[JK479]

Currently about to buy that x3 35i. On the test drive I observed a rather noisy whistle which I located coming from the HVAC vents.

Is this a tell tale sign it will need an AC air compressor?

Curious if anyone had this happen yet?

[mwat]

I'm not sure about a whistle, but I've heard conflicting information on the "whine" the compressor makes. Some people say it's happened to them for years and BMW says it's normal, others say it just needs a refill and the noise will go away.

Unsure if this is what you mean or not.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by mwat

I'm not sure about a whistle, but I've heard conflicting information on the "whine" the compressor makes. Some people say it's happened to them for years and BMW says it's normal, others say it just needs a refill and the noise will go away.

Unsure if this is what you mean or not.

When I shut off the fan- noise was gone. When on heat noise gone. Ac set on 65 with high fan speed- it sounds like a squeak like there was a rattle. But I traced it to the vents. Would you pass on a car knowing it might not be able to be fixed?

[mwat]

Does the noise change with the rev’s or the engine?

Under the assumption that we are talking about the same noise, and after doing all of the research I’ve done I don’t think I would be turned off by that. Now, this is also assuming that it’s a good deal, the car is what you want, this is one of the only perceivable things that is wrong.


Mine makes noise sometimes and is dependent on the “a/c” button being ON. Does my air blow any different? No it’s working great, and I live in hot South Florida.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by JK479

When I shut off the fan- noise was gone. When on heat noise gone. Ac set on 65 with high fan speed- it sounds like a squeak like there was a rattle. But I traced it to the vents. Would you pass on a car knowing it might not be able to be fixed?

Make a note to your mechanic to check this when he does the pre-purchase inspection....there are very few things on any vehicle that cannot be diagnosed and repaired.

[pungo]

You're not going to hear compressor noise through the vents, but rather in the engine bay near the compressor. Have a professional determine the cause of the noise, could be an inexpensive or very expensive repair.
Seeing as you don't work on cars, depending on the PPI results, you may be better off spending more money and purchasing a newer vehicle with way less miles since this one could end up costing a lot in repairs and maintenance in the near future