1984 300CDT..I need to have the system recharged (had the front end aligned and then the A/C had no charge). One local shop who does only A/C work says they don't convert the Mercedes to the newer freon because the systems aren't strong enough to handle it ?? A local MB tech says they only replace with the older style freon because it works better. I would like to go with the newer environmentally friendly stuff (as well as the $$) if possible. Your thoughts??

Converting old to new, you may need to replace the WHOLE A/C Unit and components. Since the old one is not manufactured any more, the price to recharge the old system will eventually be sky high.

Converting old to new may seem to be alot of money now, but actually it may save you lots of hassles down the road.

Happy Motoring....
Andy Kuo
'92 400SE

As long as the parts are in good working order, they will hold up fine. I have 100-150 of the older cars on the road with conversions with no problems. They key is that all of the parts must be in reasonably good shape.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I agree with Benzmac. My system was converted 2 1/2 years ago by an independent MB specialist here in San Antonio and works VERY well with no problems here on 100 degree days.

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Roger
240D 298K miles

I have a 1983 300CDT and had the A/C converted about 4 weeks ago and so far no problems.

I tried the 134a conversion on my 300SD, but switched everything back to R12 once the compressor locked up. I wasn't really satisfied with the new freon in the older system anyways. We charge $39 a pound for R12 at the dealer versus $13 a pound for 134a, but I think that the old stuff is a world above the new stuff. Gets much colder in that old system (at least in the first generation climate control system--that is). Just my 2 cents.

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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8