What's up with the 119 Air Pump
 

It seems some 119.9 engines (w140) have air pumps and some do not.

Why would it vary? What does the air pump do for performance or air pollution?

Ok - Here's the rub.

My air pump seized. Should I replace the pump and spend over $1,000 at FastLane, or should I just remove the air pump, get a new belt and live without an air pump.

After replacing the water pump last week, this just isn't a good time for me.

Required steps to remove and replace the air pump are appreciated.
:rolleyes:

Don't know about some M119's having air pumps and some not -- I thought they all did.

The air pump does nothing for performance. Its purpose is to supply an extra hit of oxygen to the exhaust system to allow the catalytic converter to handle the extra-rich mixture that occurs at start-up. As such the air pump only operates at start-up and usually only for a minute or two.

There are companies which rebuild MB air pumps, since the bearing is usually the thing that goes bad. Prices are MUCH better than buying new, and they come with a good warranty (3 years!). I haven't had personal experience but they seem to have a good reputation.

Here are two such (check under 'smog pumps'):

www.cvjreman.com

www.moto-parts.com

Have you scanned the many threads on this topic, e.g. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/52980-airpump-disconnect.html

The consensus is that the AIR pump isn't needed for the proper operation of your vehicle.

The car knows if the air pump is operational by measuring
lambda values. No air injection at cold start and whammo..
check engine lamp.
P.S. Your State Emissions Inspectors will probably
catch you. They are brutal here in WA.

Doing things right
 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I am one that prefers to keep the car as original as I can - to that end I'm looking to replace the air pump with a rebuilt pump.

Comment: With a single serpintine belt - I had no choice to remove the belt for the air pump.

Asked my dealer - he went looking and found a rebuilt pump - so the dealer is installing the rebuilt airpump.