Well, finally got it all back together again. I vacuumed it for about 30 minutes and it held vacuum for another 30 minutes . . . no leaks. I filled it back up with freeon and took her for a test spin. She blows mid 40's, not too bad considering I took a guess about how much oil to add back into the system and if I missed I wanted it to be on the high side. Every other ac component working fine.

The aftermarket ac clutch coil got me back going again. Total expenses for repair were $39 for new clutch coil, $17 for 2 cans of freeon and $8 for a bottle of PAG100 refregeration oil. This compared to the expense of replacing the compressor due to the fact that the compressor clutch coil is not sold seperately from the compressor. Autozone gave free loaner for vacuum pump and guage set.

Special thanks to Weasel, you are the man!!!!!!! I followed everything you said verbatim which led me through proper diagnosis and repair. It was like I had a BMW specialist looking over my shoulder the entire time.

Thanks again Weasel!

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2010 Lexus RX350 still new
2003 BMW X5 3.0i w/sport package w/68K miles. (gone Thank God!)
2002 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 cummins diesel w/198K miles, custom repo truck
2009 Scion tC w/46K miles
2007 Suzuki SV650 custom streetfighter
2000 Lexus GS400 w/165K miles