Ac module help....

[smm1120]

My ac has gone bad. Goes on and off whenever it wants to. I have been informed that it most likely is the control module thnat needs replacement. Mechanic wants $500.00 to do the work. He says that the work is not hard however the unprogrammed module that comes from germany is expensive approx $350.00 and needs to be programmed / installed. Is there a less expensive way to go. Is there a place to get used modules out of other 3 series cars. A bmw salvage site or something like that. Any help would be appreciated. thanks----jerry

[BmrOwnr96]

I had to replace the same thing in my 96' 328. Talking with my mechanic he stated that 96 was the first year these electronic control modules were used and they just seen to go bad after a few years. He told me he had done 4 others last year when I had mine replaced. My advice would be to just buy new and not mess with the bone yard, as you don't know if they're good or not, then you just wasted good money to try it, and if it's not good, then you still have to replace it with a new one. I had mine done for $495.00 with a new cabin filter. Good luck