If your Mercedes’ air conditioning system is not functioning properly, it might be an indication that you are due for a refill. This means the system has to be flushed; a procedure that involves removing the old fluid and replacing it with a new refrigerant.
Refrigerant capacity can also vary depending on the model. If you are interested in knowing how much refrigerant your Benz can contain and other technicalities surrounding a refrigerant refill, this is the guide you need.
What Type Of Refrigerant Is Used In A Mercedes?
Mercedes derivatives started with Tetrafluoroethane (R123a) as its air conditioning refrigerant until the EU banned it due to the high global-warming potential it possesses. Now, the new Mercedes Benz comes with Tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) as their refrigerant because it is more environmentally friendly.
The revised system in petrol and diesel-powered Mercedes engines comes with a gas generator that expels argon (the gas) to hot spots within the vehicle. This keeps the refrigerant from bursting into flames especially when there is a frontal impact.
Hybrid engines will also come with modified Tetrafluoropropene in due time.
How Much Refrigerant Should Go Into A Mercedes?
To know how much refrigerant should go into your Mercedes, you must know the quantity that leaked out. This means you have to measure the system’s pressure.
You need a pressure gauge and must check the low side port of your air conditioner. A typical air condition gauge is metered in pressure (psi) and temperature (Fahrenheit). All you need to do is unscrew the cover of the low side port and move this gauge such that the “V” shape arrow points in the direction of the outside temperature.
The area between the “V” space is a major landmark. If the needle is anywhere in this space, it means your car has enough refrigerant. If it is anywhere below, it means your Mercedes needs refrigerant.
If it is above it means your car is overcharged or has some serious problem. If it is overcharged, you will notice significant leakage. However, if there are no leaks, see an auto expert.
Mercedes AC Refrigerant Capacity Chart (by Model and Year)
Study the chart below to know the capacity of your Mercedes:
| Model | Year of Manufacture | Freon | Filling Quantities |
| Mercedes Benz S-Klasse with air condition at the rear | 2016 > | R744 | 450 |
| Mercedes Benz A-Class (176) | 2012.6 > | R134a | 650 |
| Mercedes Benz A-Class (W168) | 1998-05 | R134a | 600 |
| Mercedes Benz (W169) 150/170/200/160CD/180 | 2004.09-11 | R134a | 770 |
| Mercedes Benz A-Class (W169) 200CDI/200turbo | 2004.09-11 | R134a | 840 |
| Mercedes Benz B-Class (246) | 2011.11- | R134a | 650 |
| Mercedes Benz B-Class (W245) 150/200/180CDI/170 | 2005-11 | R134a | 770 |
| Mercedes Benz B-Class (W245) 200turbo/200CDI | 2005-11 | R134a | 840 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Class (204) | 2007-2014.09 | R134a | 590 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Class (205) | 2014.09 > | R134a | 620 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Class (W202) à VIN 1A 168 525, 1F 164 270 R | 1993-00 | R134a | 850 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Class (W203) | 2000.05-04.04 | R134a | 700-750 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Class (W203) Facelift | 2004.04-07 | R134a | 850 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Class (W202) ß VIN 1A 168 524, 1F 164 269 | 1993-00 | R134a | 950 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Klasse (205) | 2016 > | R1234yf | 620 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Klasse (205) with code ME 04 (mild hybrid) | 2014.09 > | R134a | 710 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Klasse (205) with code ME 04 (mild hybrid) | 2016 > | R1234yf | 690 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Klasse (205) with code ME 06 (Hybrid 60KW) | 2014.09 > | R134a | 670 |
| Mercedes Benz C-Klasse (205) with code ME 06 (Hybrid 60KW) | 2016 > | R1234yf | 670 |
| Mercedes Benz Citan | 2012 > | R134a | 550 |
| Mercedes Benz CL (216) | 2010 > | R134a | 1070 |
| Mercedes Benz CLA (117) | 2013 > | R134a | 650 |
| Mercedes Benz CLC (203) | 2008 > | R134a | 850 |
| Mercedes Benz CLK (C208) | 1997-02 | R134a | 850 |
| Mercedes Benz CLK (C209) | 2002.06-09 | R134a | 750 |
| Mercedes Benz CLS (218) | 2011 > | R134a | 590 |
| Mercedes Benz CLS (219) | 2005 > | R134a | 950 |
| Mercedes Benz E-Class (207) Coupe/Cabrio | 2009 > | R134a | 590 |
| Mercedes Benz E-Class (W124) | 1993-96 | R134a | 950 |
| Mercedes Benz E-Class (W210) | 1995-02 | R134a | 1000 |
| Mercedes Benz E-Class (W211) | 2002.03-09 | R134a | 950 |
| Mercedes Benz E-Class (W212) | 2009 > | R134a | 590 |
| Mercedez Benz G-Class (463 322/323) 270 CDI | 2001-05 | R134a | 1070 |
| Mercedez Benz G-Class (W461) | 1993-05 | R134a | 1100 |
| Mercedez Benz G-Class (W461) with compressor 7SB16 | 1993-05 | R134a | 1100 |
| Mercedez Benz G-Class (W463) | 1993-05 | R134a | 1050 |
| Mercedez Benz GL-Class (X164) | 2006 > | R134a | 970 |
| Mercedez Benz GL-Class (X164) with air conditioning at the rear | 2006 > | R134a | 1220 |
| Mercedez Benz GLA (156) | 2013.12 > | R134a | 660 |
| Mercedez Benz GLC (253) | 2015 >
2016 > |
R134a
R1234yf |
630
630 |
| Mercedez Benz GLC (253) with Hybrid 80KW | 2015 >
2016> |
R134a
R1234yf |
670
670 |
| Mercedez Benz GLE (292) | 2015 > | R134a | 1050 |
| Mercedez Benz GLK (X204) with compressor Denso 6SEU16 | 2008 > | R134a | 590 |
| Mercedez Benz M-Class (166) | 2011.06 > | R134a | 1050 |
| Mercedez Benz M-Class (166) with the air condition at the rear | 2011.06 > | R134a | 1300 |
| Mercedez Benz M-Class (W163) | 1998.03-05 | R134a | 750 |
| Mercedez Benz M-Class (W164) | 2005.07 > | R134a | 970 |
| Mercedez Benz M-Class (W164) with air conditioning at the rear | 2006 > | R134a | 1220 |
| Mercedez Benz R-Class (W251/V251) | 2006 > | R134a | 970 |
| Mercedez Benz R-Class (W251/V251) with air conditioning in the rear | 2006 > | R134a | 1220 |
| Mercedez Benz S-Class (222) | 2013 > | R134a | 660 |
| Mercedez Benz S-Class (222) with air conditioning at the rear | 2013 > | R134a | 770 |
| Mercedez Benz S-Klasse | 2016 > | R744 | 420 |
| Mercedez Benz S-Klasse Coupe (C216) | 2007-14 | R134a | 1050 |
| Mercedez Benz SL (231) | 2012.01 > | R134a | 550 |
| Mercedez Benz SL (R129) | 1991-02 | R134a | 950 |
| Mercedez Benz SL (R230) | 2001.10-11 | R134a | 920 |
| Mercedez Benz SLK (R172) | 2011 > | R134a | 550 |
| Mercedes Benz SLK (R171) | 2004-11 | R134a | 670 |
| Mercedes Benz Vito/Viano (W639) | 2003-12 | R134a | 550 |
| Mercedes Benz Vito/Viano (W639) long wheelbase with air conditioning at the rear | 2003-12 | R134a | 870 |
| Mercedes Benz Vito/Viano (W639) with air conditioning at the rear | 2003-12 | R134a | 840 |
What Are PAG And Ester oil? Do I Need Them To Recharge My A/C?
PAG and Ester oil have nothing to do with refilling your car’s refrigerant unless you plan on changing the compressor or other components of the refrigerant system.
Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG)
PAG is a synthetic oil used in lubricating air conditioner compressors. New Mercedes use this oil and they usually come in series such as PAG 46, PAG 100, and PAG 150, to name a few.
The numbers at the end represent the viscosity level for each oil; the same 10W-30 represents motor oil viscosity. The PAG oil required by a particular car boils down to the manufacturer of the compressor.
Mercedes for example makes compressors for different automobile manufacturers, hence, it is possible to have varying PAG requirements across all of them. To know the right PAG for your car, you need to know the model and year of manufacture of your Mercedes.
Ester Oil
Ester oil is also a synthetic lubricant. From the name, it is easy to predict that they are made from ester molecules. A unique characteristic of this molecule is its ability to perform excellently in high and low-temperature environments.
This oil is most suitable for systems that have been modified to R-134a and maintain a standard viscosity (no numbers attached). Before you proceed to use this oil on your system, check the lubricant specification for your car.
What Are Some Signs You Need To Service Your Air Conditioning System?
You don’t really need to be a professional to know when your Mercedez air conditioning system needs to be serviced. These are some of the common signs to watch out for:
Loss In Cooling Capability: This is non-arguably the most noticeable sign you need to service your air-conditioning system. Something in your guts has to tell you your refrigerant level is no longer in its zone.
A/C Clutch Fails to Engage: There is always this click sound you hear from the A/C clutch when you crank up the system to the highest level. However, if the pressure system of the system is too low, the clutch will not engage. There will be a click sound and enough cold air will not circulate.
Visible Leaks: Leaks often leave a greasy film on system fittings or other components. When you notice this, it may be a serious sign your Mercedes needs to be serviced. Failure to schedule an appointment with an auto technician may result in loss of function, which would cost more.
Instructions on how to charge the A/C in your Mercedes-Benz
Before you proceed with these instructions, you must have read the guide on your recharging kit. This is because the procedure might be slightly different among models.
- Turn on your car engine and let it be in idle mode. Switch on the air conditioner and set it to maximum cooling.
- Open the hood of your Mercedes and find the air conditioner service port (low-pressure section) and remove the cap.
- Connect the refrigerant gauge to the service port. Press and hold the quick-release at the end of the hose and release the gauge on the AC charging port.
- Keep rotating the dial on the lens until the red arrow in the middle of the V points to the outside temperature. Pressure below the V range and the presence of hot air means the system needs refrigerant. If it does the opposite, there is no need for refilling yet.
- Pay attention to your AC gauge. If the pressure is low, the reading will point to the white zone. If it points to the green zone, it means the pressure is normal.
A red or high-pressure signal should not pop up unless your car is turned off (normal at this point). This means the best time to refill is when the gauge is in the white zone, not red.
- Always keep the can at a 90-degree when filling and shake slightly every 2 to 3 seconds.
- Release the trigger every 30 seconds during the charging process to read the pressure. This is to avoid overcharging the system .
- Stop recharging once the system’s pressure gauge is within range.
- Remove the connector from the low-pressure service port and return the cap. Close the hood and your A/C system should be good to go again.