Hey all,

We have a W210 E-Class diesel in at the shop right now and as we're mainly a vintage MB specialist I need a little advice on a climate control issue with this car..

Problem: A/C does not blow as cold out of left center vent as it does from right center vent. Both extreme side vents are decently cool, but again, the passenger's side is cooler than the driver's side. I seem to remember something regarding replacing the monovalve with an updated part as well as a receiver drier modification with a new hose and switches. Ideas?

BTW, When in full heating mode, the temps are equalized, this only occurs in A/C mode.

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Regards,
Aaron

For some reason anything that reduces cooling capacity causes the effect you describe. The most common problem is lack of refrigerant.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

I have exactly the same problem with my 1997 E320. Last summer I took car to dealer and they said it needed a new evaporator - $3995, please. I decided to get a second opinion but never did. We are just now having warm enough weather to require A/C and the symptom is still there. If I had a leak in the evaporator, wouldn't the coolant have leaked out by now, leaving me in default EC mode? Doesn't the system run all the time?

I would say I get adequate cool air out of the right side of the center vent but that it is negated by the warm air coming out of the left half. Turning the left-hand thermostat down, helps but doesn't completely cure the problem. I(s the evaporator in two sections?

Sorry, Aaron, I used double capital A's in addressing you. Also, I should have said refrigerant instead of coolant. it's been a long day.

If the refrigerant IS full then many times the problem is a slightly plugged drier. Check to see if there is a COOL spot on the high side(HOT) lines around the drier.


okc329, The W210 chassis evaporator job takes 14-15 hrs & list on the evap is $740 & drier is $80.

$900 in parts incl tax & 15hrs X $100@hr = $2400

Iwould do that job any DAY for $3900!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

there was no way I was going to give them the money they wanted to do the job. Glad to have some reasonable estimate of the cost though.

Does it seem reasonable that I could drive the car for 7-8 months in AUTO climate control mode after the dealer diagnosed the problem as a bad evaporator and still have cooling capacity ?

I didn't like the diagnosis because they said, "We couldn't find a leak under the hood, so your evaporator is bad."

If Mercedes Benz's sliding quality doesn't take them down, then their poor dealer service departments will. Not to say that all of these are bad but the two in my town bolster no confidence in me.