C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

AC Compressor dragging

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Old Aug 21, 2024 | 08:36 AM
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2008 C300 Luxury
AC Compressor dragging

In recent weeks, the AC compressor has seemed as if it is taking greater power to operate. There is also an occasional noise from the unit. I can clearly tell the loss of power when the AC is operating, and it has cut my gas mileage by about 5-8 mpg vs the 2-3 that was normal.

The AC cooling is unaffected and the car remains cool even on the hottest of days here in Florida. I have not checked the gas pressures in the system.

Does the compressor ever need any sort of "lubrication"?

The car is a 2008 C300 with 145,000 miles. The car is otherwise flawless.
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Old Aug 21, 2024 | 05:06 PM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Compressor PAG oil should never escape unless it was serviced improperly.

It may be a good decision to service compressor before the A/C circuit gets contaminated with tons of metals.

Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 21, 2024 at 05:11 PM.
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Old Aug 21, 2024 | 08:40 PM
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
325Ci, 325Cic, C300
Evac and recharge

To start, at that age I wouldn’t mind an evac and recharge. If paying by weight, you pay minimal if there’s no leaks.

I also have an ‘08 C300, South African if that matters any. At 255k I have no reason to think the ac is going out. All I’ve ever done to it is an evac and recharge to make sure it’s got the correct amount. Filling by weight will always be more accurate than filling using high side/low side pressures.
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