W201 Air conditioning

[Kiwi]

Looks like some money needs to be spent on the wife's W210 air conditioning I would appreciate any workshop recommendations on the North side

[John Skene]

What is the problem, symptoms Kiwi? The W210 A/C is normally very reliable, but I am told that the computer can get confused occasionally.

[STAR GARAGE]

Evaporators are starting to leak, compressors get noisy and most could do with a regas.

[John Skene]

I am surprised that the W210's are exhibiting these problems, as the only 'standard' faults with the A/C that I have heard about have been the fan speed not reaching maximum, and a short (that can be bridged) in the ECU that causes the compressor speed to vary.

As the W210 is programmed to save the compressor, if the compressor speed doesn't match the engine speed it shuts it down. The fan speed not reaching maximum can be fixed by using a new regulator (has improved heat dissipation), preferably from a W140 as (believe it or not) that is much cheaper than  a W210 or a W211 replacement.

However, as the early W210's are a fair age now so I suppose it's only to be expected that standard A/C faults will start showing up.

[Fotografa]

Looks like some confusion here.

W201.

Kiwi,

Arthur Rizzo's (Harry) has helped out many club/forum members lately, including some with AC issues.

They are in North Sydney. Probably not as close to you as Lingane Motors in Hornsby, but I have no experience with Lingane.

If your compressor is shot, you should also change your receiver/drier at the same time, and your expansion valve. A compressor (new, not rebuilt) and receiver/drier, and expansion valve should not cost you more than $600.00. plus fitting of course.

Hope this helps.

Foto.

[Kiwi]

Thanks to all for your comments. I had it updated to current gas some time ago and a recent re-gas didn't help. I will most probably take it to Lingane in Hornsby when I get a chance, off to Orange this weekend so it will have to wait.