Universal Air
Thermal Expansion Valve

Universal Air EX6041C A/C Expansion Valve

Brand Universal Air EX6041C
Product line Thermal Expansion Valve
Fits Mercedes-Benz and BMW · 34 vehicles

Thermal expansion valve. Regulates refrigerant flow for consistent A/C performance.

A/C flow restrictor. Helps meter refrigerant through the system efficiently.

$31.17Free shipping
In stock · usually ships same day before 1pm CST
Step 1 — Confirm fitment
Free return shipping if it doesn't fit when you check fitment here first.
Select your vehicle to confirm fitment
Verify this part fits before purchasing — free returns if it doesn't
Step 2 — Quantity
Order total $31.17
Free shipping to the continental U.S.
Free returns within 60 days if it doesn't fit when fitment is verified.

Thermal Expansion Valve for Classic A/C Systems

Universal Air EX6041C is a thermal expansion valve for automotive air conditioning systems that require precise refrigerant flow control. It is listed for select Mercedes-Benz and BMW applications, including classic 1970s through 1980s models with factory-installed A/C.

This part number, EX6041C, is a direct-fit style A/C expansion valve for vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz 560SL and BMW 528e, where stable evaporator feed is critical to system performance.

Key Features

  • Thermal expansion valve for A/C flow restriction and refrigerant metering
  • Fits select Mercedes-Benz and BMW factory A/C applications
  • Supports consistent evaporator refrigerant delivery in vintage HVAC systems
  • Universal Air Thermal Expansion Valve product line
  • Part number EX6041C for application matching and catalog lookup

Detailed Description

Universal Air EX6041C is an A/C expansion valve used to regulate refrigerant entering the evaporator based on temperature and system demand. In classic Mercedes-Benz and BMW HVAC systems, this component helps maintain proper cooling performance by controlling refrigerant flow through the A/C circuit. The Thermal Expansion Valve line from Universal Air focuses on replacement parts for automotive climate control service, and EX6041C is cataloged for multiple factory-installed A/C applications.

Compatible vehicle coverage includes Fits 1986-1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL, N/A; Fits 1983-1988 BMW 528e, N/A; Fits 1980-1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD, N/A; Fits 1981-1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL, N/A; Fits 1977-1981 BMW 320i, N/A; Fits 1979-1981 BMW 528i, N/A; Fits 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300SD, N/A; and Fits 1975-1978 BMW 530i, N/A. This part number, EX6041C, is also a useful catalog reference when servicing older Mercedes-Benz 300TD and BMW 320i A/C systems.

What It Is Used For

  • Restoring refrigerant metering in a weak or inconsistent A/C system
  • Addressing poor cabin cooling caused by improper evaporator feed
  • Replacing a worn thermal expansion valve during HVAC service
  • Supporting repair of classic Mercedes-Benz and BMW air conditioning systems
  • Correcting A/C performance issues tied to refrigerant flow control

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle’s factory A/C configuration and compare the existing valve to EX6041C before installation. On older Mercedes-Benz and BMW systems, inspect related A/C components for contamination, leaks, or restriction before replacing the valve. Proper evacuation, recharge, and system testing should be performed after service to confirm correct operation.

Quality Assurance

Universal Air supplies HVAC service parts for automotive A/C repair, and EX6041C is cataloged for specific classic Mercedes-Benz and BMW applications. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

This part fits 34 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelPositionNotes
1989Mercedes-Benz560SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1988BMW528eN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1988Mercedes-Benz560SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1987BMW528eN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1987Mercedes-Benz560SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1986BMW528eN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1986Mercedes-Benz560SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1985BMW528eN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1985Mercedes-Benz300TDN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1985Mercedes-Benz380SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1984BMW528eN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1984Mercedes-Benz300TDN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1984Mercedes-Benz380SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1983BMW528eN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1983Mercedes-Benz300TDN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1983Mercedes-Benz380SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1982Mercedes-Benz300TDN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1982Mercedes-Benz380SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1981BMW320iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1981BMW528iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1981Mercedes-Benz300TDN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1981Mercedes-Benz380SLN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1980BMW320iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1980BMW528iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1980Mercedes-Benz300SDN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1980Mercedes-Benz300TDN/AThermal Expansion Valve
1979BMW320iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1979BMW528iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1978BMW320iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1978BMW530iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1977BMW320iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1977BMW530iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1976BMW530iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve
1975BMW530iN/AFactory-installed compatible with A/C.; Thermal Expansion Valve