2005 X5 4.4 weak AC, bad compressor?
 

Hi, my AC is weak, almost no cooling for the first 10 minutes and after that its ok but not great. With car off pressure is 74 low side and 65 high side. With car on I get about 80 low and 75 high. From what I read its not pulling a vacuum or creating pressure and its a bad compressor. Since it does work somewhat after a while driving around, I want to make sure it's not just a bad variable displacement valve in the compressor before I buy a new compressor, condenser-dryer, expansion valve and flush. The valve is only $25 on ebay. My clutch is engaged and fan is blowing. My car only has the fan on motor side of the radiator, doesn't have the auxiliary fan in front like earlier models.
Any chance it's just the variable displacement valve and not the entire compressor?

Thanks

How any miles do you have on the vehicle? I assume its the original compressor. Depending on mileage you might be better off getting a replacement compressor instead of just the valve.

It has 146,000, and I'm sure it's original. I'm guessing the compressor is shot, but just want to make sure. It doesn't make noise and I don't see a reason for it to have gone bad other than age and miles.

You got your money's worth and miles out of the original. Its best to just go ahead and do a complete compressor exchange.

That high side pressure is pretty anemic.

I would be looking at the compressor IMO.

Thank you all. Has anyone used a UAC (Universal Air Conditioner) AC compressor? $189 on Amazon, new made in China. https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Con...ype=automotive

In my opinion I would not put this in my BMW ( a junkmare waiting to happen). Just get a proper replacement from AutoHaus AZ or pelican parts.