If you own an S-class 1992 or later and live in the south-east U.S., you might or very possibly will have to replace the evaporator core for the air conditioning system to continue to work. The deal is they all corrode from the outside in, not the other way around as one may think. Mercedes says that it is because of microscopic mites that can digest the aluminum the core is made out of. Mercedes has since re-engineered the cores and dipped them in plastic on the ends and coated the core with a chemical to resist the bugs. It's expensive and time consuming. Trust this repair to the dealer or only the best of independent shops.

I have a 92 300SE with the evaporator problem and want to know if MBNA or dealer will do goodwill or participate. Labor to pull the dash and replace is 20.3 hrs! Parts go for around $1100...roughly a $2200 fix. I've gotten my class action lawsuit credit voucher and sold it. Mine only has 48,ooo mi.
on it. Also all warning lights on dash come
on flashing for no reason..any ideas??

Yes, The inst. cluster is most likely faulty. Sorry you will have to replace it because it is out of warranty. Mercedes did offer a rebuilt board that could be fitted into the clusters when they were having to flip the bill, but when the affected cars went out of warranty they discontinued the parts. Now you have to buy a new cluster. The new one will have all digital numbers on the odo and trip odo. You have to get the millage calibrated. As for the evaporator I have not heard of any one getting help on it; that's not to say it hasn't ever happened.

My 500SEL as of right now does not blow cold air. Could the evap core be the problem? It has 140k+ miles on it so I imagine that this problem was likely addressed, I will find out from the PO as soon as I can. I am hoping it is just a recharging issue, but is there any way to discern the difference? Thanks...

------------------
Chris Singh
1983 300D
1990 300E Black Pearl Monotone w/ chrome AMG monoblock II 17", custom multimedia system

1993 500SEL brilliant silver w/ AMG monoblock II 19"

http://benz.mp3car.com
http://stormworks.max3d.com

If you have no cooling due to the evaporator problem you also need recharging as leaking is the problem.

A good leak check is the answer to your question. I recommend you find a good independent that uses flourescent oil additives and ultraviolet testing for the surest answer. You will find the day-glow answer all over the transmission if the evap is the answer. The dye is carried out the water drains over the trans. It is an exact diagnosis. Electronic leak detectors, although the only way approved by MB, are very poor for evaluating evaporators. All A/C specialty shops do it that way now and even some of the manufacturers are installing the dye at the factory (not MB though)


------------------
Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Hello Everyone,
Just found out that my 92 500SEL is leaking and the dealer wants $4100 to do the repair. How much did they quote you Flipsyde for the repair? How much are all the parts for this?

Fred

Sounds kinda pricey to me. The MB list on the evap is $645 (plus the early units need a baffle added for $64) and we charge 23 hours labor. They probably want you to replace the drier for another $109 and you will need refrigerant.

Thats either a lot for labor or a lot for refrigerant.

I would suggest you find a good independent and save $1500 or more.

------------------
Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

We do them for about $2,500...This is using all original parts.

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