Originally Posted by esntrk1

The guy has a decent shop but I'm not paying OEM prices when there is a sensible alternative. Imagine if I bought OEM air struts for my 4.8is. That alone would have been a deal breaker. Anyways, at 170k my AC unit has failed. I'm sure it's the clutch. I bought the part to repair it but haven't found an Indy that wants to take on the job. Their recommendation is to replace the entire AC compressor. Ok well, that means new drier, expansion valve, freon, coolant and all the labor to get it done. On top of that he is insisting on the OEM compressor (~$1200). I think that's insane. BMW does not manufacture any AC compressors. They source them. My model is a Calsonic CSV717 that says "Made in Japan." So much for the authentic German part myth. So after days of research on this I find 4 companies in the Dallas, TX area that remanufacture AC units. 1) 4 Seasons 2) Compressor Works 3) Universal Air Conditioner, Inc (UAC) 4) Omega Environmental Technologies. All these companies reman on site. After reading up I have decided to go with 4 Seasons for the AC compressor, drier and expansion valve. Has anyone else used this supplier? Part numbers: 97442, 38686, 83086. I've never replaced an AC compressor myself but I've learned so much recently that I'm almost ready to try it. Tired of these shops trying to hit me for a couple grand when the solution is probably more like 600.