Second Hand Mercedes-Benz SL AC Compressor

Both years fall within the R230 generation (2001–2012), but fitment depends far more on engine code than year alone — an SL500 and an SL350 from the same year use different compressors because they have different engines. Check the engine code on your V5 or via a VIN check, then confirm with the breaker that the donor vehicle shares the same code as yours. Never assume year-to-year compatibility without matching the engine code first.

The R230 SL was facelifted in 2006, and while many mechanical components carried over, ancillary and mounting details can change mid-production on a facelift. Name the 2006 boundary to your breaker and ask them to verify the donor part against your exact registration — this is the safest route rather than assuming a pre-facelift compressor drops straight into a post-facelift car.

No — the SL350 uses a 3.5-litre V6 (engine code M272) and the SL500 a 5.0-litre V8 (M113 or M273 depending on year), so the compressors are different units matched to different engines. Engine code is the critical detail here, not the badge on the boot lid. Always match the compressor to the engine code from your V5, and confirm with the breaker before purchasing.

For the SL, trim designations such as standard, AMG Sport, or AMG Line do not affect which AC compressor is required — that is determined by the engine code and fuel type, not the trim level. You may find cosmetic differences between donor cars (interior colour, AMG styling details) but these are irrelevant to compressor fitment. Confirm the engine code matches and let the breaker verify compatibility against your registration.

The R129 (1989–2001) and R230 (2001–2012) are entirely separate generations with different engines, ancillary layouts, and refrigerant system designs, so components are not interchangeable between them. Stick to sourcing from the correct generation and always match the engine code precisely. Confirm with the breaker using your registration to be certain the part suits your specific vehicle.

On some Mercedes-Benz models the AC compressor or related control units can involve ECU communication, and whether a used unit requires any pairing or immobiliser-related work is something you must confirm with the breaker and your fitting garage rather than assume. Raise this with the breaker before buying so you understand what, if any, additional work may be needed after fitting.