2008 4.8i - Accessory seized

aclockwrk · #1 07-10-2014, 09:50 PM

I think I'm headed in the same direction (2008 X5 4.8i with 129k miles). My wife usually drives the car so she didn't really notice the sound under the hood was different. A whining/ whirring sound. As soon as I drove it I said when did it start doing that and I showed her. Revving the car in neutral/park and driving up to highway speeds it makes the noise. She said abot a week ago.

I thought it was the water pump so I ordered one (seemed to come from that area). I didn't change it for a few days since I didn't have all the right tools (torx bits, BMW loves using them) I went out got a set. In the meantime I thought maybe its the Vacuum pump/air pump which is right above the A/C Compressor. I took it apart cleaned, looked ok, cleaned it cleaned the CCV valves (had a bit of oil in the lines and valves), but the noiuse was still there. Finally today I decided to replace the waterpump. What a PIA! There is a hidden bolt BEHIND the Harmonic balancer. ALso to get the harmonic balancer you need to take out 8 torx bolts blindly by feel. a couple hours later and many bruises and scratches replaced it. The old once looked ok, the pully did not make any noise or look bad.

Now to get the harmonic balancer you need to take off the A/C belt, again PIA. Apparently it's a stretch belt and you need to crank the pulley while pulling the belt off. I couldn't do it so I figured take the harmonic balancer off and just pull off the belt. This worked.
Once the belt was off the A/C compressor I spun it and did hear it making a sound. At least it was much louder than any other pulleys. Most likely this is my issue, also noticed that A/C is blowing from Drivers side nice and cold but warm on Pass side. I had filled the system with refrigerant a couple months ago so most like the AC compressor is basically dying.

Getting the A/C belt onproved to be nearly impossible. until I noticed two bolts holing on the an accessory pulley next to the A/C compressor, I loosened those and it lowered the pulley enough to get slack to put the belt on The one bolt is on the front (no big deal) the SECOND one, it on the bottom and it's nearly impossible to get a an extension socket and torx bi in there. A lot of cursing later its all done but most likey an A/C compressor will be needed.

On the part you noted are you sure about the number?

I guess the one below also comes wotht he Cutch and coil assembly so its more expensive.

I see this: 2008 BMW X5 Parts -

COMPRESSOR X5; 4.8L
Include: Clutch And Coil Assy.
MSRP Core ? Save Online Price $1,419.89 $0.00 $293.92 $1,125.97

601pilot · #2 07-10-2014, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aclockwrk

I think I'm headed in the same direction (2008 X5 4.8i with 129k miles). My wife usually drives the car so she didn't really notice the sound under the hood was different. A whining/ whirring sound. As soon as I drove it I said when did it start doing that and I showed her. Revving the car in neutral/park and driving up to highway speeds it makes the noise. She said abot a week ago.

I thought it was the water pump so I ordered one (seemed to come from that area). I didn't change it for a few days since I didn't have all the right tools (torx bits, BMW loves using them) I went out got a set. In the meantime I thought maybe its the Vacuum pump/air pump which is right above the A/C Compressor. I took it apart cleaned, looked ok, cleaned it cleaned the CCV valves (had a bit of oil in the lines and valves), but the noiuse was still there. Finally today I decided to replace the waterpump. What a PIA! There is a hidden bolt BEHIND the Harmonic balancer. ALso to get the harmonic balancer you need to take out 8 torx bolts blindly by feel. a couple hours later and many bruises and scratches replaced it. The old once looked ok, the pully did not make any noise or look bad.

Now to get the harmonic balancer you need to take off the A/C belt, again PIA. Apparently it's a stretch belt and you need to crank the pulley while pulling the belt off. I couldn't do it so I figured take the harmonic balancer off and just pull off the belt. This worked.
Once the belt was off the A/C compressor I spun it and did hear it making a sound. At least it was much louder than any other pulleys. Most likely this is my issue, also noticed that A/C is blowing from Drivers side nice and cold but warm on Pass side. I had filled the system with refrigerant a couple months ago so most like the AC compressor is basically dying.

Getting the A/C belt onproved to be nearly impossible. until I noticed two bolts holing on the an accessory pulley next to the A/C compressor, I loosened those and it lowered the pulley enough to get slack to put the belt on The one bolt is on the front (no big deal) the SECOND one, it on the bottom and it's nearly impossible to get a an extension socket and torx bi in there. A lot of cursing later its all done but most likey an A/C compressor will be needed.

On the part you noted are you sure about the number?

I guess the one below also comes wotht he Cutch and coil assembly so its more expensive.

I see this: 2008 BMW X5 Parts -

COMPRESSOR X5; 4.8L
Include: Clutch And Coil Assy.
MSRP Core ? Save Online Price $1,419.89 $0.00 $293.92 $1,125.97

It looks like the original part number (64 52 9 195 975) has been discontinued by the OEM; I think 64 52 9 195 144 is the replacement, but I'm not totally sure. I found a few 3rd party a/c compressors:

2007-2012 BMW X5 A/C Compressor 60-03026 Buy Auto Parts Brand New with Clutch

BMW BEHR A/C Compressor with Clutch 64529185144 (64-52-9-185-144) - RM European Auto Parts

Anyone had experience with either of these compressors?

Thanks,
Robert

X5ists · #3 07-11-2014, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aclockwrk

I think I'm headed in the same direction (2008 X5 4.8i with 129k miles). My wife usually drives the car so she didn't really notice the sound under the hood was different. A whining/ whirring sound. As soon as I drove it I said when did it start doing that and I showed her. Revving the car in neutral/park and driving up to highway speeds it makes the noise. She said abot a week ago.

I thought it was the water pump so I ordered one (seemed to come from that area). I didn't change it for a few days since I didn't have all the right tools (torx bits, BMW loves using them) I went out got a set. In the meantime I thought maybe its the Vacuum pump/air pump which is right above the A/C Compressor. I took it apart cleaned, looked ok, cleaned it cleaned the CCV valves (had a bit of oil in the lines and valves), but the noiuse was still there. Finally today I decided to replace the waterpump. What a PIA! There is a hidden bolt BEHIND the Harmonic balancer. ALso to get the harmonic balancer you need to take out 8 torx bolts blindly by feel. a couple hours later and many bruises and scratches replaced it. The old once looked ok, the pully did not make any noise or look bad.

Now to get the harmonic balancer you need to take off the A/C belt, again PIA. Apparently it's a stretch belt and you need to crank the pulley while pulling the belt off. I couldn't do it so I figured take the harmonic balancer off and just pull off the belt. This worked.
Once the belt was off the A/C compressor I spun it and did hear it making a sound. At least it was much louder than any other pulleys. Most likely this is my issue, also noticed that A/C is blowing from Drivers side nice and cold but warm on Pass side. I had filled the system with refrigerant a couple months ago so most like the AC compressor is basically dying.

Getting the A/C belt onproved to be nearly impossible. until I noticed two bolts holing on the an accessory pulley next to the A/C compressor, I loosened those and it lowered the pulley enough to get slack to put the belt on The one bolt is on the front (no big deal) the SECOND one, it on the bottom and it's nearly impossible to get a an extension socket and torx bi in there. A lot of cursing later its all done but most likey an A/C compressor will be needed.

On the part you noted are you sure about the number?

I guess the one below also comes wotht he Cutch and coil assembly so its more expensive.

I see this: 2008 BMW X5 Parts -

COMPRESSOR X5; 4.8L
Include: Clutch And Coil Assy.
MSRP Core ? Save Online Price $1,419.89 $0.00 $293.92 $1,125.97

Hi aclockwrk,

It seems you have a very high mileage 4.8i E70, just have a quick question, have you had any major repair on your E70? for example do you have problem with your coolant valley, valve cover gasket or timing chain cover leaks? I am thinking of getting rid one of my SUV either my MDX or X5 4.8i. I already fixed quite a few problems on the X5 and not sure what come next to be fixed? The X5 has 81k miles on it. Any advise will be appreciated

aclockwrk · #4 07-11-2014, 06:48 AM

Knock on wood, nothing major.

A battery at about 100k miles. And the rear air springs (air bags) at 120k miles. The battery was about $600. Next time I will do it myself. I bought the bavarian technical cable that can register it. The airbags I did myself. Very easy job , about an hour and no special tools. It cost about 400 for the pair.
The I only other thing is regular maintenance.
brake pads every 35k, very easy to replace.it will Need rotors next time. I also change the oil and filter every 7500 miles since New. Spark plugs at 100k miles. 6 of them are easy, the last 2 are a PIA. Coolant replacement at 100k miles. And again at 129k miles when I did the water pump. All in all not bad. We'll see about the AC.

It's been a great car and driven very aggressively. The V8 and sport package make it enjoyable.

aclockwrk · #5 07-12-2014, 10:24 PM

Now this is interesting. I drove the car all day today and the noise is GONE! I'm not complaining but WTF! The A/C is also blowing much colder than usual. I guess I'll keep an eye on it for now.

I did get a throttle body error which ended up being a lose connector to the throttle body. It's the 2nd time in 2 years. Car went into limp home mode. got home cleared the code with the Bavarian Technic cable and all is good now. Seems that some folks need to replace the harness / sensor. Mine seems to get loose. At least I know where to look when it happens.

aclockwrk · #6 07-31-2014, 09:44 AM

Spoke too soon, now at 130500 miles, there's no whining noise but an accessory is definitely louder than it should be.

My issue now is that the car has shut down at least 3 to 4 time within the past week or so.
The scenario is, driving normally then a flicker seen on the radar detector, then radio turns off then car lights up with all kinds of failures. Cant put car in park. Shutoff car, try to restart, nothing. Lock, unlock car, try again nothing wait a bit longer , maybe 3 mins then starts fine and drives fine. I don't think its the alternator since it would always be an issue not intermittent, but I do think its the voltage regulator that plugs into the back of the alternator.
Has anyone replaced the voltage regulator? how about removing the alternator? anything special to note?
Thanks,

Davidf · #7 08-04-2014, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aclockwrk

Getting the A/C belt onproved to be nearly impossible. until I noticed two bolts holing on the an accessory pulley next to the A/C compressor, I loosened those and it lowered the pulley enough to get slack to put the belt on The one bolt is on the front (no big deal) the SECOND one, it on the bottom and it's nearly impossible to get a an extension socket and torx bi in there. A lot of cursing later its all done but most likey an A/C compressor will be needed.

I just went through all this on my '08 4.8i with dynamic drive (more "stuff" in the way). Yes, to remove the a/c belt, you need to "lower/loosen" the idler pulley. Two torx bolts: one facing forward...easy and one facing down...very hard. I finally found the right combination of rachet extensions to reach the bolt from the top front. Once it was sufficient loose, I simply grabbed the bolt threads at the top and loosened the bolt with my fingers. After belt was removed and harmonic dampener, I removed the bolt and cut a slot in the end of the bolt for a screw driver. Upon reassembly, I started the bolt and used the screwdriver to tighten the bolt from above. Reached under with the rachet and snugged it up. Stupid design! I believe stretch belts are only used when no idler pulley at all like on my '04 545i.