BMW E36 Forum

FYI,

If you are having problems with your compressor clutch here is some info that might help with your issue. Just recently had an issue with my sons compressor clutch not working. We proceeded to take it out and noticed corrosion between the clutch plate and the A/C compressor pulley. This Corrosion was not allowing the electromagnetic field to start the compressor (rust is a poor conductor of electrons). Just got a green scrubbing pad, WD-40 (or the penetrant of your selection) and some electrical contact cleaner and solved the matter. Saved quite some money over taking it to the dealership and having them replace the clutch which is quite expensive without factoring the labor charges. So all in all my total spent was about 2 hrs of my time, some WD-40 and some electric contact cleaner. Gain: was 2 quality Hrs. spent with my son, an A/C that blows cold as hell and the knowledge that I cleared myself from getting raped at the dealership oh not to mention the smile on my son's face when he noticed that we fixed it. Hope this helps anyone with similar issues. Alway's remember you can't break what's broke, you can only fix it. Don't be afraid, take it apart!!!

Hi Sir
I have an E36 M3 Evo 1997 and mine does not engage at all, the compressor wheel right at the bottom of the engine which is belt driven looks rusty so it may be similar to yours? Did you remove the belt and then remove the entire belt driven clutch system? Was it hard to get the belt back on?
Thanks for the inspiration
Jared

Thanks for the detailed information about the A/C compressor clutch.I am new here and learning a lot from this forum.

Thats the best part of working on solving a problem with a car. Quality time with a family member or friend and the sense of accomplishment once you get it fixed. Its almost like a high!

I know this is an old thread, but it helped me a lot.
Just wanted to say thanks & I'm glad I found it.
Your post inspired me to write a tutorial, I give you the credit, of course.
It's for my '97 318ti 4 cyl M44, but it may work for similar engines.
The tutorial can be found here....
[url]http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=33308&highlight=weloveiggy[/url]
Hopefully, it will help others for years to come.

Thanks again johnnyjr_1!!