BMW E90 N54 AC Compressor DIY

In this video I show you how to replace your AC compressor on your N54 power BMW. I'm working on my 2008 BMW 335i with 185K miles.
The original AC compressor abruptly failed . This appears to be relatively common on E90 models.
The compressor seizes up causing the front clutch assembly to break apart.
I show you how to change the descant bag in the receiver drier and flush the system.
I also show you how to vacuum and recharge the AC to factory specifications using R134A freon refrigerant. I also add a little Pag 46 oil back into the system.
I replaced this with an OEM Denso brand new compressor which you can purchase on Amazon for around $340 USD.
You can also purchase it here, if you do so it helps support the channel:
bit.ly/2QAYMte
Thanks for watching and subscribe for more content like this. When you see the word "affiliate" listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it's a win all around :) Thank you!

[@almirlimaj4354]

The same thing happened on my 2008 e92 328xi... I saw the front part of the ac compressor clutch on the bottom of the splash guard underneath the engine. Great video! Thanks.

[@alatraqji]

Man I can't thank you enough, your DIY video was so helpful and great guide that I followed to DIY my E93. I had the bearing failed on my compressor which stopped the belt so no steering no alternator and the car grounded. Couple of notes worth saying, the alternator cable that you have disconnected @7.20 need to be insulated as its a live wire and can cause a big spark if touched anything in the surrounding. Even the wrench can do so, so worth paying attention there. Another one, I was able to get my compressor by pulling it the opposite way just needed to move the steering oil tubes from the way, in your case you had the intake air filter, mine is still on stock and once the intake air filter assembly is removed you will have enough room. All in all, great job and well done you. Thank you so much

[@richcruz8924]

Golden knowledge bombs 👊🏽🙏🏽

[@Turbo2Pete]

Lucky me - mine just let go today, smoked out at a light... thanks for the video! - helps knowing how the compressor has to come out... When you started taking out the fan I was "Nah, just did the alternator and got the belt easy" - but now I know it needs to come out the front, so you made my life easier! Thanks.

[@coletonmissbach3039]

This is a super clear and inclusive DIY man, fantastic job. How do you seem to know so much about this procedure? I own an E92 335i and I've been trying to gain as much knowledge as possible about it since I purchased it, and you're obviously very knowledgable in regards to the chassis/platform as shown by your videos.

[@robhughes8516]

cole92ton Im also wondering how he knows so much about this platform as well, really hope he answers the question! I’m really impressed how he just pulls things out and off like nothing! How do you keep straight what goes where and how? I don’t see you labeling, taking pics or writing things down... I aspire to get to this level of confidence! Impressive and well done sir!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! I've been just tinkering with cars for a long time and do my research before going into any job.

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

My compressor failed almost exactly the same way. Sounded like a knock in my engine. Air was working then 💨 poof no air thrown belt. Good video. Thank you.

[@ANDRESBEASTY69]

Greatly appreciate this video bro! Got quoted $1100 to get this done at the shop. I think not!!! Plus I just finished HVAC trade school so I need myself a vacuum pump anyway.

[@mikezurawski]

Wow! Great job! Thank you.

[@pilosopo25]

Another great DIY!!!

[@drfish69]

I just started going through your videos and then my AC pulley grenaded itself. This video was an amazing resource. Hopefully, I don't have more issues related to your videos, but I guess I will be able to reference them if so!

[@VehicularDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@ryanholt1214]

We’re you able to replace just the pulley, or was the entire compressor compromised? My pulley did the same thing where the bearing exploded and the pulley cracked apart.

[@drfish69]

@@ryanholt1214 I probably could of just replaced the pulley, the compressor didn't fail and the system was still full of refrigerant. I just decided to replace the whole compressor.

[@keokiheller4351]

🏝️This guy really does a good job on all his vids🤙🏾

[@zaroaster8348]

Thank you for a very informative tutarial. i recently bought a 2014 535ix and notice that the comprassor makes annoying noise at ideal so i am thinking to replace the pully on it hopefully that would stop the noise. Thanks again for very informative tutarial 👍

[@moshe2002]

very nice, thanks

[@anythinggoesc33j4y]

... i installed inlets in my e92 and my ac wasnt getting cold afterwards, hopefully i dont need to do this. great DIY video ...

[@sr20dett1000]

This happened to my e90 328i n51. You do not need to replace the compressor. I just replaced the pulley with new bearing it cost me $107 for the part. I did it myself. Compressor did not fail only pulley bearing. AC works blows cold air. At first I thought it was too the vanos gear nut backing off(known issue) because of the knocking noise it was making.

[@AquaStevae]

How did you replace the bearing ONLY???? I'm in the same situation right now, and would prefer to replace only the bearing??? Some instrux would be helpful. Don't see anything online, and your page has no contact information for you. So I'm replying here.

[@sr20dett1000]

@@AquaStevae The part is in Amazon and eBay www.amazon.com/NEW-COMPRESSOR-CLUTCH-PULLEY-DENSO/dp/B07N47VX6T also need this tool www.harborfreight.com/bearing-separator-and-puller-set-62593.html

[@sr20dett1000]

@@AquaStevae Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH2re2l4lsl6rJo Let me know if you have more questions. You will need to removed the radiator fan. Also on AC line is in front of pulley. Need to move it slightly. It is connected to the block with a e socket don't recall the size. It is close to the crank pulley. My bearing were destroyed no longer attached to the pulley. Depending on to the condition you might need a the bearing puller I linked or the the pulley puller in the video I linked.

[@sr20dett1000]

@@AquaStevae Also our AC compressor has no clutch. It's just a bearing and pulley

[@machio97]

How did you get the pulley on/off? Does a 3 jaw puller fit inside the space or did you just pry it off somehow? How do you push the pulley back on with the compressor in the car? Thanks

[@theimplementers3359]

Brother great job and thank you for this video or how to open this car A.C. cooling chembar.

[@carlosbanegas7577]

thank you very much

[@whatchinmewatchu7031]

This is the same compressor/ clutch hub set up as my VW GLI. My "clutch" broke and VW wanted 900 for a new compressor and install. They said that the hub is only sold with the new compressor. Had to all be replaced. I purchased the hub from BMW for 55$ and fixed my car in my driveway with hand tools . The hardest part was removing the broken piece from the shaft. They will NOT spin off. I used a tungsten carbide bit on a Dremel and cut it. Spun the new hub on... Fixed

[@hano27185]

Hi can you elaborate on how you cut it, I have exactly the same issue on my vw. I can't remove the broken piece

[@whatchinmewatchu7031]

@@hano27185 Get Dremel, small high speed rotary tool. then get a tungsten carbide bit, it's a very hard metal bit like a drill bit. You have to just get it up in there, it'll cut thru the softer metal easily. Go at it from either side and cut it into 2 pieces / halves or semi circles rather , it'll pop right off

[@SanketPatil-ri2hc]

This compressor successfully work ?

[@ishmaelwhite15]

They actually sell a clutch kit for these ac compressors. I purchased 4 of them and replaced mine it has been 2 years no issues at all, and no gas leaked out.

[@jettech1]

"actual," word of the moment...

[@ikatsman]

Same on my e90 2010. Thanks for the video! Hey, BMW, how do you make a compressor where clutch separates like this?!?! I guess the same way you make gaskets that leak in 5 years... Good job, BMW!

[@LuisGomez-ih4ne]

Great DIY! I'm about to replace my AC compressor due to a failed pulley. Unfortunately, the AC compressor I bought doesn't come pre oiled. Do you have an idea on the procedure to oil the compressor? Thanks!

[@bjim2541]

Pop the cap on compressor and fill until it starts to show on the compressor line holes then your done

[@SOM3Vi3T]

What did you use to lube up those lines at 18:10 - 18:13 before installation?

[@paul17109]

I am working on my 2011 E93 335is and there is a brace directory in front of the compressor that goes from the subframe diagonally up to directly in front of the tire. That stops it from going out the front. I moved the power steering reservoir and snaked it out the back.

[@EddieKM]

I'm replacing the pulley on my a/c compressor because it sound s a bit rough when I spin it. All the other pulleys seem to be spinning fine. I'm hoping this pulley is what broke my serpentine belt and not the whole a/c compressor. A/c was working great before the serpentine snapped.

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

Mine doesn't seem to be making a lot of noise that I can tell. The AC worked last summer but now it doesn't so I'm not sure if that did damage by running it low or out of freon. I tried an AC PRO recharge which worked for a week now it's hot again(and low on freon). I haven't yet found any leaks in the engine bay so I'm really hoping it isn't the evap. On a side note this seems like a good time to replace the charge pipe & bypass valve with VRSF(or another brand).

[@ninofajardo1288]

where was the expansion valve located?

[@inverautoventas]

Great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@arcadesoldier5043]

Do you have to lift up the motor to change the compresor?

[@jeffduncan7685]

My pulley bearing went out today, still blowing cold so I know it has not blown anything into the system, luckily I was parked and at idle when it went out. But I am getting ready to pull mine out tonight and my new compressor will be in Friday morning at 8am, hate when my car is down, love driving it. I just got it out of the shop from having 2 new turbo's installed, told the guy to check out the nasty noise in the car, said it was my alternator and cost me 700.00 for a new one, 3 weeks later I was stuck in a parking lot at Orelly Auto Parts, so I just ordered a new one from them, well a rebuilt one as they wanted almost 700.00 for a new one, I only drive about 12,000 miles a year so I figure it will last me for a while. Not looking forward to this job but I can't take it back to the guy that worked on it last, his father just died so he is not working on anything and it is over an hour away to take it to another BMW mechanics so I am going to give it a shot, I replaced the valve cover gasket, figure this looks easier than that job so what the heck, I have a brand new 2 stage 12 CFM vacuum pump and a digital gauge set that has all the makes and models in the computer (bought it at a pawn shop so I figure it is hot as a $2.00 pistol as it looks almost new), so it will automatically gauge how much freon goes into the system.

[@jhurley12]

I am in the process of changing the ac compressor pulley on a 2008 535xi e60, and the new dealer pulley sticks out of plane (away from engine) of the other pulleys, causing the belt to jump a groove. I cannot get the pulley to seat any further on the compressor housing. Im stumped. Any ideas? The ribbed snap ring seats perfectly. I havent tried taking the spacer out. Maybe the new pulley is an updated dealer part?

[@cheesestick3779]

Where did you get the new desiccant bag

[@Shamus71]

So it’s good to know that if the compressor seizes that there’s a good chance that the pulley will still rotate not leaving one stranded. I’m questioning my compressor since there’s a low volume drone / rattle and I’m at 154k miles. I have the n52 motor so my compressor is not as easy to access since it’s by the water pump side of the motor..

[@teravolt6113]

Low volume drone from the vents/interior only is compressor low displacement operation, the evaporator resonates since the noise travels from the compressor to the evaporator through the suction pipe. Either low refrigerant charge, reduced heat load from running the system with low ambient temperatures or with high interior temperatures set on the controller or faulty compressor control solenoid valve. Drone from the engine bay is a worn pulley bearing...

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

What gauges and vacuum pump is being used here?

[@deivyleon409]

If I replace this compressor on the side of the road do you suppose I will be ok to run it to the nearest shop without Freon and without turning the system on ?

[@user-vq7zy5ce5b]

I don’t know if you’ll see my comment but how is denso compressor is it good ?

[@ezhiksobolevskii432]

🎯 🎯 Would you recommend any preventative maintenance for AC to make AC pump last longer? 🎯🎯

[@VehicularDIY]

Not that I can think of, perhaps if you had your system recovered and refilled with oil it might help extend the life.

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Move to Barrow Alaska? :)

[@teravolt6113]

Regularly inspect the system for leaks, fix any of them as soon as possible, one AC service ruotinely every 3 years, never turn the engine on when you know that the system is completely empty of refrigerant (oil inside the compressor doesn't circulate well enough when there's no refrigerant even though AC is off and the compressor is operating on "short-circuit" mode, that is, nothing is flowing through the system, everything is flowing only inside the compressor housing). The variable displacement Delphi CVC on my car, albeit equipped with a clutch and a mechanical control valve, is 16 years old and still working like new, although it may need a new safety valve o-ring.

[@Foreignsgarage444]

I’m confused how I get the filter out

[@matthewweisdorfer7757]

I am a little surprised you don’t have a catch can.

[@ramiromartinez1423]

Hey whats up Vehicular? I am at 155k on my e90 and the recharge didn't work. Is it time? for this diy?

[@richcruz8924]

Sending much appreciation your way…🙏🏽. Let me know how else I can support the channel

[@kirkbryan4032]

Where did you buy the compressor and what was the $

[@Galileo9.81]

Thanks Vehicular DIY. Is the flushing necessary? It seems to be a bit complicated and require those equipment that I won't use them again.

[@VehicularDIY]

If your compressor failed like mine did then it's 100% necessary. It's an absolute must if there are any metal shavings in the lines.

[@Galileo9.81]

@@VehicularDIY I see. Thanks.

[@stevelyle3080]

You can "rent" a gauge set and vacuum pump from Autozone and similar parts suppiers, no charge, just let them swipe a credit card. No need to buy equipment.

[@teravolt6113]

Flush spray cans are available, just flush each component separately, never flush condensers, compressor or muffler equipped lines, remember to remove the TXV before flushing the evaporator, and follow the flush with compressed air (pressure not too high or you risk blowing the evaporator up)

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

If the low psi line is dirty but expansion valve is clean is it safe assume the rest of the system is clean and to leave everything else intact?

[@HillBilly-1]

How does this procedure differ from the n52 motor

[@123456bmx]

Hill Billy no turbo bs to deal with and you can access it from underneath as well.its also on the bottom front of the passenger side of the car.

[@Turbo2Pete]

An Update - when I replaced mine, I found that if you remove the power steering reservior/bracket I was able to lift the compressor out the rear/side - not needing to remove the fan (ugh, which I had already removed... LOL)

[@rustymilk5949]

My serpentine belt keeps snapping on my n54, and after fixing it like 5 times it hasn’t broke off, then i decided to turn on my ac in my car and after driving my belt snapped, could it be the ac compressor causing me serpentine belt to snap and shred into pieces

[@VehicularDIY]

Check to see if your power steering pulling is chipped and is missing a chunk on the back side.

[@rustymilk5949]

Vehicular DIY the messed up part is the mechanics I’ve been to about 3 different ones have all told me they don’t see any damage or issues, and couldn’t find out why the belt keeps snapping guess ima just go to bmw service, just thought it can be my ac compressor since after turning the ac on it seemed to snapped

[@teravolt6113]

@@rustymilk5949 Highly unlikely it's a seizing compressor, because the compressor shaft is always rotating... the only thing that changes between ac off and ac on is that, while ac is off, the compressor solenoid valve closes so much that the refrigerant circulates only inside the compressor (and that's also the hardest situation for the compressor because it's not getting any cooling from cold suction gas, since there's absolutely no expansion taking place inside the evaporator). And if the discharge pressure got too high the pressure transducer would detect it and turn ac off...

[@Captfuntastic]

Can you post a link for the part

[@scottxp800]

www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/2008/BMW/335i/A_C_Compressor/60-02359_NA?xref=397360

[@Captfuntastic]

Scott Gaines thanks very much

[@oishirley]

I can literally replace an air compressor from a porche but I am not tackling this. Lol

[@bmwbmw8466]

You can't turn a wrench sissy. You have to pay a real man to fix your car.

[@KozmikEl7]

Think the bearings on mine is shot it squeaks like hell on cold start?!?! Will change this very soon

[@bulkhogan5]

Not sure if it's just the e90, but my e92 doesn't have the screw at the bottom the fan shroud. It's probably because it's a manual and has no transmission cooler. Regardless, just a heads up.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah likely due to it being manual.

[@fooflateka]

I'd be scared to try this myself tbh

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Well, I guess 185K miles is not *too* bad... The one in my 2011 335d just died and it only has 35K miles on it. POS BMW!

[@ALEX-xd7ko]

My lord . That's 50lbs of 💩 in a 5lb box

[@Akac3sh]

Lmfao all these euro companies are disgusting 532 on euro and I go on Amazon and it’s 200 for the same thing.