ecently in an automotive store I saw product stating that it converted a freon AC system to R134a without changing any seals.

Would this work for an 88 300E?

Thanks,
Kevin

Yes this is possible and recommended.
Topic is covered in depth in MB Service Information 83/83. This can be obtained from your nearest Dealer

Thanks for the reply Corky.

I'm a bit confused as to how this can be done without changing the seals.

This product says to have all the freon removed by a shop equiped to do so (this is good) and then add the oil/R134a combo. It just seems too simple.

Has anyone else done this?

Thanks,
Kevin

Please obtain the service information and read it. You do not have to replace any seal nor do you have to use a (combo) product. As per this information you will be using regular r-134a freon. No special product is required.

I can attest to three successes. My brother introduced me to this product which he used successfullly in his Peugeot. I used it in an Isuzu Trooper as well as my son's VW Fox. In all three cases, there was no freon left in the system so removal was not an issue. The trooper worked for a summer and then cool air dwindled so obviously there was a leak but I can charge it annually for less than 20 bucks. I can do this a bunch of times before I reach the cost of repair. I believe the kit includes oil which is installed prior to the R134.

Not to mess up a good idea, but if the A/C system is cooling and working fine, do not work on it for any reason!!!! Mercedes A/C systems are complex and the early 124's do not convert that well to 134 if you do not have an updated condeser. IF it ain't broke, don't fix it!! If it does fail, then do the work to repair the leak and convert. Good luck.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SHOP MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Benzmac,

It definetly doesn't work. I can see a bit of gas flowing through the sight window. It doesn't get cold though.

How can tell if I have an updated condenser.

Thanks for the help.

Kevin

Is the freon low or is the compressor dead? Have the freon level checked and the system checked for leaks before making any decision.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

BenzMac wrote: "...Mercedes A/C systems are complex and the early 124's do not convert that well to 134 if you do not have an updated condeser...."
BenzMac,
Which model years constitute the "early" ones (which do not convert well), as opposed to which later years that do convert well? I have a '88 W124 and W201, and a '90 W124 -- they all have good A/C systems right now, but down the road I'm sure they'll need servicing and/or freon substitution.
Thank you.

Mercedes learned a hard lesson with a/c systems in the 1980's. Most cars didn't have enough flow across condenser. The later cars have 2 aux cooling fans & air flow is much better. These cars are best suited to conversion. Most other will cool O.K. w/R134a but not in the hot humid weather that is happening right now.