Loud A/C compressor 129, normal?
 

My A/C is very loud (compressor?) in my 99 SL500 (just purchased). It also cycles on and off quite a bit when activated, but other than that, it pumps out the ice cold air like a champion. I just transitioned from an 86 560SL that, as we all know, has such weak A/C that the fan noise overwhelms any compressor noise.

So, is this normal for the 129?

loud A/C comp should not be
 

If the compressor is making noise that is above the engine etc, its failing now, fixing to spread melted plastic throughout your system.

They should be inaudible inside the car, barely audible outside,burried in the other noise.

I can't tell the pump is even engaged, above the radiator fans which also come on - even if I stick my head in the engine bay! Mine's a '93.

Best seek some advice quickly if I were you.

Lea

I have a '99 and the compressor is very quiet.

I never heard mine, it's a '95.

I am unable to tell whether the compressor is on or off; pressing EC makes no audible difference. Sounds like trouble.

Are you sure that is when press the EC button to turn on the compressor? I have had a problem similar like yours and It was the palstic cover of the rotor on the engine (The ventilator of outside (blowing) was rotating and grazing with the plastic that covers it).

Jorge

Actaully the EC button turns off the compressor. EC="economy"

One strange thing I've noticed is that the recirculation button turns itself off at regular intervals. To avoid fumes, etc. I like to keep all of my cars ventilation on recirc 100% of the time, but on the SL it seems to turn itself off regularly. Is this normal?

Yes it is normal for the recirc to turn itself off. Mine does it too, it won't stay, in Dallas Traffic all you breath is fumes! I have to keep hitting the button, but I can smell it when it goes off right away especially if someone is smoking.
Brian

Thanks. This is the only car I've ever had that does this, guess there must have been a reason for engineering it that way.

BTW, did you get your car at Park Place in Dallas? Mine was originally purchased there and I've heard good things about that store. Most dealerships out here on LA leave something to be desired, IMO

Park Place
 

I didn't get my SL from Park Place, I got it from a wholesaler in Houston, I like Park Place though, the people there are really great. They really help the club out a lot and we have a good relationship with them. I am thinking about upgrading my SL to a newer one, but I don't have enough confidence in the economy yet, so I am waiting a bit longer. I have a 96, but want a 99 or newer because of the upgrades. I love California! you are so lucky to live there, the weather is great! and people are so nice. You do have more traffic than we do though, ha ha. Talk at you later!
Brian