Dealer Says $1400 ONLY fix for A/C w202 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimF · #1 07-21-2007, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnnArborBenz

Well, being more specifif when the actual mechanic standing in front of me says that the entire A/C "BOX" has to be replaced.

I asked to explain what he meant by "box". He stated that there is a black "BOX" sealed with all A/C components inside and if you break the seal to try and fix anything on the inside....you ruined as you cannot reseal...

The Mercedes dealer manager and tech said the "BOX" needs to be replaced. The A/C Box with all components...

Maybe they mean the "control unit", N22 in the W140 cars. That 'box' does do the climate control operations.

Many people feel the box is not fixable but many times it's a cold solder joint on the pc (printed circuit) board that can be fixed.

My reasoning for this conclusion is that an A/C evap repair is much more expensive than $1400 as all here will attest. So that's the only 'box' that has "something" to do with the car's climate control and specifically the A/C.

Maybe you should ask to have the "box" pointed out and explained as to what it is??? As the others have said, if they won't, then go someplace else.

mpolli · #2 07-21-2007, 11:43 AM

So the dealer wouldn't even divuldge what the labor charge would be? Is it going to be a surprise for your birthday? As bad as the dealer sounds, he still sounds better than that indy you mention... I would follow forp's advice and also check out the forum section about local shops for a better place to get a second opinion.

Mike

AnnArborBenz · #3 07-21-2007, 04:14 PM

Sorry if I mislead anyone as the so called box alone is $1400 and then another $2000 for the complete job.....total around $3400.....

We ALL know that t he car is NOT even worth that....ie, why I laughed at them both....maybe in their way they were scaring me off instead of ripping me off....who knows...

It's a nice car so I'd liek to keep it....I have the total interior stripped out right now carpet and all to clean, really clean...

Seats come out easy, center console a breeze, then one piece of carpet comes out the door....amazing !

Amazing what you find when you take all of your seats out....money, french fries, kids toys, crayons....you name it and I think I found it. I found things that did not belong to me as they had to have come from the previous owner....

Anyway, tearing this thing apart has been fun so i may type up some W202 DIY as there are not too many listed here....

Do you want to hear the cool thing, and I know that I should not do this as it will hit me next week, but I have not touched my brakes or rotors in over 75k miles !! Better start reading up...

brewtoo · #4 07-21-2007, 07:02 PM

To say that the heater box has a magic seal and once the magic seal is broken all is lost? Bull.

You could replace your evaporator yourself. Parts including replacing some bad pods, exp valve and drier would be less than $500.

Do a search. Lots of us have done this job.

Assuming a leaking evaporator is your problem and it looks like the stealer thinks it is, since he wants to replace the box and that's the only part in there that would cause your AC not to cool at all.