I've done some research on this topic in these forums but haven't really found an answer that applies directly to my situation. I have a 95 E320 with about 124k miles and i've been wondering for some time, since i have owned the car since april, how the AC typically functions. i don't know much when it comes to this kind of thing so bear with me here. It seems like it's blowing kind of weak, not much airflow, especially compared to my mom's '99 E320 and dad's '95 S420. it also seems very loud compared to those too. wondering if that's normal or not. i had the system flushed and recharged (R 134a) the other day and added dye and it seems to be a little colder but not much. typically works fine until it gets about 85 degrees+ outside which is common in southern california. can't remember whether he said it's common for the condenser filter or something to go out after this many years but it would be like another 150 bucks to replace it and it would make it about 5-6 degrees cooler. any thoughts?

Also the reverse doesn't engage right. it will every now and then on a cold start but usually shakes like hell before it does. it will still work while idling but the engine just revs if you give it the gas. very weird, like there is some sort of clutch that's not engaging or something?? any input would be great.


thanks for helpin me out guys

As far as the a/c goes make sure that the micro-filters are clean & that the recirculation air flap closes off the in-coming air.


Reverse problems on the 722.3 trans is very common & somewhat costly$$$

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Well, something is not right. A/C should be pretty cold and air flow should be fairly strong. Louder than a '99 E320 or an S class? Yes, definitely louder.

One thing you can do is turn the temperature wheel all the way to max cold.
You should end up with very cold air. Also pressing the air recirculation button on the climate control panel. This should improve cooling by eliminating outside air.

Sounds like you are having transmission issues. At that mileage you might want to have someone check the shifter bushings. On my '92 the mechanic told me they had essentially rotted away to nothing. Also transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles.

I am certainly no expert. I have had A/C problems on two different W124's.
Both times it was compressor failure.

Steve

how could i go about doing that? as softconsult said, i have tried recirculation and turning the wheel to max cold but when recirculate is on it doesn't seem to have any effect so maybe the air flaps aren't closing?

My transmission would slip in reverse, and not even move the car if there was an up hill grade. This was a 1991 300SE. Don't know if this is the same transmission. 120,000 miles. Great transmission shop (Vancouver Transmission) had to rebuild the whole thing- $2,000. There was a hole in some little rubber seal that was causing the reverse slippage, but at that mileage the whole thing needed refreshing.

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1994 E320 Cabriolet
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1991 300SE (Sold)
1986 560SEL (Sold)

that sounds exactly like what's wrong with mine. bummer that it's probably going to be an expensive fix.