M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

AC compressor replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 05:21 PM
  #1  
esoul16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 ML350 Inspiration Package
AC compressor replacement

I own an ML350 2003. I want to replace my entire A/C system because its no longer cooling. There is a leak some where. I was told it could be the evaporator. I also saw the condenser, some of its surface is peeling off if your rub it. I had purchased this vehicle fairly used and I am thinking due to the age of the vehicle maybe I should just replace the entire system with new components. My search shows there are 2 types of AC compressor for this vehicle, the clutch type and the clutchless (direct drive).

Then I see alphanumeric characters like 7SEU17C and 7SE17C describing the compressors. Do these alphanumeric characters mean something

What type was installed in the vehicle originally? Which of these 2 types is preferable under heavy load and longer hours of daily use. I am based in west africa and the heat here is unbearable this period of the year.

If the clutch type was the original OEM and I want to replace with direct drive, can the direct drive type be direct fitted into this car without any modification or special know how specific to direct drive compressor installation.


Hilary
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2015 | 05:57 AM
  #2  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
You said it yourself "somewhere in the system". This does not mean that it is leaking from the compressor. There are apporx. 15 O-rings in the A/C system and any one of them could be your problem.

But if you are set on buying a new compressor (which is clutchless) go right ahead. Keep in mind that Denso was the original equipment.

Below are the M/B part number, and the Denso part number.

http://densoautoparts.com/find-my-pa...icle-selection

Amazon.com: DENSO 471-1474 A/C Compressor: Automotive Amazon.com: DENSO 471-1474 A/C Compressor: Automotive
Attached Thumbnails AC compressor replacement-2015-04-28_055421.jpg  
Reply
Old May 12, 2019 | 11:24 PM
  #3  
Amanda Behne's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2002 Mercedes ml 320
AC big problem.

I have a 02 ml 320 w163. The AC stopped blowing cold out of the blue. Can anyone help me figure out what's going on here. Hooked up a pressure Gage to the valve near water resivore and meddle was in the red. Belt spins fine on compressor but when motor is off I can not spin the clutch. Been reading around and heard that maybe this year has an internal clutch or maybe even clutchless. There is no clicking sound In the compressor when I turn on the climate control. The fans aren't turning on either I have no idea if I should replace the compressor or clutch or what. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys
Reply
Old May 13, 2019 | 05:23 PM
  #4  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
2002 MLs have clutchless compressors. If the refrigerant level goes below a certain level, the compressor will stop operating.

You must seek professional help with an mechanic who is an A/C specialist.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:28 PM.

story-0
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-1
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-4
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE