The Kuhlmeister was made in the US, by Thermo-King, specifically for American dealer installation, and are most often seen in the Fintails. I don't know if the Kuhlmeister AC was even availible in Europe, but I've never seen one of these early Behr AC units here in the US. Only the later W111 coupe Behr AC with the rectangular vents. Your Behr may have been the factory-authorised AC unit for European-installation.
Before you remove the Behr, I would strongly advise doing more research, perhaps through one of the Mercedes Classic centers. My feeling is that, compared with the US, AC was pretty rare in Europe back in the '60s, and despite it's appearance, your particular early Behr unit may turn out to be an extremely rare and valuable original Mercedes accessory.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Well, that maybe correct. Yesterday I took a closer look to my AC unit, and it fits perfectly in it's place, I didn't notice any DIY drilling, everything looks like it came from the factory. When You look all system, it seems like it is not aftermarket. But, the odd thing is that the car is imported from California, so It should have Kuhlmeister? Or maybe the car came to USA with already installed air conditioner? Really don't have a clue!

Your coupe may have come from California, but the car may have been special-ordered and picked up by the original owner at the factory in Germany. I know that during the '60s, both Behr (Germany) and Kuhlmeister (USA) built Mercedes AC units for factory or dealer installation, but I can only theorize how your coupe wound up with a Behr AC unit.
While I've never seen one like yours, I still believe it may be a very early and rare Behr automobile airconditioner. That's why I suggested more serious research before you decide to replace it. Perhaps Mercedes can tell you where your coupe was originally sold, and if the Behr unit was an original option on your car.
Incidentally, one of the later, more common W111 Behr coupe AC units recently sold on eBay for somewhere around $2000!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Thank You very much for Your advises. I really didn't think it could maybe be factory installed, I just wanted to put a unit that should go with car's age. Since there is a possibility that my AC is rare (and I think it is because I can't find any picture or data about it on net), I will probably leave it in my car, it's not so ugly anymore now that I got used to it
As I unterstud, the car was sold to a German guy that was high positioned in California MB back in '60s. That's why it has manual gearbox, but all other stuff tell me that it's made for US market - US headlights, red tail lights, odometar in miles. Oh yes, I'm so lucky it is a Californian car, because I've never seen an European car with so little rust. The chasic is in perfect condition

For the A/C, I will ask my local MB dealer, maybe they can help me out!

Try to get the datacard from MB. It's a long shot, but it may have the AC on there as a factory installed option. And try to trace owners through internet. I was able to find a former owner of my car.

Sounds like you have a very special car. Hang on to it and drive it!

Bert

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'70 111 280SE/c 3.5 (4 spd manual) - sold
'63 MGB
'73 MGBGT V8

Even though your coupe appears to be built for the US market, Mercedes used to have a factory-delivery program availible (and maybe they still do today) An American buyer could order a Mercedes with US specification, pick it up in Stuttgart, and drive it around Europe on vacation before shipping it to the US.

If you don't have any luck asking your local Mercedes dealer, you could ask one of the Mercedes Classic Centers. There's one in California, and I believe also in Germany. And Behr is still in buisiness. You might try them too.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Hello,
I have just recieved a datacard for my Mercedes. On my big surprise, I found a way how to read it, although I still can't read few things, so If anyone knows some equipment codes, please let me know. Now, the best part is "code 306" that is in my datacard. It says - Behr airconditioner + "code 228" - heat insulating glass for side and back windows (those two go together).

It seems that my car has an early Behr air conditioner that is very rare (I think they did'nz put Kuhlmeister in data cards since it is aftermarket part).

So, thanks guys for talking me out of removing my A/C - IT STAYS IN CAR

WELL DONE!!

Bert

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'70 111 280SE/c 3.5 (4 spd manual) - sold
'63 MGB
'73 MGBGT V8

Thanks!!