I had everything done (what tkamyia listed) in a local garage for $119. Mercedes dealer charges $91/hour, vs $51 in a non-MB garage. An independent MB garage wanted $1200 to replace compressor plus $500 to convert. At the non-MB everything cost $700. HOWEVER- you really need mechs who actually know something about MBs, or you may have trouble.

And now for something completely different- Canadians came up with a refrigerant (I think it's called duracool) completely compatible with R-12 (no conversions) and completely safe environmentally (UNlike R-134). Apparently it's very popular in Australia (I called the company and confirmed it). It is not widely available in the US because EPA ruled (I love this) that cars using this refrigerant still need conversion. No reason given (EPA did not dispute any claims of compatibility). I guess it would be an unfair competition for DuPont...

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1985 190D 2.2l Sold-to Brother-in-law
1996 Mustang 3.8l -"thinks it's a sports car"
1988 Grand Wagoneer - Sold (good home)
1995 Grand Cherokee Ltd -"What was I thinking??!!"