w126 300sel Expansion Valve

[xaliscomex]

How accessible is the expansion valve on my 1988 300sel (w126).
Will removing the cluster give me access to the expansion valve.

My AC runs with R12 freon.
Previous owner mentioned to me that if I replaced the expansion valve I would get better cooling using R12.

I had the compressor replaced a few years back along with hoses and dryer.
There was an initial problem getting everything to work but hours, so the tech told me, of running or pushing the freon thru the expansion valve made it work.
The tech did mention that a new expansion valve would make my AC super cold but he mentioned that the dash would have to be removed, and that was very intensive work.

I do not have any experience with AC systems other than swapping around parts.

I sometimes think that the tech maybe was not experienced and might have used the expansion valve excuse to explain the lack of cold cold super cold air.

I previously had heard from a forum member that it is important to use the Mercedes Oil for our AC systems. Worth every drop. I don't know why, but thats what was recommended. Don't ask me how the oil is used.

Currently I get about 59 deg F to 61 deg F at the vent while driving at 70 mph. (Outdoor Temp 85 deg F)