RM European Auto Parts
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: 318i AC Clutch

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2020
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    BMW 318i

    318i AC Clutch

    My son lives in L.A. He has a 2016 318i. A/C was not working. An independent said that it is his A/C clutch- $1000. Any thoughts? I see that a NEW Denso or Nisen A/C compressor with clutch runs about $450. Is the service fee correct?
    Anyone know of an EXCELLENT, HONEST BMW mechanic in the L.A. area?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    It sounds like the compressor clutch isn’t engaging. Now, before your son starts replacing anything he needs to understand that there are several conditions that have to be met before the clutch is engaged:
    - proper refrigerant charge
    - external temperature sensor reflects the outside temperature
    - evaporator temperature sensor reflects the evaporator’s temperature
    - the engine computer (DME in BMWspeak) is telling the climate control module (IHKA in BMWspeak) that it can engage the compressor clutch.

    These cars are rolling computers. The first step in diagnosing a problem is to scan the car for codes. Your son needs to take the car to a reputable independent shop that specializes in bimmers. Have him try www.bimrs.org.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, NC (yes, again)
    Posts
    23,672
    My Cars
    E39M5, E500 4WD
    I'd like to mention that none of my resources show a 318i with a 2016 model year in the USA.

    Now, if I use a Euro/Russian?Thailand market 318, I get part number 64529299328 for the compressor. Plug that in at ECS Tuning, and you get the Genuine BMW part retail price at $1400, on sale at ~$1200, with a cheap Nissen's Chinese copy at $435. You get what you pay for.

    Swapping the compressor on a 4 cylinder 328i takes about two hours, plus 1 to 1.5 hours evacuation and recharge. 3.5 hours in L.A. at a good BMW indy shop should probably run $525-600. Add the cost of freon. BMW does not sell the clutch separately, don't know who might.

    As said above, don't let a non-bmw shop rush into a diagnosis without diagnosing the issue correctly first.
    Last edited by bmwdirtracer; 08-10-2021 at 08:15 PM.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

Similar Threads

  1. AC Clutch always Running! Won't stop!
    By lngfish in forum 1983 - 1991 (E30)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-01-2007, 02:26 PM
  2. WTB: BMW hood emblem and 318is AC compressor
    By Mauritius Blau in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 10-08-2006, 02:57 AM
  3. '85 318i -- strange clutch problem
    By Wolfe2x7 in forum 1983 - 1991 (E30)
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-16-2006, 03:14 AM
  4. ac clutch replacement
    By gaebing in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 06-29-2005, 03:54 PM
  5. 93 318i AC question
    By sOuNdOcToR in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-17-2003, 11:47 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •