AC Evaporator

[kramlavud]

Thinking of letting an good local indy replace my AC evaporator (94 E30, 122,000 miles) this month before the hot Metro DC weather arrives. Can anyone give a rough estimate what the cost might be?

regards,
Mark

[okc329]

Then you might get by for $3000 or so. You'll need a new dryer as well.

[oliverb]

Perhaps you already know this - while it is apart, replace all the vacuum actuators for the HVAC system. Mine was done by an "Indy" about 5 years ago for $2,100 - $2,200. His labor was only about $10/Hr. below the local dealer but he had about 25 years experience working exclusively on Mercedes products and had actually done more of these jobs than the dealer. The failure was indicated by the telltale oil leaking from the AC drain hoses. Placed a dye in the system just to double-check. While at it, replaced the heater core and expansion valve. Neither had signs of failure but didn't want to open the dash again for a future heater core problem, even if the failure rate is not very high. Additional cost was a little over $100 for the core. Still has the original compressor and has held full charge since the job. Cools real good! Don't convert, keep R12!
OliverB

[Mike Murrell]

On some MB cars, the book rate was 21 hours. Not sure about your model.

It's going to cost serious $$$, but whatever you do, only allow a REAL MB tech who has done several to work on your car.

[Pete Geither]

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

On some MB cars, the book rate was 21 hours. Not sure about your model.

It's going to cost serious $$$, but whatever you do, only allow a REAL MB tech who has done several to work on your car.

I agree,,, I wouldn't want to have a heart bypass done by a first timer. BTW,,,, how in the heck do those guys get their experience anyhow ?

[Mike Murrell]

Originally Posted by Pete Geither

BTW,,,, how in the heck do those guys get their experience anyhow ?

Peter does bring up an interesting point.

No one wants a "first timer" doing crucial surgery, but if there's no "first time", no experience is developed.

Catch-22.

[Don Lovy]

I had access to an evac unit from a local shop. Since this is the last phase of the project (as mine was leaking so badly it would bleed out any charge in a matter of hours) you could complete all assembly and take to a local shop for the final evac and recharge. I think you are wise to put a new expansion valve and drier, I did the same. Let me know if there are any questions you might have, I do not know how different the S500 is under the dash but do not be alarmed by the cobweb of wires you will see. It was obvious to me where all of the wires went except I labeled 2 wires that detach from the airbox because they were ambiguous in nature.

[pbrennan10]

I have a vcr tape of the evporator removal in a W140, if anyone is interested PM me.

[pbrennan10]

Originally Posted by buckwheat

pb - Is this the one that Germanstar was carrying? I ordered the DVD of (I think) the same video. I have no idea when it's going to arrive however. This is one of the few times I have NOT ordered from Phil, and I'm nervous. But they're the only ones that had the video.

Anyway, tell us your thoughts/review - was it helpful? Length? Narration? Accuracy? for 140's? Late/early model? Complete/comprehensive?

thanks -

Yeah it's the one from Germanstar
It made it possible for me, some of the parts a little vague but it got me through it.

[bruce viker]

Originally Posted by pbrennan10

I have a vcr tape of the evporator removal in a W140, if anyone is interested PM me.

Hi , I have a 93 , 300sd and need to replace the evaporator! Can i buy or rent the tape from you? regards Bruce Viker

[engatwork]

For me the job was really not technically difficult. There's just a lot of parts to deal with.

That is the way I see it.

[Renntag]

Originally Posted by pbrennan10

I have a vcr tape of the evporator removal in a W140, if anyone is interested PM me.

Might be good to get that to digital and share with the rest of the group. More W140s are going to need this service soon.

[pberku]

Here in Montreal, Canada, the going rate at 3 different Mercedes Independent Garages (2 of which I know and trust) for the evaporator replacement on a 124 body is $1,600 CDN or approximately $1,350 US

This price includes parts (Original Mercedes Evaporator) and Labour. A dryer, expansion valve or vacuum pods if required are extra. All of these garages have done numerous evaporator replacements on Mercedes' before, and they know what they are doing.

If any of you is close to the Canadian border, it may be worth while for you to come over and have the job done here. You can spend the money you save on a mini Canadian vacation.


Phil

[pberku]

Originally Posted by buckwheat

Phil - this is something I really want to do and document. This and motor replacement are on my list. I just can't afford MB prices - my "special rate" was 28 hours, and a small discount on the parts. And I've got 2 to do, maybe 3. I think your 124 rate is good, a few hours less than down here. 3 techs claim they can do it in under 8 hours, one person. Who am I to argue - but I still get charged flat rape.

BTW - I love Montreal. First time I went I swore I'd never go back, but something aluring about it. I think you're lucky to live there. I always make an excuse to work there in the last week of June for the race. The drive to Ottawa is beautiful, especially in winter. Always rent a C280 AWD from Hertz and have a blast...

Montreal in the spring, summer, and fall is an unbelievably beautiful "European" city. However, you don't want to be here in the winter, unless of course you are into winter sports.

Phil

[thayer]

right now!