Googling an image of a compressor for his model and year it does appear it a magnetic clutch.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjQwWDY0MA...VExBQ/$_12.JPG

I believe it is from the AC compressor at it is connected to the AC condenser. It has a sticker on it that says "Calsonic Kansei" with a part number 918 000 5C900 45010.

To all folks who replied, I really appreciate your help. I have no experience dealing with AC compressors at all. And since the car is not drivable, the only option I have is to repair it myself or have someone to do a home service, which would then of course cost more money.

I can just buy a used compressor on eBay, but I couldn't find a thread or video on how to replace this thing. I can unscrew everything and take it out, but I'm sure there's more than than and it might require some special tools.

If it's complicated to replace just the pulley for this particular model of compressor, would it be more easier to just replace the whole thing?

I wouldn't unscrew anything as the system can still be filled with refrigerant. Letting refrigerant into the atmosphere is not only against the law, but could be dangerous. Refrigerant can freeze you skin and cause frostbite since refrigerant becomes super cold as it goes from an area of high pressure to a an area of low pressure. That is how refrigerant is able to cool the car. Look up Bernoulli principle. Saving money is one thing, but going to the emergency room will wipe out any saving.

Okay, I'm now trying to find a mobile mechanic who can replace my compressor. Do you guys know someone reputable to do the job that lives around the Bay Area?

And would this work with my vehicle?

2000 2003 BMW E53 x5 4 4 4 6 A C AC Compressor Assembly 64526909628 | eBay

Definitely thats the pulley on your AC compressor. You are getting caught in a discussion of the versions of compressors on E53 x5. They are not the same.

You should be able to replace the pulley/clutch without venting the system. That is good.

If you do need to replace the whole compressor, you need someone who can safely and legally recover the refrigerant. once the system is empty, actually replacing the compressor is just a few bolts. Then the system would have to be vacuum tested, and if it is ok, refilled with refrigerant.

I will try to get more details on that model compressor. My 2001 has the simpler Denso brand and the clutch comes off by removing the center bolt.

Sorry. I am far from there. Maybe start a new thread asking for local mechanics...

That eBay auction is for the Denso version. Not the same...

I thought someone here posted that it might be more complicated than I think since it's magnetic?

What's the difference between the Denso and mine?

The Denso is on the earlier cars, some of the V8's, too. It has the simple magnetic clutch and runs at one speed (well, on or off). The pulley turns all the time and the magnetic clutch engaged the compressor when it gets the signal. It has a steel pulley for the magnetic clutch... it cycles on and off as needed.

The one you have is a variable compressor. Probably doesn't have the simple on/off clutch. Seems to have a plastic pulley. Might be replaceable, I don't know.

I am going to throw in the towel. I don't think I can be any more help on this. I remain puzzled about how that compressor can have a plastic pulley. This ebay auction shows a used Calsonic Kansei compressor and it seems to have a steel pulley and a clutch pack on the end. If your looks like this, removing that center bolt should free the mechanism and let you swap the pulley and/or clutch. If this still doesn't make sense, I think you are better off with the mobile mechanic, or getting the rest of the car back together and driving it to an AC specialist.

Good luck!

BMW E53 x5 3 0L A C Compressor Calsonic Kansei P 6918000 | eBay