Failed twice: FCP Euro supplied BEHR A/C pressure switch

[M104-AMG]

FYI, two seperate times I have had the A/C pressure swtich that attaches to the receiver-drier fail by leaking refrigerant, and it looks like it came out of the two electrical leads on top (green U/V dye).

These are labelled BEHR, and were supplied by FCP Euro. Each failed within 3-months.

I guess it's time to use only Factory OE, although I did put in a NAPA supplied one at 3X the cost fo the FCP Euro one. It's a different constrution.

LIfetime warranty doesn't really help on HVAC issues that causes you to evacuate, vaccuum, and recharge . . .

:-( neil

Mercedes A/C Pressure Switch - Mahle Behr 351022011

Mercedes A/C Pressure Switch - Mahle Behr 351022011

www.fcpeuro.com

 

[Jlaa]

Ugh that sucks! Sorry! Do you have a pic of the NAPA one - and is it their Altrom label?

 

[gsxr]

Note the Behr switch is made in Taiwan. MB # 124-820-83-10, dealer MSRP $72, discount ~$55, vs... $10 for Behr-Taiwan at FCP. I bought a new OE one last summer but IIRC there was no COO on the OE switch? Update: The new OE switch is made by TRW and has the MB Star logo and part #, but there is no COO on the switch or the package.

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

[M104-AMG]

NAPA TEM 207457 A/C Pressure Cycling Switch, Made in China

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/TEM207457

FWIW: 27mm deep socket or a 27mm wrench with a screw-driver thru the other end for some leverage Use a new O-ring, and add some NYLOG "blue"/R134a compatbile o-ring lube.

 

[gsxr]

Neil, any reason you aren't using a new OE switch, other than needing one immediately from the local FLAPS/McParts?

 

[M104-AMG]

Neil, any reason you aren't using a new OE switch, other than needing one immediately from the local FLAPS/McParts ?

Only because OE 3+ days out, and I'm super-busy and need to her back on the road. Moreover, I had experience with the NAPA switch for over 3-months in the other wagon, where the FCP supplied BEHR part previously failed.

I have three OE on order . . .

neil

 

[gsxr]

@M104-AMG - just curious, did you replace the Red pressure switch 004-820-68-10 also? If so, did you buy OE or aftermarket? I was wondering if the aftermarket Red switch was working ok, or if that also had issues leaking.

FCP claims that Mahle/Behr and Vemo are made in China, while ACM is made in Germany. However, I've purchased the ACM switch and there is no COO on the switch, package, or label. And, the OE switch is made in China now (photos here, this was late 2023).

Search for '004-820-68-10' | FCP Euro

parts online. Buy OEM & Genuine parts with a Lifetime Warranty, Free Shipping and Unlimited 365 Day Returns.

www.fcpeuro.com

 

[emerydc8]

@M104-AMG - just curious, did you replace the Red pressure switch 004-820-68-10 also? If so, did you buy OE or aftermarket? I was wondering if the aftermarket Red switch was working ok, or if that also had issues leaking.

I have both Mahle/Behr and the dealer switch in hand. It is interesting to note the epoxy used on the Mahle/Behr switch.

 

[M104-AMG]

@M104-AMG - just curious, did you replace the Red pressure switch 004-820-68-10 also? If so, did you buy OE or aftermarket? I was wondering if the aftermarket Red switch was working ok, or if that also had issues leaking.

FCP claims that Mahle/Behr and Vemo are made in China, while ACM is made in Germany. However, I've purchased the ACM switch and there is no COO on the switch, package, or label. And, the OE switch is made in China now (photos here, this was late 2023).

Search for '004-820-68-10' | FCP Euro

parts online. Buy OEM & Genuine parts with a Lifetime Warranty, Free Shipping and Unlimited 365 Day Returns.

www.fcpeuro.com

I installed an ACM aftermarket switch from FCP Euro. So far, no issues.

BTW: Still don't understand why my 1988 S124 with the evaporator and condenser for 1994+ R134 S124 doesn't cool as much as our 1993 500E's . . .

Neil

 

[gsxr]

I installed an ACM aftermarket switch from FCP Euro. So far, no issues.

Whew! Glad to hear that. Hopefully the ACM aftermarket is good stuff. I have a couple of them on the shelf.

BTW: Still don't understand why my 1988 S124 with the evaporator and condenser for 1994+ R134 S124 doesn't cool as much as our 1993 500E's . . .

Is the compressor the identical size? I vaguely recall the 1988 (and other early 124) compressors were slightly smaller capacity. Same question for the condenser, is the V8 version slightly larger? Also, does your 1988 S124 have twin electric fans like the 500E, or the stock single electric fan?

I've found the AC on the 034/036 works VERY well, despite being R-134a. The only older 124 system that I've personally found worked well is the original R-12 system in my 1987 300D. The conversions with R-134a, in the early 124, never seemed to cool adequately at low speeds.

 

[M104-AMG]

Is the compressor the identical size? I vaguely recall the 1988 (and other early 124) compressors were slightly smaller capacity. Same question for the condenser, is the V8 version slightly larger? Also, does your 1988 S124 have twin electric fans like the 500E, or the stock single electric fan?

The A/C compressor is the one used on a C36. Condenser is a late model 94-95, and twin electric aux fans.

 

[gsxr]

The A/C compressor is the one used on a C36. Condenser is a late model 94-95, and twin electric aux fans.

That is bizarre. I'd expect those components to provide adequate cooling, similar to a 500E.

What is the main issue? Poor low-speed cooling (vent temps 55F+ at idle)? I assume cooling at freeway speeds is normal (low 40F vent temps).

 

[M104-AMG]

What is the main issue? Poor low-speed cooling (vent temps 55F+ at idle)? I assume cooling at freeway speeds is normal (low 40F vent temps).

Low-speed cooling. Just going 30+ mph, and you'll freeze. Aux fans come on when needed.

Neil

 

[Jlaa]

FYI - I just bought an ACM AC Pressure Switch from ebay for $29 shipped. I peeled off the ACM label and discovered that it is an MB-branded part. Thanks @gsxr!

 

[emerydc8]

So the dealer is selling a no-name switch with no COA (probably Chinese) for $40.20 plus shipping and the ACM switch you bought from eBay for $29 with shipping is actually German-made with Mercedes markings? This is what it’s come to with today’s Mercedes.

 

[gsxr]

So the dealer is selling a no-name switch with no COA (probably Chinese) for $40.20 plus shipping and the ACM switch you bought from eBay for $29 with shipping is actually German-made with Mercedes markings? This is what it’s come to with today’s Mercedes.

The ACM switch has no COO either! We don't know where that is manufactured. I'm suspicious it could be China. Note that "ACM Germany" is the company name, which has nothing to do with COO. Febi Germany and Meyle Germany do the same thing, it's a very misleading practice.

However, we don't know when the OE/Genuine switch changed to China (Taiwan?) production - the first reference I've seen was Gerry's photo from late last year. AND, we don't know where the switch was manufactured previously.

That said, the aftermarket Mahle/Behr/Hella switch is visibly different in the photos. The plastic body looks more pink, and the epoxy around the wires doesn't appear the same either. I suspect that the switches with Star logo are likely better quality than the aftermarket pinky, but the only way to find out is Neil's method of installing and praying. On the bright side we can still get OE... for now.

 

[Jlaa]

So the dealer is selling a no-name switch with no COA (probably Chinese) for $40.20 plus shipping and the ACM switch you bought from eBay for $29 with shipping is actually German-made with Mercedes markings? This is what it’s come to with today’s Mercedes.

The ACM switch has no COO either! We don't know where that is manufactured. I'm suspicious it could be China. Note that "ACM Germany" is the company name, which has nothing to do with COO. Febi Germany and Meyle Germany do the same thing, it's a very misleading practice.

That's right, my ebay sourced ACM-stickered and MB marked switch has no COO on it.

I am fine with parts made in China provided that the branding on the part is MB branding. If the brand is an aftermarket brand then I would not put a China-sourced part on my car, but if it is MB branded then .... I'm good with it.

I mean, you can buy a whole-azz *car* made in China these days for the US market :

• Polestar 2
• Polestar 3
• Volvo S90
• Buick Envision
• Lincoln Nautilus