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.

Is your AC working at this time ?

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.

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

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.

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

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

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