w210 HVAC
 

Okay, the patient is my wifes 99 e320 wagon.

Recently when cold starting the car, the blower immediately kicks out cold air as opposed to not blowing anything until it has heat to distribute.

Everyone at the dealer claims that this is what the car is supposed to do, as only the "older" models had this feature.

I don't drive this car much, but I swear, as does my wife, that it hasn't always done this. In fact, I had the car out there in 2/06 for this exact condition, and they found an electrical short and made repair. Despite this, the Svc. rep is sticking to their guns.

At this point they are going to take another look at it, and "ask Greg" if it has this feature. I find it incredible, and sad, that these guys don't seem to use the resources available to them and rely on asking around about the cars they are supposed to be knowledgable about.

So, am I crazy or does the Dealer suck?

All input appreciated.

Your dealer sucks.

I've had two different 210 cars. Both wait until the engine warms up before the blower starts. Don't know how this mechanism is plumbed on the 210. On the older cars (123, 124) the CCU has its own coolant temperature sensor. Not sure on the 210.

You may be able to perform a simple test by placing the unit in diagnostic mode. I believe it has a coolant temperature display. Use the search feature to locate instructions.

- JimY

Indeed they do suck.

I'm aware of the diagnostic, but I don't think they are. They left me a message to let me know they were looking for another 99 w210 on the lot to see what it would do when they cold started it......pretty impressive for a dealer eh?

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I have a 1999 E430. I normally turn off the climate control before I shut off the engine. In cold morning, I don't turn on the climate control until I see the coolant temperature near 80 celsius. Otherwise, it will blow cold air until the engine warms up. I don't think there is any heating element like a hair dryer in the climate control system.

Car Nut

trying to picture what you're describing....but this wouldn't be something so
simple as the front defroster button being activated, is it? that's the function
that channels high speed blower to the front windshield for max flow? but if so,
am trying to figure out why it's defaulting to that action.

when this happens, what are all the HVAC settings at?

Defrost is not activated, and the HVAC is in auto mode, 72 degrees per side