Sounds like a good car. Keep in mind many sellers state the ac works but "just needs a recharge" which is hardly the case. There is a reason there is no refrigerant in there. Most often due to a leak. If you are not fixing it yourself it will probably be $500 on the cheap side and $2000 on the high side depending on how much needs replacing.

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

Thank you guys for all the sage advise (and the "wiseacre" commentary too! )

Please continue to comment if you guys have more to add.

I'll be sure to let you know what happens.

Sincerely,

PE

Will someone please direct me to an 85 hp 240d? I want it.

Mine all do with about 62 hp.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

proper AC repair can involve taking out the dash to get at stuff

Yes, I am aware that taking out the evaporator is likely one of the most labor-intensive jobs on this vehicle, and that's what concerns me. I have read the pictorials on how to do it, and it's not "hard", but it IS a lot of labor.

Thanks for the additional warning!

Sincerely,

PE

25 year old cAr AC = moot point. Just lucky it gets you where you need to go. Ac 2000 max rebuild on that car not doing labor yourself. Unless you need to pull dash and do evaporator. Not common.

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

I paid 500 for compressor and all pArts on rebuild for 1981 300d ac rebuild.

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

If it's a good car without many other defects, buy it. My 1980 240D has a transplanted engine and it runs great. The AC compressor and its bracket didn't make it along with the transplant. It was probably the old anchor... er York... compressor. All the rest of the stuff is there but do I really want to have the compressor kick in when I'm under way. It's a lot of fun to drive, but at 70 mph going up a hill in 4th (manual) it starts to loose speed with the throttle floored. With that small non turbo engine and heavy car, it is already a marginal setup. The AC will suck engine power when it engages. If it would be me, I'd probably opt to not drive it on the really hot days and drive one of my other cars.

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Pete Williams, President emeritus - MBCA-International Stars (Eastern Mich.) Now Wi. & Az.
1985 300D Manual 4 speed Green Hen's tooth
1979 MGB triple black Az car nice
1969 back 1/2 of MGB (Az home built trailer)
1991 Volvo 245 Wagon Nice AZ Restored Gold Brick
1983 Jeep CJ7 37,600 Miles Summer use only