C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

AC Condenser

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Old Sep 2, 2022 | 07:15 AM
  #1  
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2001 W203 C220 CDI
AC Condenser

Hey all,

The AC condenser on my W203.006 has been long out; leaks a bunch.
So I managed to source a Behr-Hella one; labelled New. I'll be asking here because I cannot for the life of me find out whether this is okay or not; is it normal for a condenser to have quite a few fins pulled together or apart?
Should I return it?
Apart from that; if anyone had a write-up or video to link to help for the replacement that'd be grand

Regards


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Old Sep 2, 2022 | 09:27 AM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
A/C work

This replacement condenser looks good. To work on A/C system and meet durable success is not simple.

To repair the system you need to consider what went wrong with it. If it's a compressor failure then "everything must go"...

Best case scenario you replace your parts, vacuum the system then refill the design amount of refrigerant.

Troubleshooting poor cooling is seriously involved.
🤞
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Old Sep 2, 2022 | 02:56 PM
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2001 W203 C220 CDI
Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
This replacement condenser looks good. To work on A/C system and meet durable success is not simple.

To repair the system you need to consider what went wrong with it. If it's a compressor failure then "everything must go"...

Best case scenario you replace your parts, vacuum the system then refill the design amount of refrigerant.

Troubleshooting poor cooling is seriously involved.
🤞
Have only had the car for a few months, got it as such.
Compressor is thought to be working following a diagnosis.
Only the condenser appears to be leaking, hence the replacement

Many thanks for the input! Was worried about the fins and could not find a single resource online talking about what is and isn't damage.

Cheers
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Old Sep 2, 2022 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by O-T
Have only had the car for a few months, got it as such.
Compressor is thought to be working following a diagnosis.
Only the condenser appears to be leaking, hence the replacement

Many thanks for the input! Was worried about the fins and could not find a single resource online talking about what is and isn't damage.

Cheers
Yes, a working compressor is good news

That means your A/C circuit will not be loaded with metal particles.

To install your new condenser, your minimum shopping list should include
  1. the DRYER unit
  2. applicable REFRIGERANT load
  3. "O"-RINGS for all the pipes your going to come across.

In addition at this point, you may want to preventively replace:
  1. A/C PRESSURE SENSOR
  2. Cabin FILTER

When comes time to load your refrigerant, prefer under charging than over charging. Overloading the circuit will decrease compressor hability to pump down the low pressure side in summer.

Of course you can proceed like a pro to replace every parts to make this all work better but not necessary to spend a fortune on DIY budget.

Enjoy your ownership.
✌️

Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Sep 2, 2022 at 04:04 PM.
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Old Sep 3, 2022 | 07:54 AM
  #5  
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2001 W203 C220 CDI
Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
Yes, a working compressor is good news

That means your A/C circuit will not be loaded with metal particles.

To install your new condenser, your minimum shopping list should include
  1. the DRYER unit
  2. applicable REFRIGERANT load
  3. "O"-RINGS for all the pipes your going to come across.

In addition at this point, you may want to preventively replace:
  1. A/C PRESSURE SENSOR
  2. Cabin FILTER

When comes time to load your refrigerant, prefer under charging than over charging. Overloading the circuit will decrease compressor hability to pump down the low pressure side in summer.

Of course you can proceed like a pro to replace every parts to make this all work better but not necessary to spend a fortune on DIY budget.

Enjoy your ownership.
✌️
I believe the new Condenser comes with a new dryer (integrated in the big side according to documentation; couldn't find for sure if it was in there though).

For refrigerant I'll go to a shop, but since it's empty it shouldn't be too hard to get the right amount; also found the oil levels to add back.

O-rings I have no idea where to find. Should I be looking for an AC-specific W203 kit?

I'll have a look for the cabin filter and the pressure sensor. Many many thanks for the valuable information

Regards
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