[Nando_e90]

Hello!

Well, my 330i's A/C compressor seems to be coming to its end after 20 years. It makes a noise (humming noise) when the A/C is ON, and the noise increases/decreases along with the RPMs. If I turn the A/C OFF, the noise disappears, so as I understand it, that rules out the bearing as a possible cause, which I replaced in 2021. When the bearing failed, it sounded like a helicopter regardless of whether the compressor was ON or OFF.
Air still comes out of the vents cold, but not as cold as it used to be. I haven't even bothered measuring pressures with gauges because of that noise, which indicates a problem with the compressor.
Has any of you guys had a similar experience?
I would also like some advice regarding the brand. Is it the same situation as with the evaporator — that if it came with Valeo you must buy Valeo, or Denso if that were the case?
I saw a Denso on RockAuto for $365, but it says "w/clutch" and AFAIK these compressors don't have a clutch.
What do you guys think?

[Runnin'Rich]

My AC compressor only makes a noise when it’s low on refrigerant. It has a leak that causes it to need to be topped up every 4 months

[kkasson]

Yeah, E90 is known to make a groaning noise through the vents if the refrigerant is low, even just a little bit. I have to add a tiny bit to mine every few years because it starts groaning but it's never gotten any less cold.

That said - to answer the original question, Denso makes the original one as far as I know. If you're hearing the noise through the vents then it's probably just low. If there's noise in the engine bay that might be the compressor.

[lowd239]

I'm curious about this as well since I have the same issues with my AC. I've recharged it a few times over the years but it whines and is pretty weak.


And just a heads up, walmart.com has the DENSO compressor for $325 with free shipping

[lookalikehuuh]

According to FCP Euro, the 06 330i can have 2 different A/C compressors depending on the car's build date.

Up to 09/2006 use: 64526956716. aka DENSO 4711532

After 10/2006 use: 64529122618. aka Denso 4711529

You need to ensure to use the correct version. Also, keep in mind you will need to replace the bolts since they are 1 time use aluminum stretch bolts.

I would definitely go with the same brand and model as the one that came out of the car. Yes a different brand might work, but with as delicate as these cars are with electronics I wouldn't risk it. Especially with the cost of refrigerant being as expensive as it is. The one that Rockauto carries is the first version, for cars built before Sep of 2006, which I suspect is going to be most cars. After all, the original one lasted 20 years before having any real issue. I would say that's a pretty good run.

[Nando_e90]

The noise is comming from the engine bay but will check refrigerant, maybe is low and a recharge helps with the noise and buys me more time.

Originally Posted by lowd239

And just a heads up, walmart.com has the DENSO compressor for $325 with free shipping

This is gold. Thanks.

Originally Posted by lookalikehuuh

According to FCP Euro, the 06 330i can have 2 different A/C compressors depending on the car's build date.

Up to 09/2006 use: 64526956716. aka DENSO 4711532

After 10/2006 use: 64529122618. aka Denso 4711529

You need to ensure to use the correct version. Also, keep in mind you will need to replace the bolts since they are 1 time use aluminum stretch bolts.

I would definitely go with the same brand and model as the one that came out of the car. Yes a different brand might work, but with as delicate as these cars are with electronics I wouldn't risk it. Especially with the cost of refrigerant being as expensive as it is. The one that Rockauto carries is the first version, for cars built before Sep of 2006, which I suspect is going to be most cars. After all, the original one lasted 20 years before having any real issue. I would say that's a pretty good run.

Thanks for the advice. Yeah after 20 years it did it's job, specially in my country where we have tropical weather and a/c is needed all year.

[lowd239]

Ahh sorry, Ive got a 2009 so I just assumed the compressors were the same.

Anyway, I bought the DESNSO compressor and DENSO condenser from walmart.com last night. They were the best prices I could find especially with the free shipping. Not sure If I will replace anything else in the AC system while Im at it but for now I wanted to get those parts just in case prices go up!

[GoRomeo]

Great info. I noticed ever since I replaced my serpentine belt, my AC started working better. Not sure if this applies. My compressor still holding on for over 20 yrs. Knock on wood. 😬

[mainbearing]

Maybe the expansion valve and definitely the desiccant bag if removable. Not sure if the 09 has the sealed desiccant tube or not. I guess LCI did but pre-LCI was removable.

Originally Posted by lowd239

Ahh sorry, Ive got a 2009 so I just assumed the compressors were the same.

Anyway, I bought the DESNSO compressor and DENSO condenser from walmart.com last night. They were the best prices I could find especially with the free shipping. Not sure If I will replace anything else in the AC system while Im at it but for now I wanted to get those parts just in case prices go up!

[lowd239]

OK, yeah I thought about the expansion valve, but it doesnt look super easy to get to.

This is the desiccant bag kit I was looking at. -
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=16858&jsn=499

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Maybe the expansion valve and definitely the desiccant bag if removable. Not sure if the 09 has the sealed desiccant tube or not. I guess LCI did but pre-LCI was removable.

[mainbearing]

Make sure your condenser has that removable cap before ordering, and that bag should work fine.

During the engine valve cover replacement the upper bulkhead needs to come off. I recall was looking at how easy to reach the expansion valve at the time, although I did not try getting at the mounting bolts.

Just came to mind, one other thing people were talking about was the liquid line under the heat shield along inner side of the passenger fender, about how it is subjected to corrosion. There is a pressure sensor under there too, if the system is evacuated. A bad sensor can cause weak cooling as well. INPA can help cross check the pressure against a manifold gauge. But for $17, might just want to replace the sensor.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...2B2xnHfw%3D%3D

Originally Posted by lowd239

OK, yeah I thought about the expansion valve, but it doesnt look super easy to get to.

This is the desiccant bag kit I was looking at. -
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=16858&jsn=499

[lowd239]

Awesome! Thanks for all of this. I will look into it more when the condenser arrives.

I dont want to throw money at the AC system but I also dont want to keep having issues with it...although with a 17 year old car I'm starting to feel this become more of a loosing battle

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Make sure your condenser has that removable cap before ordering, and that bag should work fine.

During the engine valve cover replacement the upper bulkhead needs to come off. I recall was looking at how easy to reach the expansion valve at the time, although I did not try getting at the mounting bolts.

Just came to mind, one other thing people were talking about was the liquid line under the heat shield along inner side of the passenger fender, about how it is subjected to corrosion. There is a pressure sensor under there too, if the system is evacuated. A bad sensor can cause weak cooling as well. INPA can help cross check the pressure against a manifold gauge. But for $17, might just want to replace the sensor.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...2B2xnHfw%3D%3D

[mainbearing]

The new Denso condenser should have a new desiccant bag in there already (even if Rockauto's listing says no dryer included -- I think they meant no separate dryer included). I focused on the AC compressor and missed the condenser. My bad.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...r8UrrX8Q%3D%3D

Originally Posted by lowd239

Awesome! Thanks for all of this. I will look into it more when the condenser arrives.

I dont want to throw money at the AC system but I also dont want to keep having issues with it...although with a 17 year old car I'm starting to feel this become more of a loosing battle

[lowd239]

Finally got the Denso condenser after problems with shipping.

It does have the desiccant bag though the cap is cheap plastic where others look like they have aluminum caps. I might just buy a desiccant kit for the better cap since theyre not too expensive

[mainbearing]

Arghhh, the cost cutting corporates are doing these days! An aluminum cap should hold up better longer term.

A new desiccant kit works. Alternately if the factory one is still in good shape and of the same thread pitch, maybe reuse that with new o-ring.

[lowd239]

Originally Posted by mainbearing

A new desiccant kit works. Alternately if the factory one is still in good shape and of the same thread pitch, maybe reuse that with new o-ring.

Ahh good thought! I might do that.

[lowrydr310]

How's that Denso compressor from the Walmart third party seller? The price seems too good to be true considering they're $350 on Rockauto plus shipping, though I guess it's not that far off.

My 330 compressor makes a loud noise when running but the system blows ice cold air! Maybe a bit low on charge? Next step is to evacuate and recharge by weight.

My 335 compressor doesn't make any abnormal noises but only blows cool air and sometimes stops working. I've done every system diagnostic and concluded it must be an issue with the control solenoid. I ordered a used compressor (genuine BMW, Denso with BMW part #) from a newer and lower mileage car, I'll be sure to post an update.

[lowd239]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

How's that Denso compressor from the Walmart third party seller? The price seems too good to be true considering they're $350 on Rockauto plus shipping, though I guess it's not that far off.

Hmm I assumed when it said "sold and shipped by walmart.com" it was actually walmart and not a third party seller like on Amazon.

I havent installed the compressor or condenser yet but I sure hope they are legit Denso.

The boxes they came in look legit but I know even know that doesnt guarantee it.

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by lowd239

Hmm I assumed when it said "sold and shipped by walmart.com" it was actually walmart and not a third party seller like on Amazon.

I havent installed the compressor or condenser yet but I sure hope they are legit Denso.

The boxes they came in look legit but I know even know that doesnt guarantee it.

Ah, gotcha! I missed that part, sold by Walmart is likely fine. I got a set of Continental DWS06+ from Walmart.com, over $100 cheaper than anywhere else.

[mainbearing]

Walmart will source from other suppliers, got an Advance Auto box one time. Amazon does the same thing. But these should all be better than third party selling on either platform.

That Denso compressor is made in Germany. Nice!

[Nando_e90]

Nice!

I got mine too from Rockauto for $365. Different part number tho. 🤔

[lowrydr310]

Genuine used compressor from eBay:



Denso, with BMW part #, looks good but we shall see after installation. Different than the photos of what you guys posted because N54 & N55 E9x uses a different compressor than the N52. So far my 330i AC compressor is a workhorse, blasting ICE COLD air from the vents!