C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Need to replace AC system

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Old Aug 31, 2017 | 01:26 AM
  #1  
Oshkoshbigjosh's Avatar
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2005 S55 AMG Designo, (sold)2001 ML55 Designo, (sold)2004 C32 AMG, RIP 2005 Volvo s40 2.4i
Need to replace AC system

My AC hasn't worked since I bought the car and since I'm not a big AC user it wasn't a big deal. Well it was about 105 degrees yesterday in the LA/Inland Empire area and holy hell was I in need for some cool air. Same day I went to my mechanic to see if he could just do a simple recharge and he did but it all escaped. He said there was no pressure at all. He checked out the compressor and didn't have any luck from that either. He plugged in his little comp and pulled up three codes ( 00353 B1020 B1021 ) He then check the rail and said it was shot. He said there were three sensors and they were also needing a replacement. Anyone have any suggestions on how I should go on from here?
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Old Aug 31, 2017 | 07:46 PM
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2005 S55 AMG Designo, (sold)2001 ML55 Designo, (sold)2004 C32 AMG, RIP 2005 Volvo s40 2.4i
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Get a firm quote or live with the issue or move to Portland.

hey now ,don't bring Portland into this mess

mt mechanic said it's not the price I should worry about but the parts. He would do the work for less than an indie shop. Should I replace the entire system or various parts of it? That would be the compressor, rail, three sensors and the tank or pump whatever.
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Old Sep 1, 2017 | 09:10 AM
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Pretty simple to me...you dumped a can in and it quickly disappeared.
Take it to a pro AC Shop, find the leak, fix that, then move on.
A car without AC is a $1000 minimum deduct, and could be a $100-1000 repair. I'd fix it.
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Old Sep 3, 2017 | 08:26 AM
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I'm not saying he's wrong or dishonest but I would get a second diagnosis at this point. Maybe a dealer to see what they say (mainly if they agree or not). If the system won't hold refrigerant, I don't see how you can say all the rest of those parts are faulty but I wasn't there and don't know what he was seeing so this is all conjecture. There may be something lost on translation between him, you, and us so I'm not trying to say anyone wrong at this point. Get another diagnosis and get real quotes from both for what they want to do and then go from there. I will say it is almost never necessary to replace an entire A/C system unless the compressor has come apart and sent debris everywhere.
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Old Sep 7, 2017 | 06:12 PM
  #5  
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2005 S55 AMG Designo, (sold)2001 ML55 Designo, (sold)2004 C32 AMG, RIP 2005 Volvo s40 2.4i
Originally Posted by kbob999
Pretty simple to me...you dumped a can in and it quickly disappeared.
Take it to a pro AC Shop, find the leak, fix that, then move on.
A car without AC is a $1000 minimum deduct, and could be a $100-1000 repair. I'd fix it.
Definitely going to get this checked out again. I am going to have him look it over again
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Old Sep 7, 2017 | 06:18 PM
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From: Sunny CA
2005 S55 AMG Designo, (sold)2001 ML55 Designo, (sold)2004 C32 AMG, RIP 2005 Volvo s40 2.4i
Originally Posted by 91RS
I'm not saying he's wrong or dishonest but I would get a second diagnosis at this point. Maybe a dealer to see what they say (mainly if they agree or not). If the system won't hold refrigerant, I don't see how you can say all the rest of those parts are faulty but I wasn't there and don't know what he was seeing so this is all conjecture. There may be something lost on translation between him, you, and us so I'm not trying to say anyone wrong at this point. Get another diagnosis and get real quotes from both for what they want to do and then go from there. I will say it is almost never necessary to replace an entire A/C system unless the compressor has come apart and sent debris everywhere.
I understand where you are coming from but this is my guy. He didn't charge me anything because he didn't fix anything. He replaced my sisters Mini Cooper s fuel injector system for free (she was quoted 300 at mini works in Torrance) because it didn't solve the problem. Why free? because where he works he doesn't get too many cars like mine and hers (European lux cars with more complicated systems) and although he has the experience and knows my car well, he's grateful that I bring it to him. But again I do feel where you are coming from. He has since called me back to look it over. My dad has a buddy who also owns a shop and if nothing conclusive comes from my main mechanic, I'll take it there. Thanks for your input
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