Good source for rebuilt A/C Compressors?

[brettbimmer]

I was just curious if the collective familia had any knowledge of a good source for a refurbished or rebuilt A/C compressor, yet one that doesn't cost more then the entire car! I am actually hunting for one for my E36, though I know that often we have contacts that span beyond just the E46. All help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Johnmadd]

Do you have the part #?

[GMATT]

My experience is I bought a used low mileage one with a better warranty than new (2 years). I paid $185.00 for the part only.

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[Jesse M]

I have the one I took out of my car at like 105k. Worked perfectly. Ill sell it to you?

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[brettbimmer]

Good call John. I should've posted them earlier :help. Two part numbers over at realoem - second one looks to be the updated number.

64528385714
64528390228

This is for my '97 318ti with M44 hamster under the hood.

Jesse, I am guessing that your compressor is for a 6 cyl. E36? If it is for a 4 cyl let me know!

[brettbimmer]

I'm hesitant to drop some $ with an ebay auction for an off-brand Chinese unit, and definitely cannot go for the $900+ a new one. Crazy prices on these compressors!

[Johnmadd]

Was hoping that this one I got from the pick n pull would work for you but I don't think you can make it work, if you find that you can I'd give it to you for fifty bucks, I bought it because it was definitely just put on the car and was very clean.

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20120716_221944.jpg

[Newjack]

I'd say you are better off getting a used unit somewhere rather than buying a brand new chinese knock off. You don't want to spend that much money on something that will more than likely break before it should. See if anything pops up on ebay or craigslist.

One of my buddies works at a car dealership. He may have some insight on where to find a compressor. I'll ask him tomorrow.

[johnrando]

Post a WTB on e46f.c, or look in the parting out section of the classifieds.

[brettbimmer]

Thanks John. Man, that would be awesome, but I don't think that it would fit, unfortunately.

Likewise Rob - sounds great.

I have been eyeing the Behr units out there...and may end up purchasing one of them if I cannot find a better alternative. The unit that I have still works (at the moment) but it is really wheezing all the time now. That and the fact that the A/C isn't blowing as cold as it used to have me questioning the compressor with 240K on it. New dryer, hard line, O-rings (all in May '12), electric engine cooling fan July '12 (after only 13 months), and a recent recharge by the pro...I really think I am down to the compressor being a large part of the problem. No dye is evident anywhere (as the system was charged with it to trace the leak in the hard line), and the compressor is not short-cycling, which in my experience usually denotes a low-charge issue. I just think that it is losing it's Oomph. Maybe the Flux Capacitor is askew.

[brettbimmer]

Post a WTB on e46f.c, or look in the parting out section of the classifieds.

Thank you J. That may be a possibility...if they support the E36 cars over there. Otherwise I can hop on 318ti.org and see if anyone has one there I suppose. I was originally thinking that a rebuilt/re-manufactured unit would be the best way to go, hence my not going that route (yet). That may be the best option though, depending on what is available. Either that or a big block of ice that I can put in front of the air vents in the cabin. :biggrin

[johnrando]

Oh, forgot it was for E36!

[brettbimmer]

Oh, forgot it was for E36!

HAHA, no worries. Just one of 'dem cars with a propeller up on da hood! :roundel

[Newjack]

My buddy said he would be able to look around to find one. If you want me to give him the go ahead I can. I'm pretty sure he's gonna check junkyards.

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[brettbimmer]

Rob, that is extremely kind and generous. The issue with the existing compressor on the car is that it is just getting a bit tired from what I can tell after years of trusted service, though it does still work - just not as well as it used to. It does not get cold like it used to, and the compressor often sounds like a coffee peculator when I shut off the car. With that in mind, I am really wondering if I am better off trying to get a decent rebuilt unit that should be good to go for a few years. I have purchased used parts before and they have worked well, but with the compressor I am wondering if it would be better to go rebuilt? :dunno

[Mike V]

I get the coffee percolator sound every time when shutting off my E36 M3. If your compressor isn't locked up, I'd look into a recharge or possible other issue if you haven't already done so. The A/C works amazing in my M3, even with the 105 degree temps yesterday.

With a past E36 M3 sedan a few years ago, I went the eBay rebuilt route and had very good luck with that, but of course ymmv.

[Newjack]

You might as well go aftermarket. Just make sure to read reviews on whatever it is you are about to buy. Rebuilt = way more $

[Jesse M]

sorry for the late reply. It was from the 6cyl M54.

[brettbimmer]

Thanks to all for the thoughts & ideas. Leaning towards a rebuilt Behr unit. Def. will check out reliability first though.

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