The technicians may be knowledgeable and skillful in the repair, but I must submit my opinion after using its service twice (AC service), within a month. I brought my '05 SL in for AC service in late June because it wasn't blowing cold air; a few hours later I was told it was serviced and ready to be picked up. While there, the technician told me my low pressure refrigerant hose has a small leak, and the leakage was "Sniffed at the leakage rate of half an ounce a year", but my AC should probably get me through this summer at the very least. It seemed fair so I paid the $236 and took the car home. Three and a half weeks later, my AC was blowing warm air again and I later discovered it was due to the loss of freon, so much for that "Half an ounce a year leakage rate". This makes me wonder if a pressure leak down test was ever performed prior to recharge of my AC system, as a significant leak like mine would be very obvious during the vacuum leak down test.
Anyhow, since I am a retired jet mechanic, and have owned and worked on older Mercedes before, I decided to replace the AC refrigerant hose myself as I did not need to evacuate the system due to complete freon loss. After the hose replacement, I stopped by and talked with Axel about this issue; I asked if he will extend a discount to "Recharge" my AC a second time, to which Axel said "Why should I? The work procedure will be the same as the first time you brought the car to us".
Reluctantly, I chose to let him work on my car the second time because its close to home and I can walk back later to pick up the car. I just wish they could be a little more forthcoming and admit what they stated as a minuscule leak was mistakenly estimated. Its not about the money but of the attitude I received. On the other hand, Mark the office person was very courteous on both occasions. I paid another $236 to get the AC serviced, and so far, its still blowing cold air after I replaced that hose.
Since then, I got myself a Mercedes STAR diagnostic software and computer system. I have so far, done my own R&R on the Active Body Control front valve block, flushed and refilled the ABC fluid twice, performed the Rodeo on the ABC system, flushed and refilled the automatic transmission fluid with filter change.....well worth the $$$ spent on the STAR diagnostic system. read more
