It's cold in here... E240 and SL500

[mirras]

I wonder if it's just me.....

A few years ago, while sitting in an hour long traffic jam on the M6, the heating failed and the blower started blowing ice cold, air-conditioned air with no heat whatsoever. I called the dealer, as the car was still under warranty, and arranged to call in on my way home. However, after about an hour of driving, I suddenly got the heat back again. I called the dealer and cancelled the visit and agreed to monitor it. After about 2 years, well out of warranty, it did it again. Once again, it fixed itself.... this happened again occasionally until I sold the car....

Well, last night, exactly the same thing happened with my SL500!!! This morning, it was still blowing ice cold air so I took it out a run and about 10 mins after the engine was warm the heat suddenly returned an all is now well.

Has anyone else had this problem with either a W211 or R230, mine were both built in 2003?

 

[kay7]

I had the same problem last month. We went in Switzerland and weather was hot. Suddenly my a/c started to make a funny noise and really hot air came out. I was shocked. Stopped the car immediately and waited for 30 mins to cool down a bit. After that it was the same hot air... so no cool air air at all. Went in command unit and found the closest MB dealer. Went it ...they checked the car and voila ! some dirt got into the fans/vents from underneath the car ( ! ) ... all sorted . Price £ 18 .
They said this could be with any car and try to avoid any washing from underneath... Mine is a c180k. I hope this helps.

 

[mirras]

I had the same problem last month. We went in Switzerland and weather was hot. Suddenly my a/c started to make a funny noise and really hot air came out. I was shocked. Stopped the car immediately and waited for 30 mins to cool down a bit. After that it was the same hot air... so no cool air air at all. Went in command unit and found the closest MB dealer. Went it ...they checked the car and voila ! some dirt got into the fans/vents from underneath the car ( ! ) ... all sorted . Price £ 18 .
They said this could be with any car and try to avoid any washing from underneath... Mine is a c180k. I hope this helps.

I'll remember that advice... I washed the car yesterday, about an hour before it happened.... thanks

 

[BlackC55]

The 211 fault was probably the heater valve. A very very common problem. The SL may have a similar issue with the valve.

 

[mirras]

The 211 fault was probably the heater valve. A very very common problem. The SL may have a similar issue with the valve.

Is it something I should seek to change after the one issue or is it likely not to happen often?