Air con fix needs whole dash out...any specialists recommended?

[CMJohn]

My 2016 CLS 220d has got a leak on the air conditioning

UV dye has located the source of the leak likely deep in the unit itself, which apparently is an absolute pig to get to, requiring the whole dashboard to come out. The independent Merc specialist I use says that they've never actually done the job, because nobody has been prepared to pay what it costs...They reckon it's at least 2 days work, maybe more (seats have got to come out, airbags disconnected, everything) :-(

I'm still waiting on them to quote me for this job, but I'm expecting it to be unaffordable, which is a bit gutting as the car is still worth around £11,000 (although I'm not sure anyone would buy it without aircon)

Just wondering if anyone else has been in this position before, and if there is a specialist you'd recommend who might somehow be able to do the job more cheaply?

I'm also considering having a go with one of those aircon sealer type products; apparently there's a good one that is imported from USA that sometimes works. Has anyone had experience with this too? If I end up resigned to not being able to afford the proper fix, have I got anything to lose by trying this route - i.e. could it make anything worse somehow?

Thanks!

 

[W1ghty]

My 2016 CLS 220d has got a leak on the air conditioning

UV dye has located the source of the leak likely deep in the unit itself, which apparently is an absolute pig to get to, requiring the whole dashboard to come out. The independent Merc specialist I use says that they've never actually done the job, because nobody has been prepared to pay what it costs...They reckon it's at least 2 days work, maybe more (seats have got to come out, airbags disconnected, everything) :-(

I'm still waiting on them to quote me for this job, but I'm expecting it to be unaffordable, which is a bit gutting as the car is still worth around £11,000 (although I'm not sure anyone would buy it without aircon)

Just wondering if anyone else has been in this position before, and if there is a specialist you'd recommend who might somehow be able to do the job more cheaply?

I'm also considering having a go with one of those aircon sealer type products; apparently there's a good one that is imported from USA that sometimes works. Has anyone had experience with this too? If I end up resigned to not being able to afford the proper fix, have I got anything to lose by trying this route - i.e. could it make anything worse somehow?

Thanks!

Might help a recommendation if we knew where you are buddy ?

 

[CMJohn]

Might help a recommendation if we knew where you are buddy ?

Ah, yes, Midlands!

 

[W1ghty]

Ah, yes, Midlands!

MSL in Birmingham
Mercland , Nuneaton

 

[Teego]

Before you start ripping the car apart I'd talk to an Aircon specialist. I recommend Staykool Ltd in Derby. Very knowledgeable and straightforward.

 

[CMJohn]

MSL in Birmingham
Mercland , Nuneaton

Many thanks, I'll get in touch with them

Has anyone had experience with using the airconditioner sealant product for an issue like this?

 

[CMJohn]

Before you start ripping the car apart I'd talk to an Aircon specialist. I recommend Staykool Ltd in Derby. Very knowledgeable and straightforward.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll speak with them