--DIY Vented upgraded Seat Fans--
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Has anyone conquered the seat bottoms yet? I posted way back on this thread that if a hole was cut on the top of the floor duct running under the seat and blocked the rear facing opening with foam, theoretically it should blow cold air (when ac set to bi-level) right up into the seat bottom/fans. Someone said they tried it but the lower cushion fans pull air vs push, if that's the case can't they just be flipped over?
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Clearwater Beach, Florida
2016 Cls63s AMG
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,403
Likes: 139
From: Clearwater Beach, Florida
2016 Cls63s AMG
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
Has anyone conquered the seat bottoms yet? I posted way back on this thread that if a hole was cut on the top of the floor duct running under the seat and blocked the rear facing opening with foam, theoretically it should blow cold air (when ac set to bi-level) right up into the seat bottom/fans. Someone said they tried it but the lower cushion fans pull air vs push, if that's the case can't they just be flipped over?
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
I was thinking this also...and actually possibly adding some flex ducting to direct air from floor board vent into the seat. the fans should be able to flipped over, but yeahhh...not sure if anybody has done bottom fans yet as they are a bit more involved.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 20
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From: Tampa, FL
2005 E320 CDI
Another one upgraded.
Thanks for all of this information. I did my 2005 E320 CDI this weekend. I am very slow,it took an hour to cut 8 corners, took an hour to get the old fans out and disconnected, it took an hour to widen the holes and another hour to solder, install and cleanup. But those four hours made me the happiest I have been in a long time.
Totally worth the cost and effort.
Totally worth the cost and effort.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,057
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From: SWFL
E55, E320 CDI , CLA250, Jag XJ Supersport
I've tried several different fans mentioned in this thread.
These are definitely the best value
$15 and flow better than the BGears and the ones Berti linked.
These are definitely the best value
$15 and flow better than the BGears and the ones Berti linked.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
hows the sound level?
one amazon review states...
one amazon review states...
4.0 out of 5 starsThe 80 mm version seemed better balanced
By 68redcedar on April 28, 2013
Verified Purchase
I use these as fans in a Camper Van.
I first bought the 80 MM version of this fan and put it on a voltage based speed controller. That was nearly silent on 3 volts and sent a dense narrow column of air on 12 volts across the van. 9 and 7.5 volts still moved a good amount of air without an ear bleeding volume.
So happy was I with the air moved, I bought this 92 MM version, and while it does move more Air, it is not that much more air. It produces a less high pitched roar at 12 volts than the 80mm version, but does not seem to move all that much more air. At lower voltages it is louder than the 80 mm fan, and vibrations are obvious whereas the 80 mm fan is much less so.
Either way both fans move air in a dense column in a straight line with no hotspots as other fans do, and at wider angles. They are loud, but with a speed controller can be suited for most any condition. If they made a 120mm version, I'd be all over it.
4.0 out of 5 starsReally Blows! And It's Loud!
By Russ H. on January 27, 2014
Verified Purchase
I'm sure if I had a decibel meter I could quantify the insane whine that comes out of these guys. But I don't have one. So I'll just say that it's FREAKIN loud!
That said, these guys move a TON of air. I chopped the voltage down by rigging the fan up to a USB adapter wire (don't ask) which cut down the sound considerably. Still moves a lot of air and now I can just unplug it when I don't want to hear it.
By 68redcedar on April 28, 2013
Verified Purchase
I use these as fans in a Camper Van.
I first bought the 80 MM version of this fan and put it on a voltage based speed controller. That was nearly silent on 3 volts and sent a dense narrow column of air on 12 volts across the van. 9 and 7.5 volts still moved a good amount of air without an ear bleeding volume.
So happy was I with the air moved, I bought this 92 MM version, and while it does move more Air, it is not that much more air. It produces a less high pitched roar at 12 volts than the 80mm version, but does not seem to move all that much more air. At lower voltages it is louder than the 80 mm fan, and vibrations are obvious whereas the 80 mm fan is much less so.
Either way both fans move air in a dense column in a straight line with no hotspots as other fans do, and at wider angles. They are loud, but with a speed controller can be suited for most any condition. If they made a 120mm version, I'd be all over it.
4.0 out of 5 starsReally Blows! And It's Loud!
By Russ H. on January 27, 2014
Verified Purchase
I'm sure if I had a decibel meter I could quantify the insane whine that comes out of these guys. But I don't have one. So I'll just say that it's FREAKIN loud!
That said, these guys move a TON of air. I chopped the voltage down by rigging the fan up to a USB adapter wire (don't ask) which cut down the sound considerably. Still moves a lot of air and now I can just unplug it when I don't want to hear it.
Last edited by hachiroku; Apr 25, 2016 at 04:04 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SWFL
E55, E320 CDI , CLA250, Jag XJ Supersport
Louder than the others at level 3, but not that much. Quiet at level 1.
I'm not sure what voltage is supplied to the fans at each setting. I don't think it ever gets a full 12v.
I'm not sure what voltage is supplied to the fans at each setting. I don't think it ever gets a full 12v.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
2004 E55 AMG
I know this thread it is old but it is by far the most pertinent. I just got done doing this mod last night. Or so I thought. One fan works great. When ever I give the 2nd fan power, all of the seat fans go off. I have switched the fans, it is not specific to the fan. I feel like there is to much current draw and it is killing the power because of it. They are rated at 12v. Rated current is .62a. They are the same fans that the person sold in this thread by the looks of it. Any help would be appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 19
From: SWFL
E55, E320 CDI , CLA250, Jag XJ Supersport
I know this thread it is old but it is by far the most pertinent. I just got done doing this mod last night. Or so I thought. One fan works great. When ever I give the 2nd fan power, all of the seat fans go off. I have switched the fans, it is not specific to the fan. I feel like there is to much current draw and it is killing the power because of it. They are rated at 12v. Rated current is .62a. They are the same fans that the person sold in this thread by the looks of it. Any help would be appreciated.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
2004 E55 AMG
I should have clarified that, apologies. Polarity is correct! I made sure of that. It is pretty hard to have a short as well. There are only 2 wires to splice and I hooked up the other fan first... and then that when I hook up the fan that was originally working it shuts down the hole seat. It is definitely related to having them both running.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
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05 E55 AMG, E320 CDI, Turbo E46 M3,IS300 2JZGTE,VQ35 Turbo Maxima, Mercedes 300D
Did you try switching them both to low and medium and see if they work? Mine is rated at 0.5A each and I can have both running at the same time full blast. If you have an SDS scanner, you could possibly check for faults or events that indicate what might be happening. I will be doing this upgrade again in the near future on my other W211.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
2004 E55 AMG
Ok, more information on my issue. I am using the B-Blasters. So, they are they same as most people. I was using the 12v and the signal wire soldered to the 12v from the car. That was the only way I could get the fan to work. But you guys are only using the 12v and the ground by the looks of it. I changed my wires to match this. When the 90mm b-blasters are wired this way, they turn on and run for a few seconds and then stop turning. If I did connected the 12v or the ground and reconnect they will do the same thing, turn for a few seconds then stop. Has anyone had this happen? I have verified that voltage remains constant with a volt meter. So the power and ground are still there, but the fans stop. I will probably had to order new fans. But I dont know that i want to order the same if I would possibly have the same issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
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05 E55 AMG, E320 CDI, Turbo E46 M3,IS300 2JZGTE,VQ35 Turbo Maxima, Mercedes 300D
Check my post #76 (at the end) on the wiring. There are 3 wires usually on B-Blasters - power, ground and speed signal. Maybe make sure you are connected correctly and not to the speed signal. I am unable to understand exactly how you have it wired but should just direct wire to the original fan wiring. I forget if it is always 12V since it is variable speed from the control switch, it should be 12V on the first press of the switch and something lower voltage when pressing a second/third time.
Try connecting the fans directly to a fused 12V battery source and see if they stay running.
Try connecting the fans directly to a fused 12V battery source and see if they stay running.
Ok, more information on my issue. I am using the B-Blasters. So, they are they same as most people. I was using the 12v and the signal wire soldered to the 12v from the car. That was the only way I could get the fan to work. But you guys are only using the 12v and the ground by the looks of it. I changed my wires to match this. When the 90mm b-blasters are wired this way, they turn on and run for a few seconds and then stop turning. If I did connected the 12v or the ground and reconnect they will do the same thing, turn for a few seconds then stop. Has anyone had this happen? I have verified that voltage remains constant with a volt meter. So the power and ground are still there, but the fans stop. I will probably had to order new fans. But I dont know that i want to order the same if I would possibly have the same issue.
Last edited by turbo97se; Jun 16, 2016 at 01:24 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
2004 E55 AMG
Direct to a battery does the same thing with using the 12v and the ground. The fans I have are 4 wire. I just looked, they don't appear to be b blasters, sorry. They are b gears. here is a link....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So there are ground, 12v, signal, and an rpm wire I am assuming. I am trying to use the ground and 12v. Maybe these fans do not run at 100% with just the ground the and 12v hooked up. I have emailed the company but havent received a response.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So there are ground, 12v, signal, and an rpm wire I am assuming. I am trying to use the ground and 12v. Maybe these fans do not run at 100% with just the ground the and 12v hooked up. I have emailed the company but havent received a response.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
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05 E55 AMG, E320 CDI, Turbo E46 M3,IS300 2JZGTE,VQ35 Turbo Maxima, Mercedes 300D
Looks like the fans you got may need a PWM INPUT signal. You could possibly try hooking up the PWM wire to 5V constant (and bump up to 12V) or GND (try GND first) and see if it works. There's not a lot of info out there on your fan.
Direct to a battery does the same thing with using the 12v and the ground. The fans I have are 4 wire. I just looked, they don't appear to be b blasters, sorry. They are b gears. here is a link....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So there are ground, 12v, signal, and an rpm wire I am assuming. I am trying to use the ground and 12v. Maybe these fans do not run at 100% with just the ground the and 12v hooked up. I have emailed the company but havent received a response.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So there are ground, 12v, signal, and an rpm wire I am assuming. I am trying to use the ground and 12v. Maybe these fans do not run at 100% with just the ground the and 12v hooked up. I have emailed the company but havent received a response.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
2004 E55 AMG
At 12 volts to that pwm wire, it does turn on and run. It runs at all three settings for the vented seats. BUT, I can only run one fan. This was the original post I had talked about. When I hook up the second one, all the fans turn off (seat bottom included). That is why I wondered about to much current draw.... it even kills the seat bottom fans. maybe I will just order some b blasters and move on.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I think that this is a great upgrade, I know that I can't really feel the fans in my seats, unless I'm wearing a t-shirt. And I know that I could use it today, going to be 91-93 in Northern Virginia. Bring on the humidity
