In pursuit of a C140 AC evaporator

[AmericaMonster]

Greetings everyone,

I am seeking an AC evaporator for a 1998 C140. Mine has malfunctioned and is leaking, unfortunately.


I ordered one from Autodoc, however upon arrival, although being designated for a right-hand drive vehicle, it was intended for a left-hand drive.

I have seen several new options online; however, upon closer examination, they all seem to be designed for left-hand drive vehicles.

I require one of these (not the one I photographed, and disregard the red ring)...

[AmericaMonster]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=ac evaporator&_sacat=0&_dmpt=Computing_ComputerComponents_Fans_Heatsinks_SR&_odkw=arctic cooling freezer 64 pro&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338181132&toolid=10001&customid=2518X1570512Xe3257b07ec62c890aea27d2e08070f1f&subId2=15

[AmericaMonster]

All the models I have located, including the purchased one, include the pipes on the left side orientated towards the rear, rather than the front.

I possess part numbers A1408300358, A1408301558, and A1408302258, which are purportedly accurate; yet, all of them appear to yield LHD options once more.


Does anyone have suggestions on potential sources? I presently possess a CL420 disassembled into over 1,000 components at my local Mercedes-Benz specialist awaiting installation. I prefer new items, but not at exorbitant prices. Numerous new non-Mercedes options are available for under £200; nevertheless, they all feature pipes orientated incorrectly.

There may be one available at Mercedes in Germany for £700 plus VAT. If I cannot identify a more rational alternative, I may have to reluctantly proceed with that option, though I remain hopeful for another possibility.

Thank you in advance for any guidance.

[Lemmand]

What is your Vehicle Identification Number?

[Talentrews]

Have you consulted Karl Burgess from w140.co.uk or r129.co.uk?

He is a specialist dismantler of R129 and W140 vehicles and may be disassembling a donor vehicle.


I presume that W140 saloons should utilise the same component.

Additionally, it is advisable to explore eBay for individuals dismantling a W140 sedan.

[AmericaMonster]

Hello, WDB1400632A426327

[AmericaMonster]

Greetings,

Indeed, I have already explored r129.co.uk; but, there is no information available for the C140 or W140 models.


It appears that the components are same, however the part numbers differ.

Preferably, I would choose for a new component, as I have encountered reports indicating that they are prone to failure. The cost and inconvenience associated with disassembling the vehicle to install a used part appears somewhat irrational, given the likelihood of a recurrence occurring sooner than with a fresh replacement.

It is exceedingly annoying that all the new models available appear to be for left-hand drive, despite claims of being right-hand drive.

[Talentrews]

Is it possible that certain establishments specialising in radiator repair or recoring could address this issue?

Serck is a prominent brand; however, with air conditioning now being significantly more prevalent, there may be specialised technicians for A/C components, as well as organisations that focus on refrigeration equipment.


Given that you have already purchased an LHD evaporator, I am curious if a radiator repair technician could merely reposition the ports to face the opposite direction, employing brazing or welding as necessary.

Have you investigated if any UK dealers own new-old-stock items available on their shelves? Several years ago, I sought a water pump for a 190E shortly before Christmas. M-B Glasgow did not have it in stock and would require an order with no assurance of timely delivery. However, the partsman accessed his computer and informed me that Glen Henderson in Ayr, not affiliated with the same group, had one available. This suggests that dealers possess a method to search UK inventory for specific items.

[Lemmand]

Thank you. The EPC indicates that A1408302258 is the valid part number for your VIN.

[Lemmand]

[Lemmand]

I conducted a brief search and discovered the 36078 - Evaporator, air conditioning.

This seems to be the identical component as depicted in the image you sent, only reversed in the photograph.

[Lemmand]

https://spareto.com/products/nrf-evaporator-air-conditioning/36078

[AmericaMonster]

Greetings,

Thank you for the research conducted there.


Interestingly, you have identified the identical issue I encountered; however, the complication is in the pipes. Reorient the object to match the initial image I shared, ensuring the ringed section is positioned identically, and you will observe that the pipes extend from the rear rather than the front, as depicted in my illustration.

I can easily locate the left-hand drive version, but the right-hand drive variant is proving to be somewhat elusive.

The part number you possess corresponds with the Mercedes part lookup; yet, any attempt to locate it results in the pipes being orientated incorrectly.

It resembles a hybrid mutt!

[Lemmand]

Have you extracted yours already? I understand that it is a challenging task on a W140, hence my inquiry. I believe it would be prudent to examine yours initially to ensure accuracy, as the LHD version I have observed is entirely dissimilar in the arrangement of the pipes and coils on the side. If that is unsuccessful, you will likely need to manipulate the pipes to achieve the desired orientation. Not an unfeasible task.

[AmericaMonster]

Indeed, it has been dismantled; the vehicle is currently in numerous components at the local Mercedes-Benz specialist.

My version corresponds to the original photograph I shared, featuring the pipes positioned forward, rather than the others I have encountered widely, unfortunately.