I have a 98 C230 model, and my air conditioner is stuck in economy mode. It looks under the hood as if the compressor isnt even running at all. THe A/c inside is only the fan blowing, it's not blowing cold air at all, whether the auto is on or off, any ideas?

The economy light is on because the system sees a pressure fault - so it won't turn on the compressor as a precautionary. It's kind like a safety for the system.
You may have a bad pressure sensor, or you do have too high/low freon pressure.
First thing to check is to pull codes, the check the pressure sensor.

Here's a detailed thread on that same problem I had with mine. Make sure you get to the second page on reporogramming the unit.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=86110&highlight=economy

Len

how do i pull the codes? i have never had a foreign car before

See my post above as well as this one from Continental - http://continentalimports.com/ser_ic40142.html.

The STAR magazine also had a nice piece on it not too long ago.

Len