E-Class - Interactive Owner's Manual

Air conditioning

Overview of air-conditioning systems

The vehicle is equipped with one of the following air-conditioning systems:

2-zone Thermatic

4-zone Thermotronic*

Rear-compartment air conditioning*

(Rear-compartment air conditioning is only available in conjunction with 4-zone Thermotronic.)

2-zone Thermatic is an automatic air-conditioning system combining an automatic heating and ventilation system with a cooling system.

4-zone Thermotronic is a luxury automatic air-conditioning system combining an automatic heating and ventilation system with a cooling system. You can control the air conditioning separately for each zone in the vehicle.

The rear-compartment air conditioning allows a separate temperature setting for the rear compartment.

 

General notes

2-zone Thermatic controls the temperature of the vehicle interior and filters out undesirable substances from the air.

4-zone Thermotronic* controls the temperature and the humidity of the vehicle interior and filters out undesirable substances from the air.

2-zone Thermatic/4-zone Thermotronic* is only operational when the engine is running. Optimum operation is only achieved when you drive with the side windows and sliding/tilting sunroof*/panorama sliding sunroof* closed.

Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period during warm weather, e.g. using the summer opening feature more. This will speed up the cooling process and the desired interior temperature will be reached more quickly.

The integrated filter filters out most particles of dust and completely filters out pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For this reason, you should always observe the interval for replacing the filter, which is specified in the Service Booklet. As it depends on environmental conditions, e.g. heavy air pollution, the interval may be shorter than stated in the Service Booklet.

Risk of accident

Observe the settings recommended on the following pages. The windows could otherwise mist up. This may obstruct your view of the traffic situation, thereby causing an accident.

 

Overview of air-conditioning system functions

2-zone Thermatic

 

Function

Recommendation/Notes

 

Sets the temperature, left

Set the temperature to 22 .

more

Demists the windscreen

Only use the "demisting" function until the windscreen is clear again.

more

Increases the airflow

 

more

Display

  

Sets the air distribution

 

more

Switches the rear window heating on/off

At very low temperatures, the rear window heating is only switched on once the vehicle interior has warmed up.

more

Sets the temperature, right

Set the temperature to 22 .

more

Switches the residual heat function on/off

You can use the residual heat to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior after you have switched off the ignition.

more

Activates/deactivates cooling with air dehumidification

Switch on the air conditioning with air-dehumidification function. The indicator lamp in the button comes on.

more

Sets the air distribution

 

more

Activates/deactivates Thermatic

Activate Thermatic. The display comes on.

more

Reduces the airflow

 

more

Activates/deactivates Thermatic

Only use this operating mode for a short time, e.g. in a tunnel. Otherwise, the windows can mist up due to lack of fresh air.

more

Controls the air conditioning automatically

Activate automatic air conditioning. AUTO appears in the display.

more

4-zone Thermotronic*

 

Function

Recommendation/Notes

 

Sets the air distribution, left

 

more

Demists the windscreen

Only use the "demisting" function until the windscreen is clear again.

more

Increases the temperature, left

Set the temperature to 22 .

more

Display

  

Increases the temperature, right

Set the temperature to 22 .

more

Switches the rear window heating on/off

At very low temperatures, the rear window heating is only switched on once the vehicle interior has warmed up.

more

Sets the air distribution, right

 

more

Controls the air conditioning automatically, right

Activate the automatic air conditioning. The indicator lamp in the button comes on.

more

Activates/deactivates cooling with air dehumidification

Switch on the air conditioning with air-dehumidification function. The indicator lamp in the button comes on.

more

Reduces the temperature, right

Set the temperature to 22 .

more

 Operates the rear-compartment air conditioning via 4-zone Thermotronic

 

more

Increases the airflow

 

more

Activates/deactivates 4-zone Thermotronic

Activate 4-zone Thermotronic. The display comes on.

more

Reduces the airflow

 

more

Switches the residual heat function on/off

You can use the residual heat to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior after you have switched off the ignition.

more

Reduces the temperature, left

Set the temperature to 22 .

more

Activates/deactivates Thermatic

Only use this operating mode for a short time, e.g. in a tunnel. Otherwise, the windows can mist up due to lack of fresh air.

more

Controls the air conditioning automatically, left

Activate the automatic air conditioning. The indicator lamp in the button comes on.

more

Rear-compartment air conditioning*

Increases the temperature, left
Display
Increases the temperature, right
Reduces the temperature, right
Reduces the temperature, left
 

Switching the air conditioning on/off

When the air conditioning is switched off, the air supply and air circulation are also switched off. Only select this setting briefly, otherwise the windows may mist up.

Switch the air conditioning on preferably using the button.

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

To activate: press the  button.

 

The display comes on. The previously selected settings come into effect again.

  

To deactivate: press the  button.

 

The display shows 0

( Vehicles with 2-zone Thermatic.)

/OFF

( Vehicles with 4-zone Thermotronic*.)

.

 

You can also press another button (apart from the and buttons) to activate Thermatic.

 

Switching cooling with air-dehumidification on/off

The "cooling with dehumidification" function is only available when the engine is running. The air inside the vehicle is cooled and dehumidified according to the temperature selected. This prevents the windows from misting up.

Risk of accident

If the "cooling with air dehumidification" function is deactivated, the air inside the vehicle will not be cooled (during warm weather) or dehumidified. The windows could mist up more quickly. This may prevent you from observing the traffic conditions, thereby causing an accident.

Environmental note

The cooling system uses the refrigerant R134A. This refrigerant does not damage the earth's ozone layer.

Condensation may drip from the underside of the vehicle when Thermatic is in cooling mode.

  

To switch on: press the  button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button comes on.

  

To deactivate: press the  button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button goes out. The cooling with air dehumidification function has a delayed switch-off feature.

The cooling with air dehumidification function in the rear compartment is only operative if the 4-zone Thermotronic cooling with air dehumidification function* is switched on.

 

Controlling the air conditioning automatically

In automatic mode, the set temperature is maintained at a constant level fully automatically. To do so, the system automatically regulates the temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow and the air distribution.

The automatic air conditioning will achieve optimal operation if "cooling with air dehumidification" is also activated. If necessary, cooling with air dehumidification can be deactivated.

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

Set the desired temperature.

  

To activate: press the  button.

 

The AUTO display for the air distribution and airflow comes on. The indicator lamp

( Vehicles with 4-zone Thermotronic*.)

on the button lights up. Airflow and air distribution are set to automatic mode.

  

To deactivate: press the  or button.

 

The AUTO display for the airflow goes out. The automatic control is deactivated and the airflow is controlled according to the selected setting. Automatic air distribution remains activated.

or
  

2-zone Thermatic only: press the  or air distribution button.

 

The AUTO display for the air distribution goes out. The automatic control is deactivated and the air distribution is controlled according to the selected setting. Automatic airflow remains activated.

or
  

4-zone Thermotronic only*: turn air distribution thumbwheel or to the desired symbol more.

 

The indicator lamp in the button goes out. The automatic control is deactivated and the air distribution is controlled according to the selected setting. Automatic airflow remains activated.

 

Setting the temperature

2-zone Thermatic: the temperature for the driver's and front-passenger side can be set individually.

Air-conditioning zones for 4-zone Thermotronic*

4-zone Thermotronic*: the temperature for each of the four air-conditioning zones can be set individually. You can set the temperature separately for the driver's and front-passenger sides as well as for the left and right sides of the rear compartment.

Setting the temperature in the front compartment using 2-zone Thermatic

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

To increase/reduce: turn thumbwheels and clockwise or anti-clockwise more. Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 22 .

Setting the temperature in the front compartment via 4-zone Thermotronic*

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

To increase/reduce: press the or button. Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 22 .

 

The set temperature is shown in the 4-zone Thermotronic* display.

Setting the temperature in the rear compartment via 4-zone Thermotronic*

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

Press the button.

 

The 4-zone Thermotronic* display switches to the rear-compartment air-conditioning settings.

  

To increase/reduce: press the or button. Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 22 .

 

The set temperature is shown in the 4-zone Thermotronic* display. The 4-zone Thermotronic* display changes back to the standard display about five seconds after a button is pressed.

You can also return to the standard display by pressing the button again.

Setting the rear-compartment temperature via the rear-compartment air conditioning*

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

To increase/reduce: press the or button. Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 22 .

 

Adjusting the air vents

Risk of injury

Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air vents. This could cause burns or frostbite to bare skin in the immediate vicinity of the vents. Keep bare skin away from these air outlets. If necessary, direct the airflow away to a different area of the vehicle interior.

Please observe the following notes to ensure that the air can flow freely through the air vents:

  • Keep the air inlet between the windscreen and the bonnet free of deposits, such as ice and snow, to guarantee the supply of fresh air into the vehicle interior.

  • Never cover the vents or air inlet and outlet grilles in the vehicle interior.

Position the sliders for the centre air vents in the central position to provide virtually draught-free ventilation.

Setting the centre air vents

Centre air vent, left
Centre air vent, right
Thumbwheel for centre air vent, right
Thumbwheel for centre air vent, left

Centre air vents

  

To open/close: turn thumbwheels and up or down.

Adjusting the side air vents

Side window demister vent
Side air vent
Side air vent thumbwheel

Side air vents

  

To open/close: turn thumbwheel up or down.

Demister vent is never shut completely, even if side air vent is shut.

Setting the rear-compartment air vents

Rear-compartment air vent, left
Rear-compartment air vent, right
Thumbwheel for rear-compartment air vent, right
Control panel for rear-compartment air conditioning*

(Rear-compartment air conditioning* available only in conjunction with 4-zone Thermotronic*.)

Thumbwheel for rear-compartment air vent, left

Rear-compartment air conditioning

  

To open/close: turn thumbwheels and up or down.

Original Element p durch Gültigkeiten gefiltert!

Setting the rear-compartment side air vents*

Thumbwheel for rear-compartment side air vent
Rear-compartment side air vent

Rear-compartment side air vents

  

To open/close: turn thumbwheel to the left or right.

 

Setting the air distribution

2-zone Thermatic

The symbols for the air distribution have the following meanings:

Symbol

Meaning

Directs the airflow to the entire vehicle interior

Directs the airflow through the demister, the centre and the side air vents

Directs the airflow through the demister vents

Directs the airflow through the demister and footwell vents in the front and rear

Directs the airflow through the centre and side air vents

Directs the airflow through the footwell vents in the front and rear

Directs the airflow through the centre, the side and the footwell vents in the front and rear

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

Press the or button repeatedly until the 2-zone Thermatic display shows the desired symbol.

4-zone Thermotronic*

The air distribution can be adjusted individually for the driver's and front-passenger sides.

The symbols for the air distribution have the following meanings:

Symbol

Meaning

Directs the airflow through the centre, the side and the demister air vents

Directs the airflow through the centre and side air vents

Directs the airflow to the entire vehicle interior

Directs the airflow through the centre, the side and the footwell vents in the front and rear

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

Turn thumbwheel or to the corresponding symbol more. The thumbwheel can also be turned to the area between two symbols.

 

Setting the airflow

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

To increase/reduce: press the or button.

 

Demisting the windscreen

You should only select the "demisting" function until the windscreen is clear again.

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

To activate: press the  button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button comes on.

The system automatically switches to the following functions:

  • cooling with air dehumidification on

  • high airflow

    (Depending on the outside temperature.)

  • high temperature

  • air distribution to the windscreen and front side windows

  • air-recirculation mode off

  

To deactivate: press the  button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button goes out. The previously selected settings come into effect again. The cooling with air dehumidification function remains on. Air-recirculation mode remains deactivated.

or
  

Press the button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button goes out. Airflow and air distribution are set to automatic mode.

or
  

2-zone Thermatic: turn thumbwheels or clockwise or anti-clockwise more.

or
  

2-zone Thermatic: press the  or button.

 

Demisting the windows

Windows misted up on the inside

  

Activate the "cooling function with air-dehumidification" function.

  

Activate the automatic mode.

  

If the windows continue to mist up, activate the "demisting" function.

Windows misted up on the outside

  

Activate the windscreen wipers.

  

2-zone Thermatic: press and hold the or button until the , or symbol is shown in the display.

  

4-zone Thermotronic*: turn the thumbwheel for air distribution to the or symbol.

 

You should only select this setting until the windscreen is clear again.

 

Switching the rear window heating on/off

Risk of accident

Clear all windows of ice or snow before setting off. Impaired visibility could otherwise endanger you and others.

At very low temperatures, the rear window heating is only switched on once the vehicle interior has warmed up.

The rear window heating has a high current draw. You should therefore switch it off as soon as the window is clear, as it only switches off automatically after approximately six to twenty minutes.

If the battery voltage is too low, the rear window heating may switch off.

Saloon: there are aerial wires in the upper area of the rear window; this area is therefore not heated.

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

Press the button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button lights up or goes out.

 

Activating/deactivating air-recirculation mode

You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if unpleasant odours are entering the vehicle from outside. The air already inside the vehicle will then be recirculated.

Risk of accident

Only switch over to air-recirculation mode briefly at low outside temperatures. Otherwise, the windows could mist up, thus impairing visibility and endangering yourself and others. This may prevent you from observing the traffic conditions, thereby causing an accident.

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

To activate: press the  button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button comes on.

Air-recirculation mode is activated automatically at high outside temperatures. When air-recirculation mode is activated automatically, the indicator lamp in the button is not lit.

Outside air is added after about 30 minutes.

  

To deactivate: press the  button.

 

The indicator lamp in the button goes out.

Air-recirculation mode switches off automatically:

  • after approximately five minutes at outside temperatures below approximately 5 

  • after approximately five minutes if the air dehumidification is deactivated

  • after approximately 30 minutes at outside temperatures above approximately 5

Air-recirculation mode with the convenience opening/closing feature

Risk of injury

Make sure that nobody can become trapped between the side window and the door frame as the side windows are opened and closed. Do not place objects or lean against the side window when it is being opened or closed. You or the objects could be drawn in or become trapped between the side window and the door frame as the window moves. If there is a risk of entrapment, press the button again. If necessary, press the switch that stops, opens or closes the side window in the opposite direction.

Make sure that nobody can become trapped when you open or close the sliding/tilting sunroof*/panorama sliding sunroof*. If there is a risk of entrapment, press the button again. If necessary, press the switch that stops, opens or closes the sliding/tilting sunroof*/panorama sliding sunroof* in the opposite direction.

  

Convenience closing: press and hold the button until the side windows and the sliding/tilting sunroof*/panorama sliding sunroof* have closed.

 

The indicator lamp in the button comes on. Air-recirculation mode is activated.

  

Convenience opening: press and hold the button until the side windows and the sliding/tilting sunroof*/panorama sliding sunroof* have reached their original position.

 

The indicator lamp in the button goes out. Air-recirculation mode is deactivated.

If you open the side windows or the sliding/tilting sunroof* or panorama sliding sunroof* manually after closing using the convenience closing feature, it will remain in this position when opened using the convenience opening feature.

 

Switching the residual heat on and off

It is possible to make use of the residual heat of the engine to continue heating the stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after the engine has been switched off. The heating time depends on the set interior temperature.

The blower will run at a low speed regardless of the airflow setting.

If you activate the "residual heat" function at high temperatures, only the ventilation will be activated. The blower runs at medium speed.

  

Make sure that the key is in position 0 in the ignition lock or that it has been removed.

  

To switch on: press the  button.

 

REST appears in the display.

  

To deactivate: press the  button.

 

REST is no longer shown in the display.

The residual heat automatically switches off after around 30 minutes or if:

  • the ignition is switched on

  • the battery voltage drops

 

Switching auxiliary heating/ventilation* on/off

Risk of poisoning

Exhaust fumes are produced when the auxiliary heating is in operation. Inhaling these exhaust fumes can be poisonous. You should therefore switch off the auxiliary heating in confined spaces without an extraction system, e.g. a garage.

Risk of fire

When operating the auxiliary heating, parts of the vehicle may become very hot, and highly inflammable material such as fuels could be ignited. Operating the auxiliary heating is thus prohibited at filling stations or when your vehicle is being refuelled. You must therefore switch off the auxiliary heating at filling stations.

The auxiliary heating heats the air in the vehicle interior to a temperature between 20 and 24 , without depending on heat emitted by the running engine. The auxiliary heating is operated using fuel directly from the vehicle's fuel tank. For this reason, the tank content must be at least at reserve fuel level to ensure that the auxiliary heating functions.

The auxiliary heating/ventilation automatically adjusts to changes in temperature and weather conditions. For this reason, the auxiliary heating could switch from ventilation mode to heating mode or from heating mode to ventilation mode.

You cannot use the auxiliary ventilation to cool the vehicle interior to a temperature lower than the outside temperature.

Before activating

  

Make sure that the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

  

Set the temperature to a value between 20  and 24 .

The auxiliary heating/ventilation can be activated even when the air conditioning is being controlled manually. Optimum comfort can be attained when the system is set to automatic mode. Set the desired temperature within this range. If a higher temperature is set, the vehicle is heated to 24 . If a lower temperature is set, the vehicle is heated to 20 .

Activating/deactivating the auxiliary heating/ventilation

The auxiliary heating/ventilation can be activated or deactivated using the remote control or the button on the centre console.

The on-board computer can be used to specify up to three departure times, one of which may be preselected more.

Button on the centre console
Auxiliary heating/ventilation

Centre console (manual transmission)

Auxiliary heating/ventilation

Centre console (automatic transmission*)

The indicator lamps in the button may light up in blue, red or yellow.

  • Blue: auxiliary ventilation activated

  • Red: auxiliary heating activated

  • Yellow: departure time preselected

Activating the auxiliary heating/ventilation

If the key is in position 1 or 2:

  

Press and hold button  for at least two seconds.

 

The red or blue indicator lamp in button lights up.

If the key is removed or in position 0:

  

Briefly press button .

 

The red or blue indicator lamp in button lights up.

Deactivating the auxiliary heating/ventilation
  

Briefly press button .

 

The red or blue indicator lamp in button goes out.

Remote control

Your vehicle comes with one remote control. You may use two additional remote controls for your vehicle. For further information, consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

The remote control has a maximum range of approximately 300 metres. This range may be reduced by:

  • sources of radio interference

  • solid objects between the remote control and the vehicle

  • the remote control being in an unfavourable position in relation to the vehicle

  • transmitting from an enclosed space

The optimum range can be achieved if you hold the remote control vertically, pointing upwards when you press one of the buttons.

A battery symbol appears in the display when the batteries in the remote control are low. Replace the remote control batteries more.

More information about the auxiliary heating can be found in the "Practical advice" section more.

Display
To check the status
OFF - to deactivate auxiliary heating/ventilation
ON - to activate auxiliary heating/ventilation
To check the status

Auxiliary heating remote control

Using the remote control, you can:

  • activate or deactivate the auxiliary heating/ventilation

  • check the status of the auxiliary heating/ventilation

Activating the auxiliary heating/ventilation
  

Press the ON button.

The following messages can appear in the display:

Display

Meaning

The auxiliary heating/ventilation is activated.

A malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary heating/ventilation. The heating/ventilation function selected by the system is not available. The vehicle battery is not charged sufficiently or the system is faulty.

The signal transmission between the transmitter and the vehicle is faulty.

The heating system has a fault or there is insufficient fuel in the fuel tank. The auxiliary heating is not working. The auxiliary ventilation is still functioning.

Deactivating the auxiliary heating/ventilation

The auxiliary heating switches off automatically after 50 minutes.

This time limit can be altered. To do this, visit a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

  

Press the OFF button.

The following messages can appear in the display:

Display

Meaning

The auxiliary heating/ventilation is deactivated.

The signal transmission between the transmitter and the vehicle is faulty.

Checking the status of the auxiliary heating
  

Press the or button.

The following messages can appear in the display:

Display

Meaning

The auxiliary heating/ventilation is deactivated.

A malfunction has occurred in the auxiliary heating/ventilation. The heating or ventilation function selected by the system is not available. The vehicle battery is not charged sufficiently or the system is faulty.

The signal transmission between the transmitter and the vehicle is faulty.

The auxiliary ventilation is switched on. The number in the display shows the remaining time (in minutes) for the auxiliary ventilation.

The auxiliary heating is switched on. The number in the display shows the remaining time (in minutes) for the auxiliary heating.