ac recharge
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 553
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles
W210 E55
I don't recommend recharging yourself. I added a can and it broke my compressor. I find out later that these systems have to be filled precisely. They have no reservoir. Too much coolant equals liquid into the compressor and "bang"- broken compressor and $1400 later.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Orange Beach, AL
2001 E55, 2022 Corolla Hatchback XSE, 2024 RAV4 LE, 2024 F150 XL SuperCrew 4x2 3.5 Ecoboost
I don't recommend recharging yourself. I added a can and it broke my compressor. I find out later that these systems have to be filled precisely. They have no reservoir. Too much coolant equals liquid into the compressor and "bang"- broken compressor and $1400 later.
$100 for a evacuation/leak test/recharge beats a hydraulically locked compressor any day.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,967
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
R134a refrigerant.
High pressure port and low pressure port. One large, one small. I don't know the locations on your car (or mine, yet).
Good manifold and gauge set, about $60. Six cfm dual-stage vacuum pump to do it right is about $200.
Mercedes system is variable pressure as I understand it. As a new owner I'm still researching how to diagnose the car if needed.
I own enough cars that it's worth my while to do my own AC work (last quote was $1840 at the shop, I did it for <$400 but after the fact realized I could have fixed it for <$300) but it may be worth your while to take it to someone who has the tools, the time, and the experience.
Your choice.
Have you used the BIST (Built In Self Test) on your environmental control panel? If not, search for "Mercedes Air Condition self test diagnostics"
Best to you.
PS. FWIW, locking the compressor usually comes from having the can upside down and allowing liquid R134a into the system. It hydrolocks the compressor and destroys it. Keep the can upright; it's slower but protects the compressor.
High pressure port and low pressure port. One large, one small. I don't know the locations on your car (or mine, yet).
Good manifold and gauge set, about $60. Six cfm dual-stage vacuum pump to do it right is about $200.
Mercedes system is variable pressure as I understand it. As a new owner I'm still researching how to diagnose the car if needed.
I own enough cars that it's worth my while to do my own AC work (last quote was $1840 at the shop, I did it for <$400 but after the fact realized I could have fixed it for <$300) but it may be worth your while to take it to someone who has the tools, the time, and the experience.
Your choice.
Have you used the BIST (Built In Self Test) on your environmental control panel? If not, search for "Mercedes Air Condition self test diagnostics"
Best to you.
PS. FWIW, locking the compressor usually comes from having the can upside down and allowing liquid R134a into the system. It hydrolocks the compressor and destroys it. Keep the can upright; it's slower but protects the compressor.
