Price for aircon condensers (supply and fit)

Has anyone got any examples of prices they've paid for supplying and fitting a pair of aircon condensers? I know a number of you on here have done it yourself, but I lack both the tools and the capability. But that said, is it something you could/would entrust to a regular mechanic rather than a Porsche specialist? Having just laid out a large sum on refreshing my 996.2, this job has dropped down the priority list and so keen to find out what a sensible price to pay is...

to answer your 2nd question, it's pretty straightforward, the only complication is that you will need to get the old gas removed unless the rads have failed completely and it's all gone. Buy pattern parts on line (search this site for links) the're fine and much cheaper than Porsche parts. An alternative is to find a local aircon specialist to do it. You'll have loads of debris around the rads, that's why they fail, check your cooling radiators at the same time. Finally, fit some mesh over the inside of the air intakes in the bumper to reduce further debris getting in.

That is what I thought until I bought a pattern part and it didn't fit, the bracket design meant it would just squeeze in on the offside but would not fit on the nearside, proper Hella/Behr ones are cheap anyway. I would only get a proper one in the future. £48 for the pattern part from eBay, £56 for the genuine one from Autodoc. MC

If I remember rightly there were some cheap Ebay ones that someone on here (Alex?) recommended. Maybe in the FAQ sticky at the top of the forum? I'd get those and have any trusted mechanic fit them, then get a re-gas through Groupon or Kwikfit. Probably the cheapest/easiest way.

£40 each delivered: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/283078802770 Buy them then take them to a mechanic to fit and gas ur system. Most places have the machines now.

I've fitted the cheap eBay ones a couple of years ago, had no problems with them at all! Fairly straightforward to fit, reckon it's a couple of hours for a decent garage to do!

Mine are still like new and it's coming up to 5 years.

Thanks for that link, looks a cheap way of doing it - although tried one normal garage and they seemed a little nervous about working on a Porsche! Do you need to get O rings too (mentioned in the ad), where do you get those from?

I bought O rings with the condensors from ECP, an Aircon specialist would also supply them. I also changed the drier while I was at it as the system had leaked and was completely empty.

I'd try and get one place to do the lot if I were you. If the system leaks after replacing the condensers you're going to be to-ing and fro-ing trying to get it sorted out. Whilst replacing the actual condensers is straightforward, your precious front PU will need to be removed and replaced. Fine if you can take your time and do it methodically, but if not imho it's be better preferable to have someone do it who knows where all the clips and fittings are. As stated previously, also worth clearing out the leaves and debris and fitting mesh. Just try to find someone who'll take the time and care to do it, not just bosh the old ones off, the new ones on and squirt some gas in.

Any mechanic wary about working on a Porsche is not a good mechanic IMHO.

i paid around £1100 for both condensers and radiators replaced, coolant change, aircon regas, etc. They were all in a very sad state. This is all inclusive, labor + parts.

I reckon you should be looking at around £350 all in tops.

Were those all genuine Porsche parts as that sounds excessive on price? It took me less than hour to do both condensors, associated seals and the drier including removing and refitting the bumper. The rads would have added another hour or so taking account of draining and refilling of coolant.

If you can drain and refill the coolant in an hour and also change both rads even when you are there with the condensers off then you work a damn sight faster than I do. It would take me that long just to vacuum down the coolant system, check for leaks, refill it, and run the engine to get most of the air out. Never mind the actual coolant draining and removing and fitting radiators. I would be interested to know the book time for the job, but at £100+ per hour it will soon add up. Genuine radiators are not expensive. Depending on the coolant used that could cost a bit as well. MC