W203 Air Conditioning coolant loss or not?

[manna90]

When I got my W203, the air conditioning required gassing up, I took it to Alpineair in Queensbury and £80 quid (including dye) later, I was up a running with very cold aircon. Two weeks later, I turn it on and its barely cold! I returned it to Alpineair and was told that there might be a leak on a box behind the glove compartment and they have to strip it and check it. I thought that in 2004, a car like mercedes would have easier, quicker check methods like pressure testing or ... Has anyone had this sort of problem before? The pipes in the engine bay are as dry as the desert. AM i being ripped off or is this common to W203 models...?

[miro]

When I got my W203, the air conditioning required gassing up, I took it to Alpineair in Queensbury and £80 quid (including dye) later, I was up a running with very cold aircon. Two weeks later, I turn it on and its barely cold! I returned it to Alpineair and was told that there might be a leak on a box behind the glove compartment and they have to strip it and check it. I thought that in 2004, a car like mercedes would have easier, quicker check methods like pressure testing or ... Has anyone had this sort of problem before? The pipes in the engine bay are as dry as the desert. AM i being ripped off or is this common to W203 models...?

Air-conditioning experts know that you test leaks under vacuum. Striping out the part is a complete waste of time. The fact that they know whrere to look and that it is the hardest possible job on the whole car just makes me wonder what is going on.

If they used the wrong gas it would also cause problems.

However I wouldnt bother with these guys. If the system leaks then isnt that a warranty issue ? Letting that much air into your system (by virtue of exchange with ambient air) might affect your condenser and other vapour locked parts designed to trap water.

Additionally, running the system dry may also have damaged the seals on the entire system.

I think you need to research the gas being used and then check that with Benz. I presume your dealer sent you to these providers. I cant imagine why you would go there otherwise.