[Guest (MBNZ)]

What's the final word on the 190E AC unit. I've looked at about 15 various models to buy (84 - 87) and only one had AC that worked (unfortunately the tranny went out the day I test drove it!!). I guess the question is what is the typical repair (refrig or compressor) and the typical repair costs. I like these cars but the AC prob is keeping me from buying some nice vehicles because I can't seem to get a clear pic of the topside costs. Thanks.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Well if it is a 16-vlv they are known for having terrible a/c hoses(suction). Typically the Nippendenso compressoers go out.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Nippodenso compressors are the weakest part of 190's (that and heater blower motors). I need to replace mine, but the shop I always go to quoted $1200 to convert to R134 and install new compressor and receiver/dryer. Now, the new compressor is about $400 to $600 depending on where you are getting it. I've got a quote for a rebuilt one for $240. The rest will be about $100. The labor at the non-mercedes registered shop should be around $120 to $200. If I were you I would save my money for other stuff, like replacemnt of the front end ($1,500) or auxiliary cooling fan ($500 with labor, or you can get it for $150 from internet and install it in 1/2 hour. It all depends on how much you can do yourself, and how much time you have looking for bargain parts on the net.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Thanks Piotr. I'm not surprised. I would guess it would take about a grand to put an AC in a 190, give or take a couple hundred. There are flocks of older 190s out here for 2 - 3 grand. The one I missed was the '87 with 117k miles, rebuilt engine and tranny and they wanted 2500 for it. AC worked. Let me know if my sig image is annoying and I'll dump it...thanks again

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Yeah, just a little annoying...

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Aloha and greetings from Hawaii...<br> <br> Just came back from an A/C repair shop for my 88 190E 2.3; diagnostic check ($70.00) revealed the following:<br> <br> 1. A/C evaporator core has a big leak, freon won't hold in system<br> <br> 2. A/C discharge hose leaking<br> <br> 3. A/C compressor weak suction (recommend replacement)<br> <br> 4. A/C expansion valve, filter drier and switches need to replace<br> <br> 5. Recommend converting to R134A system<br> <br> Estimate: $2400.00 parts and labor with 1 yr warranty ($1500.00 without compressor)<br> <br> Main question is: Where to find these parts at a reasonable price?<br> <br> Will appreciate your feedback.<br> <br> Aloha from Hawaii,<br> José

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

We have the parts for a LOT less than $2400....<br>

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

guys guys guys....

The whole R134a debarcle is the biggest rip of in the industry. You don't need to retrofit - and R134a is a crap gas! Check out Duracool, no retrofiting, less leaks and twice as cold! ...and before you ask, no I don't have shares in the company...just two very positive experiences in three of my Benzes through a number of hot Australian summers - all without a $1200 retrofit!

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: guys guys guys....

Max (is that a 'Mad Max' ? ;-))<br> Not in our lovely USofA. I called Duracool. What you said is right, but...<br> EPA REQUIRES RETROFIT ANYWAY!!<br> Why? They don't say, but a nice lady at Duracool agreed that it has to do with billions in profit for a company named DuPont presumeably manufacturing R 134a... (;-P)<br> So, you need retrofit either way...

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: guys guys guys....

WHAT??? What a bunch of jerks your EPA are!!! Take the damned car over the border to Canada and get it done here!<br> <br> And yes, I am a great believer that the whole R134a situation is yet another great conspiracy dreamed up by some wanker in yet another large American Corporation.