Pro/Con "Digital Automatic Climate Control" Worth it?

**webslinger** · 05-29-2007

All other things being equal on 2 cars, is the climate control worth it?

-Doug

**-1-** · 05-29-2007

The SLK 350 has manual control and the SLK 55 has the digital automatic climate control. I think it's what you get use to. I could live without the digital automatic but it's a nice feature. Wouldn't pay extra to add it if the car didn't already have it.

leelk · 05-29-2007

Personally I think the digital looks alot better for sure but other than that, it doesn't give you more function that is very useful. For the digital, you get the REST function in which your climate will keep ON for 30 mins after you turn off your engine. My car comes with it, but I would not pay extra $$ to add that on.

MDLSLK55 · 05-29-2007

For everyone saying it comes with it...it's an option on the US spec SLK55:

http://www.mbusa.com/byo/pop_opt_pac...=o&model=SLK55

And if it makes you feel any better, I didn't think it was worth ordering extra either.

**DansSlk** · 05-29-2007

It looks better inside the cabin thats for sure and if installed from the factory you get a compliment of extra sensors fitted that give it some cool extra functions that the other units don't have, air quality sensors for example.

Installed aftermarket all you gain is the REST feature and the better looks most of the goodies are not able to be used and i would not pay to have it fitted after build but its a must for any cars i have so they all get it ordered from factory.

**alroumi** · 05-29-2007

It looks good for sure and blends with the centre console whilst the manual has buttons or dials that are poking up more, I would personally tick the option while ordering any SLK regardless of its engine as I have it on my car and I really like it.

ierax · 05-29-2007

I find the manual version nicer to look at and more in line with the design of the car.

**webslinger** · 05-29-2007

Humm... I 2 cars to pick from and one has the iPod kit installed, and the other has the dig. controls installed. I guess I can always add the iPod, but not vice versa.

**Woolly** · 05-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by webslinger

Humm... I 2 cars to pick from and one has the iPod kit installed, and the other has the dig. controls installed. I guess I can always add the iPod, but not vice versa.

You can buy the didgy panel from ebay for less than 200 bucks - simple install, but as Dan sez, you loose a little bit of the functionality (due to missing sensors etc) - but still worth getting - if I could only remember where the link to it is

cyberdrakon · 05-29-2007

What other thing do you get, and why can't you install it? if i keep this car (which i plan to) i want to add all the sensors. as it is, i'm going to add the Digital control panel ASAP. Where can you find it for under $200? I've been hunting, the lowest price in the US is around $300?

Wimbledon_SLK · 05-29-2007

I have electronic climate control on my SLK, I find it nice to look at, I like the Rest option and I was told when I ordered the car that you get "better filters" but.. I am not sure if this was the dealer trying to sell me hot air..LOL. I will definetly go for this spec on my new SLK next year.

P

**webslinger** · 05-29-2007

Woah so it can be added later?

**DansSlk** · 05-29-2007

Yeah the unit can be added later but as i said you only get the rest feature, most of the goodies are disabled because of the lack of necessary sensors.

To do a proper retrofit and get it working to factory standards here is a short list of stuff way too many small parts for me to list them all but you can see its going to be next to impossible to do on a built car without massive amounts of money being spent and not gaining any back at sale time.

Heater Box
Stepper Motor
Housings X2
Control Lever
Mounting Screw X48
AC El Cable
Pollutant Sensor
Pollutant Sensor Wiring Harness
Operating Unit
Operating Unit Wiring Harness
Nozzle X2

Shall i continue? This really is a system that sounds easy to do in theory but is a different story in practice much like adding COMAND when you have the A20 and no MOST real nasty job to do properly.

To do this job on any model SLK properly the dash must come out and to do it on a 55 the engine has gotta take a walk to get the box out.

If it where me i would not bother upgrading it on a car that does not have it from build but if you really prefer how it looks then the operating unit can be installed and you will gain the rest function but things like the pollutant intake control system wont function.

Webslinger - Go for the car with the digi climate and add the iPod.

**-1-** · 05-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

...its going to be next to impossible to do on a built car without massive amounts of money being spent and not gaining any back at sale time.

To do this job on any model SLK properly the dash must come out and to do it on a 55 the engine has gotta take a walk to get the box out.

That manual climate control ain't looking so bad after all.

**webslinger** · 05-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

Yeah the unit can be added later but as i said you only get the rest feature, most of the goodies are disabled because of the lack of necessary sensors.

Webslinger - Go for the car with the digi climate and add the iPod.

I'm thinkin I might as well go for it. Thanks gang!

stevenlau · 05-29-2007

At the beginning when I found out my car didn't have the digital climate control I was a bit dissapointed, but after a while the look of the dials started to grow on me. The manual control also has the rest festure, just press the A/C button when the car is off.

MDLSLK55 · 05-30-2007

So, here's the million dollar question...or the $710 question, whatever.

Is it worth adding it to my options for the car being built in a month? I didn't see the real value when I originally built the car, but now I'm reconsidering.

V8SLK · 05-30-2007

i ordered it and i'm glad that i did. i like the look, the convenience and the fact that it's another factory option in case i decide to sell the car sometime down the road (which is only likley if the fabled slk63 comes to being.)

**dsb** · 05-30-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDLSLK55

So, here's the million dollar question...or the $710 question, whatever.

Is it worth adding it to my options for the car being built in a month? I didn't see the real value when I originally built the car, but now I'm reconsidering.

When I ordered my car, I did not opt for the DCC. It was part of a $1350 package that included rain-sensing wipers and a garage door opener. Since I didn't need the other items, I decided against the DCC. However, I did add it later, sans the extra functions Dansslk mentioned, for about $350. I like the look a lot more.

If it was available for $710 alone, I would have ordered it from the factory.

**etyu** · 05-30-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ierax

05-29-2007	#1 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 551 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	Pro/Con "Digital Automatic Climate Control" Worth it? All other things being equal on 2 cars, is the climate control worth it? -Doug

05-29-2007	#2 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,231 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	The SLK 350 has manual control and the SLK 55 has the digital automatic climate control. I think it's what you get use to. I could live without the digital automatic but it's a nice feature. Wouldn't pay extra to add it if the car didn't already have it. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

05-29-2007	#5 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 228 Times in 179 Posts	It looks better inside the cabin thats for sure and if installed from the factory you get a compliment of extra sensors fitted that give it some cool extra functions that the other units don't have, air quality sensors for example. Installed aftermarket all you gain is the REST feature and the better looks most of the goodies are not able to be used and i would not pay to have it fitted after build but its a must for any cars i have so they all get it ordered from factory. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

05-29-2007	#6 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,288 Country: Thanks: 298 Thanked 233 Times in 147 Posts	It looks good for sure and blends with the centre console whilst the manual has buttons or dials that are poking up more, I would personally tick the option while ordering any SLK regardless of its engine as I have it on my car and I really like it. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

05-29-2007	#13 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 228 Times in 179 Posts	Yeah the unit can be added later but as i said you only get the rest feature, most of the goodies are disabled because of the lack of necessary sensors. To do a proper retrofit and get it working to factory standards here is a short list of stuff way too many small parts for me to list them all but you can see its going to be next to impossible to do on a built car without massive amounts of money being spent and not gaining any back at sale time. Heater Box Stepper Motor Housings X2 Control Lever Mounting Screw X48 AC El Cable Pollutant Sensor Pollutant Sensor Wiring Harness Operating Unit Operating Unit Wiring Harness Nozzle X2 Shall i continue? This really is a system that sounds easy to do in theory but is a different story in practice much like adding COMAND when you have the A20 and no MOST real nasty job to do properly. To do this job on any model SLK properly the dash must come out and to do it on a 55 the engine has gotta take a walk to get the box out. If it where me i would not bother upgrading it on a car that does not have it from build but if you really prefer how it looks then the operating unit can be installed and you will gain the rest function but things like the pollutant intake control system wont function. Webslinger - Go for the car with the digi climate and add the iPod. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

05-29-2007	#3 (permalink)
leelk Senior SLK World Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Ramon, CA Vehicle: 06 SLK55 AMG Posts: 135 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Personally I think the digital looks alot better for sure but other than that, it doesn't give you more function that is very useful. For the digital, you get the REST function in which your climate will keep ON for 30 mins after you turn off your engine. My car comes with it, but I would not pay extra $$ to add that on.

05-29-2007	#4 (permalink)
MDLSLK55 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bucks County, PA & Overland Park, KS (Work) Vehicle: '08 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: '07 Infiniti G35x Posts: 214 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	For everyone saying it comes with it...it's an option on the US spec SLK55: http://www.mbusa.com/byo/pop_opt_pac...=o&model=SLK55 And if it makes you feel any better, I didn't think it was worth ordering extra either.

05-29-2007	#7 (permalink)
ierax Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Vehicle: Obsidian black SLK Posts: 293 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I find the manual version nicer to look at and more in line with the design of the car.

05-29-2007	#8 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 551 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	Humm... I 2 cars to pick from and one has the iPod kit installed, and the other has the dig. controls installed. I guess I can always add the iPod, but not vice versa.

05-29-2007	#10 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,406 Country: Thanks: 26 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	What other thing do you get, and why can't you install it? if i keep this car (which i plan to) i want to add all the sensors. as it is, i'm going to add the Digital control panel ASAP. Where can you find it for under $200? I've been hunting, the lowest price in the US is around $300?

05-29-2007	#11 (permalink)
Wimbledon_SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London Vehicle: SLK 280 Other Toys: Honda VFR 750 Posts: 651 Country: Thanks: 35 Thanked 35 Times in 9 Posts	I have electronic climate control on my SLK, I find it nice to look at, I like the Rest option and I was told when I ordered the car that you get "better filters" but.. I am not sure if this was the dealer trying to sell me hot air..LOL. I will definetly go for this spec on my new SLK next year. P

05-29-2007	#12 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 551 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	Woah so it can be added later?

05-29-2007	#16 (permalink)
stevenlau SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Vehicle: 2007 SLK280 Other Toys: Kawasaki ZZR250 Posts: 30 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	At the beginning when I found out my car didn't have the digital climate control I was a bit dissapointed, but after a while the look of the dials started to grow on me. The manual control also has the rest festure, just press the A/C button when the car is off.

05-30-2007	#17 (permalink)
MDLSLK55 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bucks County, PA & Overland Park, KS (Work) Vehicle: '08 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: '07 Infiniti G35x Posts: 214 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	So, here's the million dollar question...or the $710 question, whatever. Is it worth adding it to my options for the car being built in a month? I didn't see the real value when I originally built the car, but now I'm reconsidering.

05-30-2007	#18 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	i ordered it and i'm glad that i did. i like the look, the convenience and the fact that it's another factory option in case i decide to sell the car sometime down the road (which is only likley if the fabled slk63 comes to being.)

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