Mercedes Benz C-Class W203 (2000 - 2007) - 320cdi - does it have a winter heater?

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Sat 13 Dec 2008 21:28
320cdi - does it have a winter heater? - duncansand
I'm considering a previous generation merc 320cdi. Does anyone know if it has a heater that ensures you get warm air out of the vents in the winter before the engine heats up? I know diesel engines can take an age to warm up and not all cars have an auxilliary heater.
Many thanks,
Duncan

Edited by Pugugly on 13/12/2008 at 21:28

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Sat 13 Dec 2008 21:46
320cdi - does it have a winter heater? - Bill Payer
I have a C270CDi and that has a heater booster, which can be set to work fully automatically below 8C, or it can be set so it can be turned off by turning off the a/c.

I'm honestly not sure how it works - I think (guided by the a/c button relationship) that it uses the a/c compressor as a heatpump.

In some countries, but not the UK, they're available with a separate fuel powered engine heater as an option.


A & B class diesels have PTC heater boosters which are amazing - they blow warm air out within seconds.

Edited by Bill Payer on 13/12/2008 at 21:47

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Mon 15 Dec 2008 10:02
320cdi - does it have a winter heater? - boxsterboy
The auxiliary heater was an option on the W203 320CDI. I would be very surprised if you could find one thus equipped. W203s with upgraded A/C have a 'rest' setting which allows residual heat from the engine to keep the cabin warm for 30 mins or so, but this doesn't work before initial start up in the morning. I find heated seats do a pretty good job of warming you up before heat comes from the engine. The demist setting also diverts heat on these cars from the engine to get some warmth into the cabin before the engine warms up.

I have never found the need for a cabin pre-heater, personally, but then I do live in the south-east :-)
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