condenser: Behr vs. ACM - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wols0003 · #1 07-05-2005, 04:41 PM

I installed a new ACM condenser last summer, thinking that ACM was oem. Since then I have found out that in fact Behr is oem. The structure of the condensers is completely different (besides fittings). The original Behr that I took out of my 83 300sd had smaller tubing running through the fins, however it had a lot more tubes. The Behr has 48 pipes through the fins; the ACM has only 30 pipes though the fins. Also the fin structure is completely different. The Behr has extremely thin and dense fins (tightly placed) fins; the ACM has much thicker fins and they are spaced much farther apart. I'm guessing that there are two possibilities. Either the ACM has been designed to be more compatible with the higher pressures of r134, or else it has just been made cheaply and is of inferior quality. I would love to know what the performance differences are between the two condensers. Living in Palm Springs, I need the max performance that I can get with the original r12 Freon.

I have a hunch that oem parts are the way to go with r12.

leathermang · #2 07-05-2005, 04:48 PM

Is your AC working at this time ?

Palangi · #3 07-05-2005, 10:09 PM

This is a timely thread as I am about to order a new condensor. The difference between OEM and aftermarket is about 140 bux. Think I will wait and see whar develops here.

wols0003 · #4 07-06-2005, 08:04 PM

Yes, my ac is working now.

The Behr condenser is only $311 at one online retailer. I wish I would have spotted that last year. When you put 1,200 to 1,500 dollars into an ac rebuild, an extra 100 dollars is nothing. I really hope this thread will provide some insight for future rebuilds. It's BS for us to be using after-market products if they are inferior.

Palangi · #5 07-06-2005, 09:15 PM

Who had the Behr for that price if you don't mind me asking?

I'm not rebuilding the whole system, just need a new condensor and R/D. Somebody backed a trailer hitch through the grill a few weeks ago.

Thanks

wols0003 · #6 07-06-2005, 09:45 PM

Arizona ******** sells it for $311

Palangi · #7 07-06-2005, 09:50 PM

OK, Thanks

samiam4 · #8 07-07-2005, 09:02 AM

I would not expect the orginal Behr design and the replacement Behr design to be identical.

I've always heard the Behr was quiter with the fan on high(?). Something like that. I really have very little free time. So, I generally stay with OEM and OE stuff.
Note, if you buy the evaporator from the dealership- they will cover parts and labor if it fails for 2 years. If it is $50 more than the online vendor, it might be cheap insurance. I get wholesale pricing from my dealership friends, so the delta ussually is small between factory wholesale and online OEM.

Michael

leathermang · #9 07-07-2005, 09:57 AM

"It's BS for us to be using after-market products if they are inferior."

Any reports of that being the case ?

Eric Eliel · #10 07-07-2005, 12:10 PM

This is a pretty good example why we as DIY's need to be fully informed about aftermarket parts, OEM parts, factory parts and the differences between them etc.

Some can be great buys, others can be terrible choices when your time, labor and safety are involved (Meyle front end suspension parts).

Would like to hear more about the ACM vs. Behr comparison (inregards to the condensor).

Palangi · #11 07-07-2005, 08:46 PM

I scored a good original condensor from my factory authorized junkyard, so I will be using that for the 240D.

leathermang · #12 07-07-2005, 11:36 PM

Paul, I sent you a PM on the 5th about this... but it shows as unread ...
How does that happen with the pm deal showing on the screen with this new software ? Did you read it ?

Palangi · #13 07-07-2005, 11:42 PM

Greg

I never saw the PM until now. Usually it will notify me continually until I read the message, but didn't happen this time for some reason.

Anyway, I got one, so it's a done deal. The only part I still need is the dryer. Will try to pick that up this weekend.

Thanks

James L · #14 03-19-2007, 09:58 AM

Dug up this old thread for my spring W126 a/c project. My condenser is leaking, need to replace with new. I want the best made/efficent condenser for my 1984 300SD, going with R12). Choices are;

Behr
ACM

Proliance (Ready Air)
ACI
Perfect Cool
Silla

I noticed some are aluminum some are copper tube and fin design.

thanks for help!

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