The A/C on the later W126's and V8's is more reliable than on the 617 diesel models purely due to the better compressor they used. The A/C on my newly acquired 420 works perfectly, blows ice cold within about 20 seconds of turning it on. A/C in my 300SD worked for a week after I got it.   Never bothered fixing it.
Again though, I'd check the timing chain guides....if you have a way of peering in through the oil filler cap hole you might be able to check if they are brown/aged plastic or if they are the metal variety.
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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life- 
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