I have heard that Autozone has a tool rental program and some locations have gauges and vacuum pumps. So you could vacuum and refill yourself. I just completed doing a 240D, and it was a relatively easy project (although time consuming, but then again I didn't have to change out the condenser or evaporator.

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1976 240D
1987 560SL
2007 E320 Bluetec
1998 C280 (now son’s car)
1982 240D Manual - Sold