[Boardmonger]

Ok on my turbo the condenser has a hole in it. I didn't put it there, apparently earlier in its life it had a bad encounter with a broom. Last summer I found it as I was filling the system with r-134a, so maybe the higher pressures finally popped through it. Anyways I am wanting to get my AC running again and that is the only weak link in my system. About a year ago I attempted to pull a condenser out of an older n/a 300d and was not successful. So I'd like to give it another shot. Does anyone have experiece pulling and/or installing one? Does the radiator need to come out or is there a way to get it free without moving much? I know last time everything got in the way but now I know a bit more about these cars and how to take them apart and all of that. A condenser at pick and pull (maybe even half off day) would probably run 30-50 dollars max where as a new one is closer to $250-300 which is way out of my range. So does anyone know how to do it? If not I guess next time I go I will try again and if I am successful I'll let others know how to do it.

 

[MBeige]

I think there are two screws on top and on the bottom, the two lateral (side) tabs are welded, I think. Remove the plastic cover in front of the old condenser/aux fan to reveal how it is installed. The aux fan definitely has to go, as do the two diagonal supports that surround the aux fan. --> /O\

The aux fan is fastened via 3 screws, one on each diagonal support and one on the center frame right below the fan assembly. Be careful removing the high pressure lines, if you don't feel confident enough just ask an AC shop to replace it. Make sure the sight glass is CLEAR. If it has rust, the system needs to be flushed I think. Replacing the condenser also necessitates replacing the rest, like the evap, drier/receiver, and compressor to be safe.

 

[Cyberbach]

Hey Karugs, where is the evaporator located on the 123?

 

[MBeige]

I'm not sure exactly but I heard it's a PITA to remove from the dash. I dunno if it's in this pic but it's a try (pic taken when trying to fix ACC foam hose on wagon). Are the two center hoses leading to the evap? (if anybody knows)

 

[JamieK]

The evaporator is buried under the dash. When the cars were being built, this was the first part sat on the assembly line and the rest of the car was built around it

Replacing the evap in four simple steps...
1) Remove dash and console assembly
2) Remove HVAC box under dash (this is the part with the numbers written on it in the last picture)
3) Take box apart and repalce evap.
4) For reassembly, reverse above procedure.

This should only take approximately 3 weeks (working 12 hour days) and consist of removing no more than 14,000 parts from your car and remembering how they all go back together.

Jamie (my middle name is factitious) Key

 

[Boardmonger]

Well I replaced the condenser today, nothing else, just that. My friend is taking all his dead A/C stuff out of his 240d so he just gave me his. I cleaned the fins out and blew out the system with compressed air. I drained and removed the radiator and took out the old condenser and put in the new one. I then flushed the coolant once the radiator was back in and drained out that water/coolant mix and refilled with zerax G05. I then proceded in filling the A/C system w/ r-134a and that was that, cold air! I'm pretty happy and I killed two birds with one stone. If the new setup gives out I will be sad but not all that suprised, it is a 23 year old system.

IF anyone else is attempting this be aware that the mounts are different on the older condensers. The feet only have one hole each to bolt up where as the newer style has two (allowing it to bolt on with the larger aux. fan). I just left it unbolted and checked it and it didn't move because the radiator and oil cooler are pretty much back support. If it seems loose later on I will "install" some zip ties