Con-pressor?

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Con-pressor?

My brother-in-law has an 8-year-old BMW X5 diesel from new (85k miles). It has always been serviced by the same garage he bought it from in Surrey. Four days ago he was told that his A/C was “shot”, and would need a new compressor unit costing in the region of £1,000. There must be specialist firms just outside/inside the M25 in the Surrey area who can renew the offending part with something similar and suitable for a lot less than £1,000. BMW has said that there isn’t a pump in the UK, nor yet even available in Germany. Quite incredible. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Asked on 7 August 2010 by MG, via email

Answered by Honest John

A/C FAQ here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/air-conditioning . The pump itself may have failed. Or its electromechanical clutch may have failed. The clutch is a relatively simple job costing around £100 (£50 in Thailand). But in the UK the entire unit is usually replaced at the sort of cost your brother faces. If the whole pump has failed, a specialist may be able to supply a reconditioned one.

Tags: air con technical issues owning

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