Have a search on yell.com for car air conditioning in Manchester to find someone local.

A search for Air Conditioning parts, gives results of less than £100 for the condensor.

I have used a company called Polar Air Conditioning 4 or 5 years ago, based in Prestwich but mobile in the North West. Good professional service.

Not an uncommon fault on this model.Job can be done in under 2 hours,and bumper has to be removed.A good indie a/c specialist should be able to do this job for around half the M/b quoted price if non genuine part used.hth

Thanks. I remember Polar, but not sure if they are still trading.

The dealer quote includes front radiator removal, which will involve replacing all the coolant (no bad thing I suppose on a five year old car), and removing and replacing the condenser and replacing the refrigerant. The basic price of £529 + VAT inclues parts of £237. All seems rather high to me. The written quote appears to be quite confusing and contains a double count of refilling the refrigerant, as well as a charge for removal (well its already leaked out hasn't it!)

There is a local MB specialist not too far away, so I will give them a ring.

As you said. We went to the local MB indy who recommended Polar and they quoted £319 + VAT (saving just over £200 + VAT). Even coming to the house to do it.