BMW 1 Series A/C Compressor Failure: Repair Costs Guide

Hey there! Had a similar problem with my 2016 BMW 3 Series diesel. The symptoms matched yours exactly, A/C not engaging and intermittent operation. Took it to the garage last month when mine had 165,000 km. Turned out it wasn't the compressor itself. The main issue was an electrical undervoltage problem affecting the A/C control module. They found a damaged wiring harness and a failing voltage regulator. It was causing the system to shut down as a protective measure. The fix required replacing the voltage regulator and repairing the wiring harness. While not a cheap fix, it was less expensive than replacing the entire compressor unit. This wasn't a serious mechanical issue, but it did need proper diagnosis and repair to prevent further electrical system problems. Would suggest getting a proper diagnostic test before jumping to conclusions about the compressor. These electrical gremlins can mimic mechanical failures. Best of luck with the repair.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know it was the wiring and voltage regulator rather than the compressor. Mind if I ask how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since you got it fixed?

Hey again! Happy to update you! Yeah, the repair turned out great, everything's been running perfectly since I got it sorted. The A/C compressor hasn't shut off once since the fix, which is such a relief, especially with the warm weather lately. The total bill came to 240 € for fixing the undervoltage issue, including parts and labor. A lot better than what a new compressor would've cost! The mechanic did a thorough job with the wiring harness and voltage regulator replacement, and honestly, it was money well spent. Been about six weeks now, and the A/C's working like a charm, nice and cold, no cutting out, no error codes. Really glad I got it properly diagnosed rather than just assuming it was the compressor. These electrical issues can be tricky to pinpoint, but once you find the real problem, the fix isn't always as expensive as you might fear. Let me know if you need any other details about the repair!

Just wanted to give you an update on my BMW situation! Took your advice and got it properly diagnosed first. You were spot on, it wasn't the compressor after all. Turned out I had a similar electrical issue, but in my case, it was a faulty relay and some corroded wiring. The repair bill came to about 280 €, which wasn't too bad considering I was dreading a full compressor replacement. Got it fixed last week, and the A/C's been blowing ice-cold air ever since. The mechanic I found was really thorough and even showed me the damaged parts. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it saved me from potentially jumping to conclusions and spending way more than necessary. Sometimes these car issues aren't as scary as they first seem when you get the right advice! Thanks again for your help. Time to enjoy some proper climate control in my car again!