S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

V12 AC Compressor Removal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 17, 2026 | 08:56 PM
  #1  
mcypert's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 257
Likes: 100
From: South Padre Is, Texas
2007 S600, 911 & XJ8
V12 AC Compressor Removal

Has anyone done this?

I'm hoping it can come out the bottom, but I'm guessing it has to come out from the top.


I haven't looked it up on WIS because it probably has the S550 not the S600. They are similar, with the ABC tandem pump sitting on top, but I'm guessing the V12 has far less room.

Any advice welcomed. Regards... Mark
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2026 | 06:08 AM
  #2  
Alexie's Avatar
Super Member
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 784
Likes: 248
From: USA
Done it before on a V12. It has to come out from the top. You’re right, the WIS won’t match perfectly because of the ABC pump.
You have to pull the radiator fans and the fan shroud first to get any kind of room. Then you can get to the compressor bolts. It's tight, but it beats dropping the subframe. Expect a lot of skinned knuckles.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2026 | 04:25 PM
  #3  
JohnLane's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 1,209
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Originally Posted by mcypert
Has anyone done this?

I'm hoping it can come out the bottom, but I'm guessing it has to come out from the top.


I haven't looked it up on WIS because it probably has the S550 not the S600. They are similar, with the ABC tandem pump sitting on top, but I'm guessing the V12 has far less room.

Any advice welcomed. Regards... Mark
I got to do this in my 221 S-65. I pulled the fan and radiator. Is not fun but do-able in a day for a D-I-Yer the first time you do it. If you don't have a hoist; rent time on one. It comes out the top.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2026 | 06:11 PM
  #4  
mcypert's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 257
Likes: 100
From: South Padre Is, Texas
2007 S600, 911 & XJ8
Thanks guys:

That's what I thought. No one mentioned the ABC pump. Does it have to come out? I'm hoping not... Alexie said just the fan and shroud. John said fan and rad. Is it worth taking out the rad, or can you work around it?

Regards... Mark
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2026 | 10:09 PM
  #5  
JohnLane's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 1,209
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
OP... worth considering if your car has a bunch of miles on it...

Replace A/C compressor, alternator, water pump, serp belt, belt tensioner and idlers.

Consider giving it a fresh radiator at the same time.

I mention this as well.... take a stab at what series of failures I got to deal with inside of six months with my 221 S-65.

The Duo-Pump doesn’t get touched.

Last edited by JohnLane; Feb 18, 2026 at 10:10 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2026 | 10:39 PM
  #6  
mcypert's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 257
Likes: 100
From: South Padre Is, Texas
2007 S600, 911 & XJ8
Thanks John:

I have 77K miles. I'll take a look at everything when I'm in there. I'll have plenty of time to order parts, given the scope of this job, and how long it will take me...

Regards... Mark
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 09:37 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE