make any sense, does anyone no about this.
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From: State College, pennsylvania
2007 CLS550 (White w/black interior);2008 smart CABRIO
Ventilated Seats!
Regarding the seats. These are never, ever, cooled. They are simply ventilated--meaning that small fans pull the regular cabin air so that it goes behind your back to help avoid moisture build-up. (our bodies are generating heat all the time)
I frequently use both the heating (of seating) and ventilation (of back) feature at the same time.
GIFF ALBRIGHT gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
I frequently use both the heating (of seating) and ventilation (of back) feature at the same time.
GIFF ALBRIGHT gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by giffSCPA
Regarding the seats. These are never, ever, cooled. They are simply ventilated--meaning that small fans pull the regular cabin air so that it goes behind your back to help avoid moisture build-up. (our bodies are generating heat all the time)
I frequently use both the heating (of seating) and ventilation (of back) feature at the same time.
GIFF ALBRIGHT gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
I frequently use both the heating (of seating) and ventilation (of back) feature at the same time.
GIFF ALBRIGHT gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Thanks for the info
Originally Posted by giffSCPA
Regarding the seats. These are never, ever, cooled. They are simply ventilated--meaning that small fans pull the regular cabin air so that it goes behind your back to help avoid moisture build-up. (our bodies are generating heat all the time)
I frequently use both the heating (of seating) and ventilation (of back) feature at the same time.
GIFF ALBRIGHT gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
I frequently use both the heating (of seating) and ventilation (of back) feature at the same time.
GIFF ALBRIGHT gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
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2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
This topic is yeeeeears old, but I was searching the forum in finding answers regarding the 'ventilated seats'.
My 2011 Escalade EXT actually cools my buttocks and lower back. Or at least it feels cool, even though I don't think it is connected to the AC. In my 'new' 2011 SL550 I can't feel a thing when I turn on the 'ventilated seats' feature. I have now learned that I'm not supposed to. I heard the fans turning on, but felt nothing. I'm glad there is nothing wrong! Just wanted to post a thanks for clarifying that for me.
My 2011 Escalade EXT actually cools my buttocks and lower back. Or at least it feels cool, even though I don't think it is connected to the AC. In my 'new' 2011 SL550 I can't feel a thing when I turn on the 'ventilated seats' feature. I have now learned that I'm not supposed to. I heard the fans turning on, but felt nothing. I'm glad there is nothing wrong! Just wanted to post a thanks for clarifying that for me.
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Yeah, the ventilated seats are very weak. When it's hot and I really need them, they seem to do nothing. When it's cooler out, can actually feel some air movement and cooling effect, but of course then I don't really need it. Other cars my wife has owned (a Lexus IS and a Jeep GC) had great ventilated seats. I have heard of some SL owners replacing the fans in the seat with larger ones to get better airflow. One day, maybe I will have time to investigate that.
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SL500
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2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
It's definitely worth the time to switch out the weak MB units with more powerful PC cooling fans. The PC Fans flow at 49cfm, more than double the rate of the weak stock 20cfm units. For future searchers, these are the highest flowing 80mm fans that will fit: : PC Fans
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From: Tampa
'01 CLK 430 cab, '04 SL500 (230K miles)
I replaced my driver seat backrest fans with some pretty power fans but it only made a very slight difference, so slight of a difference, that I didn't bother to do the lower cushion fans. The problem is that the multicontour seats have a bladder in the middle part of the seat and non perforated leather on the bolsters. The air has nowhere to go except for the space between the bolster and the middle cushion so you don't get much airflow there. If they used perforated leather on the bolsters, like the leather in the middle of the seat, you might get some decent airflow.
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
To the best of my knowledge this is more about moisture than about temperature. We have just had a heatwave and I found the vents to be very effective against getting sticky against the seat.
In another car I had a Scheel brand orthopedic seat, the stronger ventilation of which would immediately stiffen up my spine(-muscles), most irritating. Although in my case my back is a health issue (hernia), I really cant imagine a strong airflow being a bonus to anyone.
In another car I had a Scheel brand orthopedic seat, the stronger ventilation of which would immediately stiffen up my spine(-muscles), most irritating. Although in my case my back is a health issue (hernia), I really cant imagine a strong airflow being a bonus to anyone.
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https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...seat-fans.html
