 Operating Instructions 3
Dual-zone air conditioning systems are now widely available in the compact car segment. A system like this usually has a control unit. One major advantage of this, for example, is that you can read out any errors and
measured values. It may even be possible to diagnose the actuator. The user notices how autonomous the system is primarily because the only setting that needs to be adjusted is the temperature.
You can adjust the fan speed, but the system actually does that on its own. It's good if you can at least turn it on or off completely. There is a great deal of flexibility in air distribution, though it is usually not separated into
right and left. In recirculation mode, monitoring for certain pollutants in the outside air and the associated switching is possible.
| Air Conditioning - Additional Features |
| Temperature Control: r/l or f/r |
| Airflow Control |
| Controls - Air Distribution |
| Control - Recirculated Air Mix |
| Exploitation - Residual Heat |
| Effects on Air Quality, Odor Formation |
It's just like in real life: just when you think you have everything, someone comes along and offers you something else, even if you might sometimes doubt its purpose. I'll deliberately leave it up to you to decide whether
that's also the case with the latest S-Class.
Experimenting with scents has a long tradition in the automotive industry. But what is Daimler doing with it? The goal is to enhance 'ensory perception' through these scents. By referring to 'all advanced civilizations',
the aim is to create a unique fragrance experience for virtually every possible passenger.
It would therefore be unpleasant if the scent were to linger for the next passenger. That's why Mercedes promises that it will be gentle enough not to snag on clothing or upholstery. Four different fragrances, developed
specifically for the manufacturer, are offered in corresponding containers.
Since the new S-Class must take on some of the roles previously filled by the discontinued Maybach, it has also adopted and further developed the fragrance system from the Maybach Zeppelin. No, there is no sudden
surge of fragrance from a bottle every now and then. The Mercedes engineers place far too much emphasis on consistent, gentle fragrance.
Rather, this happens at the surface of the perfume solution, as we have already discussed in this book. Liquid fragrance molecules turn into the gaseous state and leave the molecular cluster, while others return. All of this
happens when you divert a small portion of the airflow to release a subtle scent; you can adjust the intensity to your liking.
And what else can be improved when it comes to filtering fresh air? There are now two filters: one, as usual, at the air conditioner's intake, and the other near its outlet. Both work on the basis of activated carbon.
Consequently, the second one is called the interior filter. It apparently filters out harmful substances and odors that can be produced by the air conditioner.
Before the air finally enters the passenger compartment, it must first pass through an ionizer. There, 'viruses, bacteria, and spores' are filtered out. Negatively charged oxygen ions provide even more freshness.
We've also already talked about heated seats, especially in vehicles from the far north. In fact, every possible convenience for voting was already available there. But if you haven't missed it so far, you can still add heated
armrests as an option from Mercedes.
Seriously, heated steering wheels are a thing of the past, heated rear seats maybe too, and with electric heating in the side and center armrests, these innovations are probably starting to run their last lap. The basic idea
is said to come from electric vehicles, where the interior is heated using the heat that is already noticeable from the vehicle itself.
In addition to the separate control system, a complete heating system with air ducts on both sides and a total of four stepper motors is also available for order. In general' and especially in the front' people rarely adjust the
position of individual air vents; instead, they choose between fully pre-set scenarios with relatively low draft, slightly stronger defrosting, or particularly strong intensity.
In this context, the air vents often also carry the sensors, not only for the outlet temperature but also for the dial position. Sunlight and humidity are measured. The roof must also accommodate control units. In some cases,
GPS calculations are even used to provide proactive protection against sunlight.
Not only can temperatures differ left and right, above and below, but so can the intensity of the ventilation, too. In addition to the standard insulating green glass, laminated glass is available as an optional feature all around
the windows, providing even better protection against outside heat, cold, and noise. And, of course, all of this can be preconditioned, but we've already covered that.
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