I have two leaks. One the infamous evaporator, the other the A/C compressor. I put dye in the system and noticed the traces in the pan just below the transmission. This presumably from the condensate, and the other place is on the outside of the A/C compressor clutch. I assume that the A/C leak is from the front seal.

Is that seal replaceable? (not by me but by a pro). Of-course my major problem is the evaporator. luckily winter is coming up. I may end-up selling this car. However I would like to know what could be done with the leaking A/C compressor before I make a final decision to fix or to sell, this troublesome car.

Also those of you that have already changed the evaporator on this model ('95 E300D 124 Body) How many hours of labour were you charged? How much was the evaporator, and other related parts? Or, at least how much was the total job, parts and labour?

Thanks

Phil

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'95 E300 Diesel, 264,000 Miles. [Sold it]

The a/c compressor is do-able, but only as a replacement, not repair. Replacing the shaft seal is not considered a service item, it is best left to a rebuilder when you turn it in as a core for a remanufactured unit.

The evaporator is a different matter. A shop usually charges 20 hours labor to replace the evaporator. Expect a quote of $2000 just for evaporator replacement. This may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. If you plan on getting rid of the car and don't think this investment will bring additional money when you sell the car, you'll probably decide to do nothing. If you sell it locally, lack of a/c may not be a big deal for a Canadian. Too bad I already have a winter car, I would probably make an offer for yours.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

If that is a Nippondenso compressor, the seal is an easy replacement, can be done with the compressor in the car if there is room for the tools.

Evaporator is a HUGE pain in the W124 chassis, probably as bad or worse in later models.

I've done one in the W124, took me three days.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Thanks to all that replied. I shopped around and decided to take the plunge and fix both the evaporator, as well as the leaking condenser. I'll wait however for spring to have the jobs done.

Being here in Canada I guess that the cost of replacing the evaporator is not that bad. I went to an Independent shop that specializes in Mercedes only repairs, and which has lots of experience replacing Evaporators on 124 Bodies. I was quoted a price for parts and labour of $1600,00 CDN that's about $1250.00 US parts and labour. It includes approximately 20Hrs of Labour at $55.00/Hr CDN ($42.00US) as well as the cost of the evaporator. I will deal with the leaking A/C compressor separately.

He will be installing an original Mercedes evaporator. His experience with after market ones is that he spend more Hrs trying to fit an after market evaporator than its worth. The shop is good, and the mechanics are knowledgeable. They have done work for me before on my previous Mercedes.

Its still expensive, but I guess much cheaper than my American friends pay in the US. In-fact I was thinking that if someone needs this work done and lives anywhere within a reasonable driving distance of a major Canadian city (I am in Montreal) it may be worth while for them to have the work done here in Canada. The cost difference is substantial and will likely pay the fuel, lodging, meals, etc., as well as leave some money left over for a mini vacation in our beautiful country.

Thanks again

Phil

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'95 E300 Diesel, 264,000 Miles. [Sold it]