zeggate, in 2013 the A/C was not working in our 1998 E320. Repair cost almost $4,000 to replace the evaporator, compressor, drier and expansion valve. The car is built around the evaporator so the dash must be removed to replace it … hefty labor charge. Apparently specific manufacturers' evaporators are more likely to fail than others, so it's pot luck how troublesome your A/C system becomes.

If the MB dealer is willing to recharge the A/C system for you that's the least expensive way to go, but your leaky system is harming the atmosphere. Environmentally-responsible shops will insist that the A/C system leak be located and repaired.

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Fred Hoelzle