Hi everyone!

My ac compressor on my '04 325ci (coupe) is in need of being replaced.

I went to FCP Euro and saw they were having a special clearance sale on a Nissens compressor. Upon further research I found that 99-2002 the compressor used a 5 grooved pulley and after Sept of 2002 they went to a 4 grooved pulley.

I pulled up the diagram specs on both the 5 grooved and the 4 grooved pulley and they are identical except the the belt on the 5 grooved is a few millimeters wider so it can align with the 5 grooved crankshaft pulley.

Even though I have the 4 grooved crankshaft pulley and compressor pulley currently on my car, I want to but the cheaper (by over $100) 5 grooved pulley compressor.

My question is will my 4 grooved belt still sit on the 5 grooved compressor pulley and align with the 4 grooved crankshaft pulley. In essence I would have 1 groove that is not taken up by belt space on the compressor pulley. I can't see spending $100+ when my the compressors are virtually the same in every other aspect.

Any insight would greatly be appreciated!