Are 140 evaporators that much harder than 124's ?

[Pete Geither]

A customer with an S320 came in for a window regulator and told me he just had his evaporator done and it cost him $5K. When I did my wifes' 400E, the parts cost around $800 and about 18 hours of my time. Anyone know if the 140's parts are much more expensive or the labor times are a lot more ?

[Ron in SC]

Much more labor for a 140.

[Brian Carlton]

I believe the labor on the W140 is about 35 hours for that job. Most of the time the customer trades the vehicle for a new one. Spending $5K on an evaporator for a W140 doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

[Pete Geither]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I believe the labor on the W140 is about 35 hours for that job. Most of the time the customer trades the vehicle for a new one. Spending $5K on an evaporator for a W140 doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

This fella is 80 years old and just loves his 140. Taking into account what a new S class would cost him and his age, it might have been a good move for him.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by Pete Geither

This fella is 80 years old and just loves his 140. Taking into account what a new S class would cost him and his age, it might have been a good move for him.

hmmm........80 years old........hmmm........brand new evaporator...........probably dealer maintained W140...........hmmmmmm


What's his name and telephone number?

[Pete Geither]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

hmmm........80 years old........hmmm........brand new evaporator...........probably dealer maintained W140...........hmmmmmm


What's his name and telephone number?

Oh no,,,,, I have dibs on this one.

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

hmmm........80 years old........hmmm........brand new evaporator...........probably dealer maintained W140...........hmmmmmm


What's his name and telephone number?

Sheesh! You guys are circling like a couple of hawks with their wings out!!!

[rchase]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I believe the labor on the W140 is about 35 hours for that job. Most of the time the customer trades the vehicle for a new one. Spending $5K on an evaporator for a W140 doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Unless you like 140's. If it were 10K I would have it done. The new 220 and even 221 are not on the same level of build quality that the 140 was. For some people the choice of car is less about economics and more about what we want to drive. Its one of the reasons so many vintage Ferrari's are still on the road. Its NOT because they were economical to repair.

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by rchase

Unless you like 140's. If it were 10K I would have it done. The new 220 and even 221 are not on the same level of build quality that the 140 was. For some people the choice of car is less about economics and more about what we want to drive. Its one of the reasons so many vintage Ferrari's are still on the road. Its NOT because they were economical to repair.

That's PERFECTLY stated. I going to have a sampler made.

Robert is absolutely right. Some people can and will pay what it costs to keep certain kinds of cars in good repair. And it is worth it to them.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I believe the labor on the W140 is about 35 hours for that job. Most of the time the customer trades the vehicle for a new one. Spending $5K on an evaporator for a W140 doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

The shop in NJ where my budy brought his E300D, quoted $2200-$2,500 for an evap core on a W140, S600 actualy. Shop has done many of them.


No worse in my book than rolling the dice with a 14 head. Seems like almost every old MB requires a cash infushion once in awhile!