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  #1  
Old 08-12-2010, 09:47 PM
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Unhappy The end of my 94 E320 Wagon?

The car runs great with 155k miles on it but the a/c condenser started to leak and one of the lines cannot be disconnected from it and will need replacement. I was quoted $2800 to fix it. I did check the parts and they add up to about $1400. I don't quite understand why there should be that much labor in that job and maybe I can do a little better at a specialist but the car is only worth about $2000. My wife is ready for a new car

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  #2  
Old 08-12-2010, 10:30 PM
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Wow, that is a load of money, that is on par with a head job or a transmission change.

Hey man, you are bound to keep your wife happy or all heck breaks loose, right?

If you want to sell the car, than so be it, maybe its time for it to go to a person who might be willing to make it a project car.
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  #3  
Old 08-12-2010, 10:32 PM
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Maybe $1400 for factory parts. But you should be able to get a non-M-B condenser that fits for less than $200, and maybe add in some custom hoses, if needed. You could probably find a donor factory condenser from a junkyard for much less. Depending on age and time in the yard and moisture that may not be a desirable route, though.

If you can turn a wrench you should be able to replace a condenser.

$2800 is crazy talk.
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Old 08-12-2010, 11:30 PM
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Are you sure its the condensor, and not the evaporator?

The evaporator on a 124 is a MF of a job, and that labor charge sounds right.
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  #5  
Old 08-13-2010, 06:15 AM
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No it's the condenser not the evaporator

when the mechanic told me $2800 I was sure he was talking about the evaporator. But no, he meant the condenser. And I thought it was totally crazy too. I've done my share of brake jobs, and a few other things and feel confident I could replace the condenser (I changed the radiator on that car) but the cost of new parts is what gave me pause.
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Old 08-13-2010, 06:28 AM
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Chip, recommend getting diagnosis and repair quote from several other independent MB techs. If those are high also, consider doing the work yourself. Provided your 1994 E320 wagon is in good shape (no rust or body damage) it's worth repairing the A/C system. You should be able to get 300,000 miles out of that model.
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Old 08-13-2010, 06:56 AM
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You'd get rid of a car because of no A/C? Pshh, none of our MB's have A/C! Be tough!

And when that repair looks expensive, think of the payments and insurance and issues of a new car. Then it looks pretty cheap again.
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Old 08-13-2010, 05:03 PM
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They make stop-leak products for the A/C system. Buy 500 bottles of it (well, after the 1st one demonstrates success). -CTH
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  #9  
Old 08-13-2010, 05:53 PM
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$212 @ Fastlane

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1994-Mercedes--Benz-E3--0--Wagon-Climate--Control&yearid=1994%40%401994&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6391%3ABT%7C6%3AED%7C10000022%3AMBC%7C1522%40%40E320+Wagon&catid=242213%40%40Climate+Control&subcatid=242227@@A%2FC+Condenser&mode=PD

Unless there's something else missing from the estimate, I don't see $1400.
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  #10  
Old 08-13-2010, 06:03 PM
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It must be the manifold hose assembly that is stuck. It comprises both the low and high side hoses from the compressor, plus some other stuff. It's priced at $1100+ on Fastlane. The condensor itself is $212 on Fastlane.

I have heard of rebuilding the manifold hose assembly. Perhaps you could cut the stuck condensor hose off and then have a hydraulic shop build a new, equivalent hose onto the manifold assembly? Bit of work, but it might save a thousand bucks.

I don't see where the labor charges get so high. I think you're looking at 2-3 hours to pull the manifold, radiator, condensor, dryer, then reassemble, vacuum, and charge.
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  #11  
Old 08-13-2010, 09:08 PM
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Smile I love all your comments!

The only rust on the car is the right front fender which is getting some pretty bad surface rust around the wheel well. I was considering replacing the fender with another "Brilliant Silver" fender if I could find one. The Check Engine light is on because of the stupid upshift delay valve, and then this happens. I just had the rear wheel bearing, belt tensioner, wiper stalk and major tuneup performed last year. I love this car but it doesn't love me back!

Yes, I can live without the a/c and my wife will probably suffer through the fall, winter and spring without it but then all hell will break loose. At this point it is our third car so maybe I can tackle more repairs than I used to but the cost of that hose has me staggered. I like JCYUHN's idea of talking to a hydraulic shop. Perhaps I will try that.
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Old 08-13-2010, 09:43 PM
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That price is ridiculous. With non-price inflated parts, labor and refridgerant, that job should cost no more than maybe $700-$800.

I would go as far to say do the replacement yourself then have someone evacuate and charge teh system. Since the condensor only requires the radiator removal, its actually relatively easy. Just make sure to have them remove the refriderant first (no charge for this since they are 'technically' getting free money out of you.

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