New owner with a question (in Seattle, WA)...
 

Hi, I just recently bought an 1983 300D turbo. I love the car, it is wonderful to drive!
However, its ac system is kaput. I need to replace the compressor (seized a few days ago) and recharge the sysem.
The only reason I am asking about recharging the system is that I am planning a trip down south and Death Valley is one of the destinations (needless to say, my friends said no way unless the car has A/C). I would like to use the old R12 system because I have heard it performs much better. Anybody know who I could go to for this? (called Benz friends and they said they just do 134 conversions).

So far just reading this forum has been a great help, Thankyou guys!

search this site for R-12/134 conversions

This site will give you the information to do it yourself, or to have the knowledge to make sure the shop you select does the right thing. The automatic climate control systems are fairly complicated so there is alot to learn. But it is fixable.

Don't automatically assume that you have to change to R-134. I have kept my system on the original R-12 as it isn't that much more expensive and the old system works better with R-12 than with R-134. If I had to replace the compressor, I might then make the switch but you need to replace several other things, too.

If I knew how, I'd do a poll
(a) Still using R-12
(b) Converted to R-134
(c) A/C doesn't work

If you are going to use the car in hot climates go with R-12, you will be disappointed with R-134a. Quite a few of us (including me) have been through this. Call around until you find someone willing/able to restore the system with R-12. Plan on spending around $1000 if you have it done professionally.

I have a r12 compressor if you are interested. I decided to go with sunroof air conditioning when I put the turbo engine in my 240.