2006 118i Aircon Compressor Failed

[///MALCOLM325]

Hi Guys,

A friend of mine has a 2006 118i (M) with about 120000km on the clock.

The car has been at BMW for repairs to the suspension and noises in the engine for some time. The car was always fixed and then taken back for further repairs. Motorplan has expired and they have advised that the aircon compressor has died, they want to charge him R16000 for a replacement. The part I am not so sure about is that, they advised him that car is not driveable without getting the aircon compressor replaced. I am not too technical, but I presume that the car can be driven with compressor disconnected.

Can someone provide some insight?

PS. The technicians at this dealership replaced the entire steering rack but the problem turned out to be the control arm.

 

[Blue Shirt]

It depends on exactly what broke in the a/c compressor?

If the compressor vanes inside are toast, your mate can just turn off the a/c at the ventilation controls, this disables the a/c clutch so just the pully turns without the internals.

However, if the pully bearings or the clutch itself are toast, then he should not drive the car until it has been fixed as you cannot remove the drive belt, it is required for the alternator and the water pump.

Take the car to an a/c specialist, perhaps the compressor can be repaired or rebuilt depending on what is wrong. This should cost less than a new compressor.

 

[///MALCOLM325]

Shot thanks man, I will advise him.

 

[Mujahid]

It depends on exactly what broke in the a/c compressor?

If the compressor vanes inside are toast, your mate can just turn off the a/c at the ventilation controls, this disables the a/c clutch so just the pully turns without the internals.

However, if the pully bearings or the clutch itself are toast, then he should not drive the car until it has been fixed as you cannot remove the drive belt, it is required for the alternator and the water pump.

Take the car to an a/c specialist, perhaps the compressor can be repaired or rebuilt depending on what is wrong. This should cost less than a new compressor.

Hey Blue Shirt, can you suggest a few a/c specialists who recon aircon compressors. I am down here in Richards Bay and there doesnt seem to be anyone here available.