AC compressor question?
 

Is the AC compressor the same between the 3.0 and the 4.4/4.6 E53? My AC compressor quit working (clutch doesnt engage). I found a couple of used compressors but they all say for 4.4.

Just because the clutch is not engaging doesn't mean the compressor is bad. Have you hook up a set of manifold gauges to the system to determine if your are low on refrigerant? A low refrigerant condition can activate the low pressure switch preventing the clutch from engaging.

Hi Up, thanks i should have explained the trouble shooting i've done... So i did hook up a gauge and it goes in red since the compressor is not engaging( this is with the engine on/ AC on max) i havent tried connect a 12v to the compressor if that'll engage...
Also i have been charging the AC at the begining of summer for the past 4 years, only takes about a can and it has worked fine...

The best advice that I can give you is to bring it in and let someone that know what they are doing fix the AC.

The fact that you mentioned that the gauge is in the red zone tells me that you are using one of those recharge canister with a gauge on it and not a complete set of manifold gauges that measure both high side and low side of the AC system.

The fact that you been doing the top off for the past 4 years tell me that you have a leak in the system but instead of fixing it correctly you having been topping it off to just get by.

Although R134a is not as bad as R12 in term of affecting the ozone, it is still a product that should not be vented into the atmosphere.

In order to replace the compressor, the refrigerant must be recovered from the system. Seeing that you lack the proper gauges to test the system, I kinda doubt it that you will have a recovery system to recover the refrigerant and in lieu of recovering the refrigerant, you will most likely vent the remaining refrigerant into the air.

Not only is venting the refrigerant illegal, it is also dangerous because as the refrigerant leaves the system it will be super cold. This can cause frost bites to exposed skin.

Thanks Up... I am looking to get the compressor replaced. I am not going to tackle this myself, I plan to have the shop do it. But going back to my original question if the air compressor on the 3.0 and 4.4 are interchangeable, checking on real oem, it doesn't look like it is...

The answer to the air compressor compatibility can be answered as fast as you can look up the 11 digit part nbr for it in one of the online part databases like:

1. RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog
2. http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog

Take note at both of the links above...that there's a field to search by part nbr. And I think the recently reworked realoem.com...now let's you get part nbr cross reference info if you click on the 11 digit part nbr itself. Also pay attention to the build date info in the TO and FROM columns.

When you find the 11 digit BMW part nbr for your vehicle based on it's VIN or by selecting the appropriate tabs/buttons...you can copy and paste the 11 digit part nbr in those part nbr (cross reference) search fields on either of those sites...and it will list all other BMW models that use the same part nbr.

You may find that other BMW e53 models use the same compressor...or you may find that other BMWs that share the same engines but are different models may share the same compressor.

Good luck...and feel free to save both of the links above to your favorites folder (bookmarks) because both sites come in handy for multiple purposes.

you can go on line and order a compressor from these guys.

Arizona Mobile Air, Inc. | Automotive Air Conditioning Parts & Equipment