Page 113 of 252

Air conditioning system
Heating, ventilation, cooling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Air outlets
110
Using the air conditioning system economically
111
Operational problems
112
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The cooling system prevents the windows from misting up during
winter months.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling
effect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air con-
ditioning system » page 114 or for Climatronic » page 117.
WARNING■
For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about
how to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to de-
mist and defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.■
To reduce health risks (e.g. common colds), the following instructions for
the use of the cooling system are to be observed. ■The difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor air
temperature should not be greater than about 5 ° C.
■ The cooling system is to be turned off about 10 minutes before the end
of the journey.
■ Once a year, a disinfection of the air conditioner or the Climatronic is to
be carried out by a specialist company.
CAUTION■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free (e.g. of ice, snow or
leaves) to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.■
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air
conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a
leak.
Note
■ The exhaust air streams out through vents at the rear of the luggage com-
partment.■
We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating
air mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from
the interior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air condition-
ing system. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning sys-
tem is operating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and
expense (replacement of compressor).
Air outlets
Fig. 123
Air vents at the front
110Operation
Page 114 of 252

Fig. 124
Air vents at the rear
Read and observe
and on page 110 first.
Unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the opened air outlet vents according to the setting of control dial and the outside atmospheric conditions.
The direction of airflow can be adjusted using the air outlet vents 2,
3 » Fig. 123 and 5 » Fig. 124 - the outlets can be opened and closed individually.
Set the air flow direction
›
To adjust the height of the air flow, turn the horizontal vanes up or down
with the movable adjuster
A
» Fig. 123 » Fig. 124 .
›
To change the lateral direction of the air flow, turn the vertical fins with the
movable adjuster
A
» Fig. 123 or » Fig. 124 to the left or right.
Setting the amount of airflow
›
Turn the knob
B
» Fig. 123 and » Fig. 124 to position
to fully open the air
outlet.
›
Turn the knob
B
» Fig. 123 and » Fig. 124 to position 0 to close the air outlet.
The knob can be adjusted to any position in-between.
An overview of the available settings for adjusting the direction of the air
outletSet the direction of the air outletActive air outlet vents1, 21, 2 , 4 , 6 2, 3 , 54 , 6
Note
Do not cover the air outlet vents with objects of any kind.
Using the air conditioning system economically
Read and observe
and on page 110 first.
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the enginewhen in cooling mode which will affect the fuel consumption.
It is recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the
interior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order
to allow the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on if the windows are open.
For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also lower when fuel is being saved » page 149, Eco-
nomical driving and environmental sustainability .111Air conditioning system
Page 115 of 252

Operational problemsRead and observe
and on page 110 first.
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5°C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 220 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because
the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 31.
If you are not able to resolve the operational problem yourself, or if the cooler
output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning system)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
112
adjusting
114
Recirculated air mode
114
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 112.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approximately +2 °C.
The blower is switched on.
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
The cooling system is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to
provide cooling at a high load of the engine.
CAUTION
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when get-
ting out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.Note■ We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a spe-
cialist garage once every year.■
During operation of the air conditioning, an increase in engine idle speed may
occur under certain circumstances in order to ensure sufficient heating com-
fort.
Control elements
Fig. 125
The air conditioning system: Control elements
Read and observe
on page 112 first.
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 125 :
Set the temperature (turn to the left: to reduce the temperature, turn to
the right: to increase the temperature)
Set the blower level (level 0: blowers off, level 4: the highest blower
speed)
Set the direction of the air outlet » page 110
Switch the cooling system on/off
Switching the rear window heater on/off » page 75
Aux. heating on/off » page 118
Switch recirculation on/off » page 114
Control the seat heater on the front left seat » page 85
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 85
ABC112Operation
Page 116 of 252
NoteThe warning light in the symbol button illuminates after activation, even if
not all of the conditions for the function of the cooling system are
met » page 112 . The operational readiness of the cooling system is indicated by
the warning light in the button illuminating.113Air conditioning system
Page 117 of 252

adjustingRead and observe
on page 112 first.
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning system for the respective operating modes:
SettingsControl dial settings » Fig. 125 on page 112Button » Fig. 125 on page 112Air outlet vents 2 » Fig. 123
on page 110ABCDefrost/defog windscreen and
side windows a)Desired tempera-
ture3 or 4Automaticallyswitched onDo not switch onOpen and align with the side windowThe fastest heatingTo the stop to the right3Switched offBriefly switch onOpeningComfortable heatingDesired tempera-ture2 or 3Switched offDo not switch onOpeningThe fastest coolingTo the stop to the
leftbriefly 4, then2 or 3ActivatedBriefly switch onOpeningComfortable coolingDesired tempera- ture1, 2 or 3ActivatedDo not switch onOpen and align to the roofFresh air mode - ventilationTo the stop to the leftDesired positionSwitched offDo not switch onOpeninga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 123 on page 110 in
the opened position.
Recirculated air mode
Read and observe
on page 112 first.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting in-to the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in
a traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the button.
The warning light in the button illuminates.
›
Press the button again.
The warning light in the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution con- trol C » Fig. 125 on page 112 is turned to the position.
Recirculated air mode can be switched on again from this setting by pressing the
button again.WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as
“stale” air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows
start to mist up.114Operation
Page 118 of 252

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
115
automatic mode
116
Switching the cooling system on/off
116
Setting the temperature
116
Recirculation mode - Version 1
117
Recirculation mode - Version 2
117
Controlling blower
118
Defrosting windscreen
118
The Climatronic in automatic mode ensures the best possible setting for the
temperature of the air flowing out, the blower stage and air distribution.
The system also takes sunlight into account, which eliminates the need to al-
ter the settings manually.
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 112.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approximately +2 °C.
The blower is switched on.
The cooling system is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to
provide cooling at a high load of the engine.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with solar cells, the fresh air
blower is automatically switched over to “solar mode” if the sun rays are suffi- cient after switching off the ignition. The solar cells on the sliding/tilting roof
deliver power for the fresh air blower. This supplies the interior of the car with
fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents 2 and 3 must be
opened » Fig. 123 on page 110 .
The ventilation functions only when the sliding/tilting roof is fully closed.
Note■ We recommend that you have Climatronic cleaned by a specialist garage
once every year.■
During operation of the Climatronic, an increase in engine idle speed can oc-
cur under certain circumstances in order to ensure adequate heating comfort.
■
On vehicles equipped with a factory fitted radio or radio navigation system,
the Climatronic information is also shown on their displays. This function can
be switched off, see » operating instructions for the radio or navigation sys-
tem .
Control elements
Fig. 126
Climatronic: Control elements
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 126 :
Adjust the temperature for the left side » page 116
Adjust the blower speed
» page 118
depending on equipment:
›
Aux. heating on/off
» page 119
›
Switching the windscreen heater on/off
» page 75
Adjust the temperature for the right side » page 116
Interior temperature sensor
depending on equipment:
›
Recirculation mode
with air quality sensor on/off » page 117, Recir-
culation mode - Version 1
›
Recirculation mode
without air quality sensor on/off » page 117, Re-
circulation mode - Version 2
ABCDEF115Air conditioning system
Page 119 of 252

Switch the intensive windscreen heater on/off
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to the upper body
Air flow in the footwell
Switching the rear window heater on/off » page 75
Control the seat heater on the front left seat » page 85
Switching automatic mode on » page 116
Switching Climatronic system off
Switch the cooling system on/off » page 116
Switch the temperature setting in Dual mode on/off » page 116
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 85
Note
Do not stick anything on or cover the interior temperature sensor E, other-
wise it could have an unfavourable effect on the Climatronic.
automatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature and
to demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year
›
Set the required temperature between +18 °C and +26 °C: we recommend 22
°C.
›
Press the button
» Fig. 126 on page 115 .
›
Set the air outlet vents 2 and 3 » Fig. 123 on page 110 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
After pressing, a warning light in the top right or left corner of the button
illuminates, depending on which mode was last selected.
If the warning light in the top right corner of the button illuminates, the
Climatronic operates in “HIGH”-mode.
The “HIGH” mode is the standard setting of the Climatronic.
Upon pressing the button again, the Climatronic switches to “LOW”-mode
and the warning light in the top left corner illuminates. The Climatronic uses
only in this mode the lower blower speed. However taking into account the
noise level, this is more comfortable, yet be aware that the effectiveness of
the air conditioning system is reduced particularly if the vehicle is fully occu-
pied.
By pressing the button
again, it is changed to “HIGH”-mode.
Automatic mode can be switched off by pressing any of the air distribution
buttons or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed.
Switching the cooling system on/off
›
Press the button
.
The warning light in the button illuminates.
›
Press button
once more.
The warning light in the button goes out.
After the cooling system is switched off, only the ventilation and heating func-
tion remains active whereby the minimum temperature that can be reached is
the outside temperature.
Setting the temperature
The interior temperature for the left and right side can be set separately or to-
gether.
For both sides
›
Turn the control dial
A
» Fig. 126 on page 115 to the left or right to increase
or decrease the temperature.
The warning light in the button does not illuminate.
For the right side
›
Turn the control dial
D
» Fig. 126 on page 115 to the left or right to increase
or decrease the temperature.
The warning light in the button illuminates.
If the warning light in the symbol button is lit, the temperature for both
sides cannot be set with the control dial
A
. This function can be restored by
pressing the symbol button . The warning light in the button goes out.
The interior temperature can be set between +18 ℃ and +26 ℃. The interior
temperature is regulated automatically within this range.
If a temperature lower than +18 °C is selected, a blue symbol illuminates at the start of the numerical scale.
If a temperature higher than +26 °C is selected, a red symbol illuminates at the
start of the numerical scale.
116Operation
Page 120 of 252

At both end positions, Climatronic functions at maximum cooling/heating out-
put and the temperature is not regulated.
CAUTION
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when get-
ting out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Recirculation mode - Version 1
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting in-
to the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in
a traffic jam.
If a considerable increase in concentration of pollutants is recognised by the air quality sensor , recirculated air mode will temporarily be switched off.
If the concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal level, the air distri-
bution control is automatically switched off so that fresh air can be guided into
the vehicle interior.
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle and then
fed back into the interior.
When the automatic air distribution control is switched on, an air quality sen-
sor measures the concentration of pollutants in the drawn in air.
Switching recirculated air mode on
›
Repeatedly press the button until the warning light on the
left side of
the button is illuminated.
Switch on automatic air distribution control
›
Repeatedly press the button until the warning light on the
right-hand
side of the button illuminates.
Switch off automatic air distribution control temporarily
If the air quality sensor does not switch on automatic recirculated air mode
when there is an unpleasant smell, you can switch in on manually.
›
Press the button.
The warning light illuminates in the button on the left side.
Switching recirculated air mode off
›
Press the button or press the symbol button
again until the warning
lights in the button go out.
WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as
“stale” air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows
start to mist up.
Note
■ As soon as the windscreen mists up, press the symbol button . Press the
button once the windscreen has demisted.■
The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside tempera-
ture is higher than approx. 2 °C.
Recirculation mode - Version 2
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting in-
to the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in
a traffic jam.
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle and then
fed back into the interior.
The air recirculation mode is automatically activated after the ignition is
switched if it was on before the ignition was turned off. The warning light in the button illuminates.
Switch off / on
›
Press the
button.
The warning light in the button goes out.
›
Press the
button again.
The warning light in the button illuminates.
WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as
“stale” air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows
start to mist up. 117Air conditioning system