Now that I look at the original post, I have no idea! I guess this condenser is just stuck on my brain!

Actually my W210 compressor is ready to go out (again). I replaced it for the previous owner (back when I was his personal mechanic) and after he drove around for months with the fan unit malfunctioning and high-presssure check valve spewing, the compressor is now noisy. It cools just fine, but is noisy, probably damaged by the 425 psi I measured before fixing the fan!

I recall spending about $500 for the compressor alone, without oil or drier. It was a reman Bosch OEM. The price you quoted seems scary cheap.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I wouldn't take a chance on a eBay compressor unless you have experience with that particular seller. I just replaced the compressor, drier, and expansion valve on my W201 and everything went smooth. I purchased a "new" compressor, drier, and expansion valve from a friend of mine that owns an Indy parts/repair shop. It cost a little more, but since mine is still R12 ($$$) I didn't want to take a chance on a cheaper compressor.
Have you checked compressor prices at Auto Zone? At least it comes with a warranty and you can deal with them directly if you have a problem.
As far as this job being a DIY, it is pretty easy...just common sense stuff.
Make sure you get the specifications on the amount of oil to use in the compressor and the amount to add for replacing the drier. I always pour out the oil in the new compressor and refill with the correct amount before installing it. That way, I know the amount is correct.

Good luck,

Dave

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

Sure,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160123450693&rd=1,1

Let me know what you think.

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2010 W212 E350 Sport
1996 W210 E320 (220K miles)

I've provided the link to the eBay item on the thread above.
Maybe it's too good to be true?

Since I have never changed a compressor and drier on an AC system, I am a bit nervous as I don't want to damage the new parts that I would have to install.
The items are expensive and I really don't want to damage them.
But I am getting confidence as many have given advice on this thread.

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2010 W212 E350 Sport
1996 W210 E320 (220K miles)

Hmmm....I wonder who makes that compressor.

It doesn't quite look like a real Nippon-Denso.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

I think it is a Nippon-Denso. Here's a photo from a parts site.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

I contacted the seller on the part number and this was his response.


"This is equivalent to Mercedes number 000-230-20-11 (there may be more part numbers that match) or Denso 7SB16C with 6-groove clutch."

He uses the word equivalent so I think it may not be original.
I will have to ask him about that.

Also, the FSM is very expensive at $167. Is it even worth it?
The MB Operator mentioned something about needed special software for it.

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2010 W212 E350 Sport
1996 W210 E320 (220K miles)

You need a Windows 2K or XP machine with a DVD drive.

Yes it's worth it.

I looked at these when I was shopping and was not comfortable with a new compressor for only $385.
On their website they also have an "OEM" compressor for $515.
http://discountacparts.com/addtocart~year~1996~make~Mercedes%20Benz~model~E32~modelname~E320~part~60-00846~cnsuffix~ALL.asp
Maybe these are OK. I decided to go with a genuine Denso form ACSource when I bought one and have had no regrets.

Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

what to do to relieve the belt pressure on the a/c compressor to remove it? An answer is much appreciated!