RE: E36 annoying AC compressor noise

["Kim and Dave Grennek" <grennek@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Bimmer folks,

	Several weeks ago (ok, so I'm slow), someone posted 
the following message regarding problems with their A/C unit.

" My 93 318is with 80k has developed a metallic "chickety - 
chickety - chickety" noise that I have tracked down to the AC 
compressor.  When a rev it up it reminds me a little of putting 
playing cards in the spokes of my bike when I was a kid.  The 
AC works great and blows cold. Turning the AC on and off 
changes the pitch of the noise a little, but it is still very
much there.  Anybody had anything similar?  I almost wish 
the damn thing would give up so I could justify replacing it - 
but it still works and has been for 3 or 4 months now! "

I had a similar experience this summer as temps rose into 
the high 90s.  My E36 328is sounded much like you 
described.  As the car was still under warranty, I had the 
dealer take a look.  They felt that it was the compressor and 
actually replaced it - quite nice of them.  Anyway, shortly 
thereafter the sounds reappeared.  This time, they replaced 
the A/C belt tensioning unit (I think that's the correct term) 
and the problem was solved.  Not sure, but I'm guessing that 
it's a fairly inexpensive part.  But, unless you live in a better 
part of the country than I do, you're probably not using the 
A/C much this time of year anyway.

Second item...just had to comment on the following exchange:

Original post: As I'm sure you all know, the car comes with 
17" Michelin MXX3 tires, but due to the high cost of 17"
tires, I bought from Tirerack 16" rims and Michelin XGTH4's 
(225/50 x 16) all around.

Reply: Jeez, it kinda makes me sick just to read this.  The
17" wheels and MXX3's are a SIGNIFICANT factor in what
makes the M3 so special.  If you want to castrate this
incredible car, I wish you didn't have the compulsion
to tell us about it.  Why not just buy a more sedate
car (may I suggest a Camry) and leave it at that.

Well, I have to stick up for the first owner's move.  Sounds 
like a damn smart thing to do.  Save quite a few bucks and 
still get most of the performance that anyone can reasonably 
use, except MAYBE on the track.  The performance of these 
cars exceeds the driving skills of probably 95% of its drivers, 
anyway.  For many of us, just owning a BMW is a financial 
stretch.  If you want an M3 (don't we all), sometimes we 
have to make compromises to make things work.  I'd do just 
the same.

						Dave
						BMW CCA #95506

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