A/C is running weak
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 800
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From: Northern Cali
W124
A/C is running weak
My 260E's A/C is running very weak. Does anyone know the ballpark figure to have it refilled w/ R12 or knows how much it will cost to to convert to R134? The summer months are here and I want to get this damn A/C up to par.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 560
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From: Walnut, CA
MB 1990 300E
good thing you posted this because i almost forgot too, my A/C buttons dont work anymore 
like the low/medium/high. and it will only make a very weak breeze of A/C when im on the gas driving around. i dont know if i could have accidently messed up the wires when i was doing the headunit, but i doubt it because i didn't even touch any of the upper A/C control wires, just the ones for the stereo....and now im scared to get it fixed in case it really was my fault when installing my HU hahaha
like the low/medium/high. and it will only make a very weak breeze of A/C when im on the gas driving around. i dont know if i could have accidently messed up the wires when i was doing the headunit, but i doubt it because i didn't even touch any of the upper A/C control wires, just the ones for the stereo....and now im scared to get it fixed in case it really was my fault when installing my HU hahaha
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern Cali
W124
I just wanted to see if anyone has undergone this themselves. Early model W124 used R12 refrigerant which is colder than R134 but is more expensive to refill/buy and requires an A/C tech license to purchase. R134 is what cars have been using since the mid 90's and you can convert a R12 system to a R134 because although they're not as cold, its cheaper to refill and maintain. As much as possible I try to do the maintainance on my own but I don't want to risk screwing up the A/C system. I just want to know what others have spent to get their stuff in working order.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Maryland, USA
2007 CLK350 Sport, 2006 E320 CDI, 1978 Cessna 152
I had the conversion done on both a W124 and a W201. Cost about 300$ including labor and everything. I had it done by a trusted local mechanic and stayed away from the dealer. I havent had any trouble at all with either car on the conversion, although the W201 seems to loose its charge quicker than the R12.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 237
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From: Charleston, SC
99 ML 320, 97 Porsche 993 C2S, 92 300E
I had the same thing last year on my 1992 300E, ie "A/C running very weak". My compressor the original which was previously converted to R134a was leaking quite a bit of oil and gas, both from the front and the rear.
I replaced the compressor, clutch, reciever/dryer and expansion valve, vacuumed and recharged. It made it though the heat and humidity of our Charleston, SC summer last year so I think it's fixed. Center vent temp. as I recall was about 41 degrees with ambient or about 90 degrees.
I used remanufacted OEM compressor, the other parts were new and all OEM. For the A/C parts I did order them from a dealer in Virginia who sells MB parts, at least some, at a reasonable price. I paid $645. for all the parts, excluding the R134a which I have in one of those large tanks which holds 30 lbs.
I replaced the compressor, clutch, reciever/dryer and expansion valve, vacuumed and recharged. It made it though the heat and humidity of our Charleston, SC summer last year so I think it's fixed. Center vent temp. as I recall was about 41 degrees with ambient or about 90 degrees.
I used remanufacted OEM compressor, the other parts were new and all OEM. For the A/C parts I did order them from a dealer in Virginia who sells MB parts, at least some, at a reasonable price. I paid $645. for all the parts, excluding the R134a which I have in one of those large tanks which holds 30 lbs.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 232
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From: Seattle
2005 E320 CDI
I though about the conversion, but after reading about the pros and cons on another website (Mercedesshop.com) I think I'd stick with the "old" R12. There are many who did the conversion and were unhappy.
The R12 can be bought online. You pay something like $30, take a 4hr test and get a certification that allows you to buy R12. Do a search on that other forum. I believe a guy named larrybible did a write up on this topic
The R12 can be bought online. You pay something like $30, take a 4hr test and get a certification that allows you to buy R12. Do a search on that other forum. I believe a guy named larrybible did a write up on this topic
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Originally Posted by NorCal124
My 260E's A/C is running very weak. Does anyone know the ballpark figure to have it refilled w/ R12 or knows how much it will cost to to convert to R134? The summer months are here and I want to get this damn A/C up to par.
jsut a thought.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern Cali
W124
The A/C system has been worked on before. I don't know exactly what the problem was but according the the previous owner there has been some work done to it. The system works great during freeway driving but bogs down duing stop and go traffic/city driving.
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Mercedes-Benz w124
hmm mines comes out pretty strong but not that cold. i don't know if the refrigerent has been changed. will that be the most likely cause? i have a good feeling that this is going to be one of the hottest summers.. ever! if i do need a refrigerent, how much will it cost? and will i need to get it from one of those special people? anybody here in so cal got hook ups with this 
if its not that expensive then ill pay for it. have a good day everybody!
if its not that expensive then ill pay for it. have a good day everybody!
