Re: AC Compressor Gone?

"hokie" <farkav@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote
First post to this NG. My '99 328i with 42K miles has finally had its first
hick-up. Last week upon a 30 mile trip in moderate heat I had my AC On. AC
in this car was perfect. Upon exiting the freeway and stopping at the first
light, my engine shut off and CEL came on. When I tried to start it again,
it did, but with some nasty noises from the engine bay and then promptly
shut down again. I opened the hood and smelt something burning. Upon
poking around, I found the clutch area of the AC compressor is the area that
the burning smell was originating. When I shut down the AC and started the
car again, it ran fine. A couple days later I turned the AC switch on, and
the engine ran normally, but I wasn't brave enough to let it run longer and
see if it still cools, because someone told me I can wipe out the belt if
the AC Comp clutch seizes.
My friends and a mechanic I spoke to thinks my AC compressor is history.
The dealer quoted (pre inspection) $1700 for a rebuilt AC compressor, belt,
receiver and dryer. Ouch. To diagnose it correctly, they want $110. Ouch.
And I don't see myself doing the job.

The diagnostic price sounds about right, but the replacement cost sounds high.

Anyone have any ideas on what this could be? Another mechanic told me that
in 7 years of working on bimmers, he hadn't seen a busted AC compressor. I
live in the Detroit/Windsor area. If anyone can recommend any reliable
German car shops, I would appreciate it as well. Thanks. 

Look in the yellow pages for "Auto Air Conditioning" and call around for
prices.  Almost all A/C systems are made by a couple of manufacturers,
so you don't need to go to a BMW/foreign car repair shop.

Although I haven't personally experienced a jammed A/C compressor,
I have talked to people that have.  At least BMW uses a separate
belt for the compressor - if it freezes and takes out your accessory
belt it's AAA time.

FloydR 

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: 89 300E AC Problems
    ... I checked the belt for wear and slack and it appeared fine. ... I also didn't notice any excessive oil on the compressor or clutch. ... sensor and it did seem to improve idle. ... The other way, and the engine ran ...
    (alt.auto.mercedes)
  • Re: Strange Battery/Alt problem
    ... I think you are describing either a loose or polished up fan belt. ... I test mine by taking a cold off engine and seeing if I can hand slip ... The car also has 234K miles on it and this ...
    (rec.autos.tech)
  • Re: opinions wanted. 1yr old Tele with broken headstock
    ... in the cam belt path failed causing the cam belt to jump off at speed and as ... The day I bought the car brand new in early November 1992, having had mainly Sierra's, Cortina's, and Orions previously with a 36k belt change intervals pre-ordained, by Ford's maintenance schedule I said to the sales guy - I'll remember to get the belt changed at 36000miles. ... I reached the top of the slip road, but at the bottom 'someone' emptied a full box of spanners - or so it sounded into my engine bay. ... I've now got essentially the same type of engine in a Vectra and just had the cam belt kit changed a month ago - which usually means a water pump as well. ...
    (uk.music.guitar)
  • Re: Strange Battery/Alt problem
    ... Usually but not always you will hear a noise if the belt ... come on again once it goes out and the engine is warm. ... until the car warmed up. ... their alternator tester doesn't do a whole lot more than my MM. ...
    (rec.autos.tech)
  • AC Compressor Gone?
    ... in this car was perfect. ... my engine shut off and CEL came on. ... My friends and a mechanic I spoke to thinks my AC compressor is history. ... Ouch. ...
    (alt.autos.bmw)