Thanks for the replies... that's what I figured. I think I'll take the gamble anyway, the car's in very good shape. And if the system's tight (verified by pressure switch), the worst case is going to be replacing the compressor or adding some R12.

We'll find out in six months!

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1992 300D 2.5T 249k - Parked with a bad transmission
1981 300SD 142k - Daily driver