what's this sound coming from my Ac - BMW Forum

freeyoself · 07-10-2004, 02:10 PM

I have a 96 318i. Every time i turn on my Ac I hear a funny sound coming from it. What could it be. It only happens when I have on my Ac

jrhaile · 07-10-2004, 02:14 PM

what kind of sound? Could be something stuck in your vents, could be the ac motor kicking on for the ac. could be normal too...

freeyoself · 07-10-2004, 02:34 PM

not the ac motor. sounds as if it could be either a belt or air compressor. I was just wondering if anybody could relate or had every expericed this problem before.

Q_BMW · 07-10-2004, 02:41 PM

hey
if the sound comes just when u hit the switch for AC, its the compressor kiciking in and as far as i know thats normal....Q

Deloriant · 07-10-2004, 04:42 PM

Yeah, if you have your windows down and kick on your AC, you can hear an engine belt start up. When I first heard it I was pretty disconcerted, but it's normal.

ROSEMARIE · 07-10-2004, 07:14 PM

got the same year .......96
living in Vegas with 102 outside....that's the same sound I hear for about 3 weeks but no air comes out...what is the sound and why no cold air...?...I think it's not as normal as it "sounds"

325isBaby · 07-10-2004, 11:35 PM

my 1995 makes a "squeeling" noise whenever the AC is on...need to have the AC Compressor Clutch replaced (apparently a common E36 replacement).

freeyoself · 07-11-2004, 12:28 AM

I too have the same "squeeling" sound. That's why I figure its the ac belt or air commpressor.

bitcore · 07-11-2004, 07:24 PM

It's the AC compressor clutch engaging, it squeels when it gets worn out. I have the same problem.

freeyoself · 07-12-2004, 12:50 AM

thank you guys for your help. Gonna get that fix next pay day

bimmerboy328i · 07-12-2004, 10:57 AM

Mine sounds like a cell phone ringing or something. Sometimes it will only happen when I hit the brakes. Any idea?

Dsking85 · 07-12-2004, 11:01 AM

i had that happen in my car too. it's the compressor and mine needed to be replaced. The compressor locks up and doesn't spin with the belt and the belt spinning w/o the compressor is the squealing noise. just buy a reconditioned compressor and it will be fine.

bitcore · 07-12-2004, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dsking85@Jul 12 2004, 12:41 PM
The compressor locks up and doesn't spin with the belt and the belt spinning w/o the compressor is the squealing noise.

Possible, but probably not the problem since the air conditioning is working just fine and if the crompressor wasn't turning, then the AC wouldn't work.
Check the compressor's clutch.