I had to replace the compressor in my '91 190E. It failed due to lack of oil. Sounded like a garbage disposal when it let loose. When I found out it was dry, I asked my mechanic to check my other car, a '87 300E. Sure enough, it was very low on oil. He put in the reuqired amount and it cost $70. A far cry from $1200. This is the original 18 year old compressor and it runs full blast for about 6 months a year as we live in the low California desert where temps easily hit 115F.
Anziani