I'm actually tired and beat to hell with all the work/classes I've been taking. Now, this year is feeling like its warmer than last, and I really want to get my AC fixed in my 85 300D. The car sat for years before I rescued it. I learned on my first test drive the compressor was frozen (burned the belt within 500ft of the driveway).

Now, my problem is, going to ANY ac shop around the Tallahassee FL area, gets weird looks, excuses, and estimates of $4-5k when they see the Mercedes. I even had one Mercedes indy shop tell me the old cars are designed not to cool, being Germany is a cold place, and suggested I purchase one of his newer gassers he had for sale out front. WTF?

I fail to understand. The AC worked when it was parked, and just sat forever. The system is still holding pressure, still has freon inside, cabin climate controls work well (simply stuck on defrost, but temp/fan so on works great). There really isnt that much that would be required outside of the old frozen compressor, and the recovery/recharge. WTH could add up to 4-5k?

Are there any decent shops anywhere near the borders of FL/GA/AL? I'd be willing to drive 250 miles if I had to for a decent honest shop for repairs outside of my abilities...AC being one of them.

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1985 MBZ 300D (DD, 240k, unmuffled hellion!)
1982 MBZ 300D (372k, retired for parts)
1981 MBZ 300D (575k, parts pig)

I don't think I can help you much but I got a nice laugh from the German cars don't cool comment lol! Thanks for sharing that one.

I don't know the first thing about your a/c system but $4-5K seems ridiculous you're right. Replacing every a/c related part couldn't be over $1000 could it? I mean I'm sure there's some hassle if they have to convert to new freon but still. Wheres the rest? 25hrs of labor? Maybe they're going to disassemble the entire car around the ac system.

My compressor is presently frozen. A local shop quoted me $1200 to install a new (chinese) compressor, filter and valve, flush system and charge with a hydrocarbon refrigerant (because our laws on refrigerants are crazy in Canada). Where you would get into more costs, would be if evaporator or condenser needs replacement.

I have had the car for 20 years. When it was my main driver for work, I twice had A/C redone. Both times seized compressor. Back then I paid more - about $2000 first time, I think and that was a while ago. That was at a small dealer.

You do need to shop around (as you are doing) and find out where the poor people get their A/C fixed!

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

The one AC guy wasn't totally off, AC was very much a non standard luxury item. Just look at the dreaded chrysler made servo valve on most 70's early 80's benz. They outsourced to america!

You tell those fools its a GM compressor and you won't pay a dollar more to have it fixed over what a GM truck would cost.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I can help if you can get it to Soperton, Ga.

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Jim

Jim... I pulled that up on the maps and its a bit far to Soperton, but all things considered, I might take you up on that. Just have to figure out logistics of getting up there and not missing work or class. I'll send you a PM for more details..

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1985 MBZ 300D (DD, 240k, unmuffled hellion!)
1982 MBZ 300D (372k, retired for parts)
1981 MBZ 300D (575k, parts pig)