W216 Air Conditioning Leak

[Erfaan]

Just upgraded from a w215 (which I loved) to a w216 CL500.

It’s not started too well as there air conditioning wasn’t working during the heat we’ve recently had.

I just took the car to my local mechanic who has the equipment to re-gas the system.

The car was empty (literally zero gas) and was filled to full. After clearing the old error codes, the air conditioning starter working! Sadly we could both hear a hissing noise under the engine and noticed some green fluid on the subframe. Assuming there is a leak in the system, he discharged the gas back and I’m back to square one.

I guess I do now know the compressor works and I have a leak. Is there an easy way to diagnose where the leak is coming from and maybe use some of those leak sealant designed of a/c systems or bite the bullet and get a new condenser? For reference, the mechanic said the system passed the vacuum test which is why he gassed the system.

Really keen for this not to cost me a pretty penny!

 

[Mr Greedy]

Obviously vacuum and pressure integrity can give different results, depending on the failure of the aircon component.


If you know it's a condenser, get it changed. Don't put the sealant rubbish in. The condenser is one of the cheapest parts, and will likely give you 10 years performance if you replace.

Get the mercedes part number and put it in Autodoc for a good guide to competitive condenser pricing. I'd recommend Mahle OE premium line and Denso first.

Post the condenser part number here and I'll have a look more specifically at what's available.

Edit: There are often two Mahle units. An expensive one, made by Behr often in South Africa, and a cheaper unit with a smaller core made in China. The supplier of the condenser I purchased recommended the more expensive one as an obviously superior unit with better fit and longevity.

 

[Erfaan]

Thanks for the good advise