is A/C cold for a 1987 300E?
 

My dad has a 1987 300E with 160,000 miles on it. He had it converted to r-134a because the r-12 had leaked out. The mechanic put dye into it I think like 3 weeks ago and now the freon has leeked out. While it was working though it didn't seem to be as cold as "normal" american cars. But, I was wondering if the A/C on these cars is even very good anyways. (stock/converted to r-134a). Would it compare to an American car's A/C? I was just curious, that's all.
Thanks
David

With our compressors being built to run on r-12, the results expected when we convert to r134 are highly overestimated. The r134 takes longer to cool the car that the r12. I have r134 in my car, but it cools fine,even on a blazing hot Miami day. I rarely use my AC though.

Would you say that it is about the same as like a Chevy Blazer or Ford Taurus?
Thanks
David

the worst mistake I ever made was converting to r134 on my 88 300e .these systems were not designed to use 134 the condenser is half the size it should be. the 2 gases are designed to be operated at totally diferent pressures! I will be switching back after flushing the system. r134 does not cut it in these cars

I aggree, When my R12 leaked out I decided to retro my system to 134A. Bad mistake,,,, No where near as cold! Fortunately it still works somewhat though.

Guys,
I'm having the same issue with my 87 260E. Seems like no one seems to carry the R12 anymore. and if it's a known issue that the R134a wont cut it for these systems then why isn't mercedes making it available for the older models that were meant to use the R12 ? What should one do in a situation like this because I've been told that the R12 is too expensive and that's why everyone just stopped keeping it...

The 124 MB is one of the very worst candidates for conversion. The a/c's in these cars are marginal even with R12. When going to 134 you lose about 20% of the cooling capacity plus they will not cool very much at idle. Unless you're in Alaska, don't do it.

Good luck,