AC Compressor - E46 318i

[318 NewBoy]

Had the ac compressor of my ride replaced last evening, cost me almost SGD1400 (compressor+dryer+refrigerant+gas+workmanship). This is especially hurt when I just took over the car for nearly 4 months only, which is now coming to the age of 4. I was told by the mechanics that there is no maintenance needed for compressor, install it and use it till it dies. The next one in the row could be the coil (evaporator), that may cost a few hundred bucks.

For less than a month when I just took over the car, the radiator burst out of a sudden in a petrol station and after getting it fixed (FOC of course), there are some minor water leakage at the bottom of engine, which costs me approx SGD 200.

As a first time Bimmer, this is really frustrated and has shattered a little of my confidence in BMW cars. Not as robust as I thought before buying it. Now I'm almost living in paranoid and worry about what could be the next, even though I must agree that the feeling of riding it is just so good (especially after some mods).

Just wondering if any bros out there owning a 2nd hand BMWs are having the same kind of problems, or I'm the only SUEY one.:furious:

Sigh!!!!

 

[russo]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

The E46 is a very robust car. Not much problems come to think of it. Most of the problems are wear and tear issues. I think your case is an isolated one. I believe your mileage is like more than 80k km? If so, your tech is right. Next thing to change might be your condenser coil, expansion valve and dryer. Easily another 1k plus.

Other than that, beltings, control arm bush are the more common items. I suggest you give it a chance. Its a nice car to drive. Oh and check the battrey. It might need to be replaced soon too if it wasn't replaced before. Good luck.

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

Thanks, bro, for sharing the info. The mileage is only ~56000, quite low eh (registered in Jul 2003). That's why I said, SUEY ah!! after looking at the sticky described the problems only arise after approx 80K mileage. Anyway, the mechanics told me the same thing as you, those were the wear and tear parts, depend on luck.

Cheers.

 

[ferd]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

seems like usual wear and tear... like russo said, give it a chance and give it the care it requires

i had my pains, my ac compressor blew out 1 month right after warranty... radiator spare tank cracked, radiator leaked, power window regulators broke (2 out of 4), engine o rings replaced, abs module died ... all from 70,000 km to 110,000 km

then i traded it in when it was coming to 5 years old having done 110,000 km... fondly missed

 

[hitmee]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

seems like usual wear and tear... like russo said, give it a chance and give it the care it requires

i had my pains, my ac compressor blew out 1 month right after warranty... radiator spare tank cracked, radiator leaked, power window regulators broke (2 out of 4), engine o rings replaced, abs module died ... all from 70,000 km to 110,000 km

then i traded it in when it was coming to 5 years old having done 110,000 km... fondly missed

you all are making me worried.
2nd year/42000km

 

[715]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

Just to share my experience. We bought a 2 yr old 318 from PPSL end last year, which has extended warranty, which means that the car's warranty will last till it is 4 years old.

Car has been ok until lately, where the aircon starts to give problems, some time cold and some time not cold. Also, the reverse mirror tilt down function is not working. Sent back to PML last week, and they changed the compressor, coil etc etc. Total bill was supposed to be $4k, but was waived as it is still under warranty. Car mileage is only 42k.

 

[teckheng]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

you all are making me worried.
2nd year/42000km

almost 4th year now / 90000km,

i think i better hold any mods till all the wear and tear appears and fix.

so far changed the driver window panel's arms only.. cross my fingers.

 

[ferd]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

you all are making me worried.
2nd year/42000km

oh did i also say that i changed my aircon thermo resistor too?! ...

the abs module was the worst! i was sitting in my car talking on the phone then "bling" .. the ABS warning came on.... called Ah Wee @ BVO ... drove over and I'm $1150 poorer within 10 mins upon arrival.... lucky they carry spares

oh yes, my reverse tilt didn't work from end of warranty till the day i traded the car in ...

all in all, I like that car nevertheless ... had lots of fun driving it

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

Ever since my compressor is replaced, start to cut down the use of my AC unless necessary like noon or heavy down-pour. So worry that evaporator would come next any sooner (I know it just happens when the time comes). Bo pian lol, what to do!!

Other than the oil change when it hits certain mileage, what else can we do to take care of our ride to prolong its precious life or to just delay the life span of the wear and tear? Any ideas, bros?

 

[russo]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

Honestly there is nothing much you can do. You will never know when it'll fail until it fails. I'm not trying to freak you guys out but murphy's law is unavoidable.

Just enjoy your ride and take things as it comes. We're always here to advise... Come to think of it for all those still driving the E46s, operate the window regulators (espcially the rear) say once every 2-3 weeks to keep it healthy. You won't want the window to have crackling noise followed by a failure!

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

Thanks, bro. No regret to join this forum.

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: AC Compressor - E46 318i

It happened again, finally. My AC once again blowing out the hot air after the compressor replaced on last Monday. Manage to enjoy only 4 days of cold air. Now I will have to cross my fingers, pray for my AC evaporator not to die. Otherwise, I'll need to dig deep into my pocket again for the replacement and come to think about the tediousness in changing it, more worry ah. What the XXXX !!!!

Will send to workshop tomorrow and see what's happening. Looks like it's going to be another sleepless night. SIGH!!!!!