tnixa

I have a 2006 530xi with 131K miles and it started being a little louder than normal about a week ago and then yesterday it got worse and it seemed like something connected to the main belt in the engine had a bad bearing or something. I took it to the local BMW dealership and they said it was it was a bad AC compressor and for the small fee of $2190 they could have me fixed up after ordering the part. Anyone heard of similar problems? Seems like an odd thing to go wrong so soon.

Bimster530i

Most likely the A/C compressor clutch bearing...usually a repairable part. Maybe $100 to replace, but not something the dealer will have. The only part in the dealer's system is probably the complete assembly. I'd suggest calling around to independent repair shops or A/C specialists to get their opinion/quote.

pcy

tnixa, if I were you, I'd drop the belt and spin the belt tensioner pulley, and AC clutch/pulley by hand and see if either of them are making any noises.

healthservices

if it is the clutch bearing on the compressor the noise will significantly change or disappear when the compressor cycles.

turboawd

i thought all the newer ac compressors dont have a clutch anymore. instead they spin all the time, and an internal valve regulates the freon flow.

healthservices

Maybe on some of the later bmw systems. I'm pretty sure on mine it still has a clutch.

tnixa

Thanks for the suggestions but I bit the bullet and just had the dealer fix it. If I would have had more time or a spare vehicle I would have explored other options. The part alone was $1400 which seems crazy to me. The service rep said they haven't done many AC compressors so I guess I'm just lucky.

i2vicious2

i think mine is making noise too... whenever i run the compressor it does not make the noise but when i dont it makes it... humph

AchtungE60

I believe it is like this for all E60. Anyone?

healthservices

I went out and took a quick look, turned off the ac to see if the center of the compressor stopped turning and it did not. Although I did not put the car on my lift to inspect further I saw no wires going to the area where there would normally be a clutch to engage and disengage.