E60 N62 A/C Compressor problems

[martinav]

I just had my 2005 545i serviced. It was down for THREE YEARS! That is part of a different post. However, I have a new problem since this has been sitting so long. The A/C is not working. The indy did a recharge, and no go. The receipt says that the compressor was "weak". So, now I have to decide what to do. My indy wants a bit of coin to get it done. However, if there is something else to check first, like some relay, fuses etc... I presume they are good enough to have checked that first, but for a >$1000 repair, I want to know for sure. Are there some things specific to this model to look for??

Also, I'm ont against doing this myself if it doesnt mean I need to remove the engine or something insane like that to fix. I dont have a lift either. I'm guessing it is NOT a amateur mechanic job. I have done some more in-depth work, but not that deep.

I did see this post. There was a SI on A/C, but only applied to 6cyl. I found it in this post:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...st-6-8-minutes

I also presume its prudent to do the condenser, dryer, and expansion valve at the same time. Any advice would be welcomed.

Thank you!!!

[DaHose]

An interesting thing about the AC compressor on an E61 (I assume the E60 too) is that it's a variable flow pump. Normally they just cycle on/off as needed to maintain pressure, but I guess BMW figured they would do something different. So if a shop says the pump is "weak", that actually could be true. It might not be flowing enough volume for some reason, and need a rebuild.

If you open up a higher mile AC system, it is well worth it to replace condenser/dryer as you are thinking. Expansion valve should be ok, and they are usually a pain to get at. I'd leave the expansion valve alone if it's working.

I do recommend that whether you DIY, or have a shop do it, you buy the part from FCP Euro. My local shops will install parts I supply, IF they come direct from a reseller. So I have parts shipped to the local indy, and they install. What I get from an FCPEuro part purchase is a lifetime warranty, on every part I buy. So if Oreilly doesn't sell a legit BMW OEM part with lifetime warranty, I order from FCP every time.

If you intend to DIY, I think you will need so much specialized equipment, that unless you plan to do several AC rebuilds, you should just pay to have a shop do the work.

Jose

[jclausen]

What were the high and low pressures

[martinav]

I ended up getting it done at my indy. Thanks all!

[TexasMu]

Which shop did you use ? I'm in Dallas but come to Sherman for work regularly. My 545i is having some a/c problems

[MaccB]

anyone ever hear a groaning sound right after turning ac on that comes from drivers side somewhere? it goes away if i click ac off, i almost think its a belt or pully because freon was just recharged at shop and the guy said from what he could tell theres no leaks an compressor is working.

[martinav]

@TexasMu,

Sorry, just saw this. I used Dallas Precision Imports in Frisco. They did great!