W210 Compressor and Drier replacement, easy?
 

Is this job easy enough to do for a weekend DIY person?
Is there a DIY step by step procedure on this anywhere?
Any special tools needed?

Yes, very easy even for a mild DIY - you are just screwing/unscrewing flare fittings with wrenches; some flare wrenches might make the job a bit easier, but they aren't necessary. Nope, no special instructions AFAIK, but you won't need them as removal and replacement are pretty intuitive.

Did you buy the condenser already? I have a like-new condenser for sale in the Parts section...

You will need a vacuum pump. I'd call that a special tool. You should also have the refrigerant reclaimed before you start.

Don't connect the drier until you are ready to evacuate the system. The step-by-step instructions are (surprise, surprise) in the FSM.

I didn't buy it yet.
I could not find your ad.
How old is it and how much?
Any warranty?

I thought he was going to replace the Compressor and Drier, not the Condenser.

FSM? I don't know what that is.
I tried looking in the DIY section but didn't see anything specific to compressor removal. Can you give me the link?

Thanks

FSM is Factory Service Manual. You get that by calling 1-800-FOR-MERC. The same number you would call for a tow.

Ah, DOH!

Will call tomorrow as they are already closed for the day.

Thanks

Just did this on my C280. It should be very similar to w210.
After much research, I used ACSource in Arizona. They were very helpful and all the items were delivered quickly.
http://www.acsource.com/index.asp
I strongly suggest buying a new compressor. IMHO, it is not worth the small amount of money saved to have anything else.
Parts bought from ACSource:
New Denso compressor
O-ring assortment package
Nylog Blue sealant for the o-rings
Pag-46 oil, 8oz, I used 2.5oz.

Bought the drier from FastLane - The MercedesShop Parts Store

Some folks remommend replacing the temp and pressure sensors on the drier at this time, I didn't. Time will tell if I screwed up.

Have a garage evacuate the system.
Disassembly is as described by gmercoleza.
I covered all exposed fittings with a small baggy to make sure no crud got in.
Reassemble with fresh orings covered with Nylog sealant.
Don't forget to add oil to the compressor before assembly.
Keep everything clean, clean, clean.
Finally back to the garage for evacuation and recharge.
My total costs for parts, supplies, and garage fees was about $900.
Good Luck, Dan

You can buy a new vacuum pump these days for a bit over $100 dollars.

Then you don't have to pay to have it evacuated before you charge it. Also, you can run the pump for a long time and KNOW a thorough job was done.

If you're using R134, you should just buy the gauges and the R134 and do it all yourself. You will learn a lot and save money, too.

If it's R12, get the simple license first and then do that yourself, too.

Vacuum pumps are also free rental from AutoZone, no need to buy one. I've rented many times while mine was out of commission.

If it was a CONDENSER you were looking for, here's mine: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-used-parts-sale-wanted/144530-fs-w210-e320-c-condenser.html?highlight=w210+condenser

It's as good as new.

If it was actually a compressor you were seeking, then I agree you shouldn't even consider a used one unless it was next to free...

Wow, thanks for the detailed info.

I found a new compressor and a new drier on eBay for under $400 total.
This should be a fun project as I have never done anything with AC systems before.

Yes, I want to replace the compressor.
Where did you get the idea I was talking about a condenser?

Under $400 for a new compressor and drier ...be careful, that's VERY cheap.
Would you mind sharing the ebay link?

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...1996MBE320.jpg

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.

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

a/c compressor replacement
 

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