2000 E320 Wagon A/C Compressor
 

Can anybody tell me what would be a fair price to have a new A/C compressor installed on this car? 2000 E320 Wagon

I've been quoted prices from $900 to $ 2000 I want the work done right but at the same time I don't want to be over charged. I can purchase all the parts for around $675.00 but I can't find anyone to install them. I feel like they are running a scam on me.

I can't tell you what this job costs, but I have a friend who has a 1999 E430, and had his a/c compressor replaced with a rebuilt unit, which saved him some money.

Most shops won't install parts supplied by a customer because they make money on the parts they sell to you.

An advantage of having a mechanic do the job is that the new parts come with a warranty (paid for by their markup).

If they install a part supplied by the dealer (with the MB logo on it), it comes with a full year warranty.

What this warranty means is that the dealer is obligated to replace the part for you for free. Even if you installed the part yourself or by an independent mechanic, it doesn't matter.

All MB parts, with star logo on it, come with a full year warranty.

Thank You.

Parts: rebuilt $600, new $800
Labor: 1.4 hours just for $R&R = $120
Recharge etc.: $100

Total 800 - 1000+

That's ballpark from internet info

Is it defective, there are many sensors that keep it from coming on!
http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic40142.html

I gave up using rebuilt nippondenso compressors years ago. I occasionally can't avoid it and in those cases I only buy Denso rebuilts. A rebuilt for 600 when a new costs $800 is a foolish game of Russian roulette.

The issue of rebuilts with densos is rather unique. For most of their units the piston sealing is not accomplished with rings. They are teflon coated. The teflon coating is not rebuildable so a rebuilt is a compressor with all the wear of this critical element from its inception. I hope denso as the original manufacturer installs new pistons, but I wouldn't count on it.

Anyway the risk with the rebuilt is that after replacement for a POA problem or a external leak, one incurs a mechanical failure resulting in "black death".

Hirnbeiss has it pretty much inline on costs, we would probably sell the new compressor from a MB box for about $725 and would very likely install a new drier also. The whole repair cost depends ever so much on what the original failure was.

This is VERY good advice. If your are having a mechanic do this, make sure he uses a new compressor and replaces the drier. Do not provide him with any parts. He will not guarantee the work and you will be on your own if any problems come up. Also, with the help of a shop to evacuate the old refrigerant and recharge after the new parts are installed, this is not a difficult remove and replace job for a DIYer.
Dan