Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Climate Control

Defrost windshield. Remove fogging from windows. Rear window heating. Switch recirculation mode on or off

In this manual: Climate Control
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~4min read

The window heating and recirculation function of the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen, W212, 2009–2016) ensure clear visibility and fresh air. The system allows quick defrosting of the windshield and rear window as well as removal of fogging. Practical notes help you use recirculation mode safely and efficiently.

Defrost windshield

With this function you can defrost the windshield or remove fogging from the inside of the windshield and side windows.

Switch off the "Defrost windshield" function as soon as the windshield is clear.

Turn the key in the ignition to position 2.Switching on: press buttonpress.
  • The indicator lamp above the buttoncomes on.
  • The climate system switches to the following functions:
    • Air volume high
    • Temperature high
    • Air distribution toward windshield and front side windows
    • Recirculation mode off

    If the battery is not sufficiently charged, this may reduce blower output. Once the battery is sufficiently charged again, full blower output is available again.

    Switching off: press buttonpress.
  • The indicator lamp above the buttonswitches off. The previous settings take effect again. Recirculation mode remains switched off.

    or

    Buttonpress.

  • The indicator lamp above the buttonswitches off. Air volume and air distribution are controlled automatically.

    or

    THERMATIC automatic climate control: press buttonorPress up or down to set the temperature.

    THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control: press buttonorPress up or down to set the temperature.

    Remove fogging from windows

    Fogged windows inside

    The "Cooling with air drying" functionswitch on.

    AUTO modeswitch on.

    Adjust the side vents so that the heated air is directed to the side windows.

    If the windows continue to fog up: the “Defrost windshield” functionswitch on.

    Info

    Select this setting only until the windshield is clear again.

    Windows fogged on the outside

    THERMATIC automatic climate control: press buttonPress up or down to set air distribution until the display showsorappears.

    THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control: press buttonPress up or down to set air distribution until the display showsorappears.

    Adjust the side vents so that no air is directed to the side windows.

    Rear window heating

    General Notes

    The rear window heater uses a lot of power. Therefore, switch it off as soon as the rear window is clear. Otherwise, the rear window heater only switches off automatically after a few minutes.

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

    Arming and disarming

    Turn the key in the ignition to position 2.

    Buttonpress.

  • The indicator lamp above the buttonswitches on or off.

    Rear window heater problems

    Problem Possible causes/consequences and solutions
    The rear window heater has switched off early or cannot be switched on. The battery is not sufficiently charged.

    Switch off unneeded consumers, e.g. reading lamp, interior lighting or seat heating.

  • Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window heater can be switched on again.
    		•

    Switch recirculation mode on or off

    General Notes

    If the outside air smells unpleasant, you can temporarily shut off the fresh-air intake. Then only the interior air is recirculated.

    When recirculated-air mode is switched on, the windows can fog up more quickly, especially at low outside temperatures. To prevent the windows from fogging up, switch on recirculated-air mode only briefly.

    Arming and disarming

    Turn the key in the ignition to position 2.Switching on: press buttonpress.
  • The indicator lamp above the buttonlights up. Info

    THERMATIC automatic climate control: Recirculated-air mode switches on automatically at high outside temperatures.

    THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control: Recirculated-air mode switches on automatically at high pollutant levels or high outside temperatures.

    The indicator lamp above the buttonis not lit when recirculated-air mode is switched on automatically. After about 30 minutes, outside air is mixed in.

    Switching off: press buttonpress.

  • The indicator lamp above the buttongoes out. Info

    Recirculated-air mode switches off automatically

    • after about five minutes at outside temperatures below about 5 °C
    • after about five minutes if cooling with air dehumidification is switched off
    • after about 30 minutes at outside temperatures above about 5 °Cand cooling with air dehumidification switched on.

    The climate control system of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offers smart functions such as windshield defrosting, rear window heating and recirculated-air mode, which enhance safety and comfort in all weather conditions.

    Targeted control of the airflow effectively prevents the windows from fogging up – an important contribution to safety.

    Question: Why should recirculated-air mode only be switched on briefly?

    Answer: Because otherwise the windows can fog up, since no fresh air is supplied.

    Question: When does the rear window heater switch off automatically?

    Answer: After a few minutes or at low battery voltage, to protect the battery.

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