BMW 3 Series Compact - BMW Compact Noisy Aircon

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Wed 16 Dec 2015 18:38
BMW 3 Series Compact - BMW Compact Noisy Aircon - meldrew

I have a 52 plate BMW Compact originally owned by Mrs M from new which has now done 90k miles. All in it costs about £400 a year in spares and maintenance which is reasonable value for a known car compared with buying another one.

Recently the aircon has started making intermittent whirring noises sometimes varying with engine speed. Turn the aircon off and all is silent. Heater works fine.

Not had a formal quote for a repair but need to balance cost and benefit. Have a good local garage but does this need a specialist and is it likely to be pricey in relation to the value of the car.

I would like to prove HJ wrong on his opinion of things that break in older cars but fear he may have a point!

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Wed 16 Dec 2015 21:40
BMW 3 Series Compact - BMW Compact Noisy Aircon - RobJP

Well, it's probably either the clutch drive to the aircon (or the belt - if it is a belt - that provides power to the aircon, or the compressor.

As it varies with engine speed, that would seem to rule out the compressor. So hopefully at the cheaper end, regarding fixing price.

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Wed 16 Dec 2015 22:33
BMW 3 Series Compact - BMW Compact Noisy Aircon - elekie&a/c doctor
Could even be the electric cooling fan .this will operate as soon as the ac is switched on.Also a low refridgerant gas charge can cause odd noises.
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Thu 17 Dec 2015 10:03
BMW 3 Series Compact - BMW Compact Noisy Aircon - meldrew

Many thanks both. Seems there are a lot of potential things to look at. I think I will give my local garage the first port of call as they have always fixed for me rather than replaced.

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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?